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Computer Science Academy

Explore your love of computers, programming and coding while preparing for college

Are you a high schooler who loves to code? Does the idea of creating your own computer programs or video games sound exciting? Then this is the place for you! In the Computer Science Academy, students study advanced placement science and math alongside computer science courses to prepare them for similar study in college. Students complete advanced courses in physics, chemistry and calculus, while also learning how to code, how to build websites and about the components that go into video game production.

Students attend up to three (3) years, and graduates should be planning to pursue a college or university track to earn a degree in some discipline of computer science. College credit for Advanced Placement courses is available upon passing the appropriate AP College Board Exam(s).

Entrance Requirements

  • Candidate must be at least a sophomore before starting the Academy
  • Candidate must be at or above grade level in reading and math
  • Demonstrate a high interest and/or aptitude in math, science, and technology fields
  • Strongly recommend having taken Biology I with a grade of B or better (Biology I is required for graduation, but it is not taught at Francis Tuttle)
  • Must have taken Algebra I with a grade of B or better
  • Passed eighth-grade state test in reading and mathematics
  • Preferably have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  • Homeschooled students must meet the same entrance requirements

Employment Opportunities

This program is designed to prepare students to pursue a college degree in some discipline of computer science. After degree completion at an accredited college, a variety of computer science positions are available. Potential employers include corporations, educational institutions, small businesses, self-employment, and more.

Student Success

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Computer Science Academy Majors

About this Occupation

In addition to an interest in computer science, success in this career field requires strong math, science and critical thinking skills. A positive attitude, perseverance and willingness to adapt to new technologies and methods of performing work are also essential. In addition, computer science professionals must be able to work both independently and as a team member, and must be able to prioritize and manage projects and tasks to meet deadlines.

$110,140

The median salary for a software engineer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Learn from Experienced Instructors

Myka Collett

Academy instructor

Myka Collett teaches math in the Academies at the Danforth campus. She earned a Bachelor degree in Mathematics at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. Myka previously worked as a STEM Academy Math instructor at Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City, and as a Math teacher at Edmond Public Schools.

Stacy Golden

Academy instructor

Stacy Golden teaches math in the Academies at the Danforth campus. She earned a Bachelor of Mathematics Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Stacy previously worked as a Math Teacher at Edmond Memorial High School I Edmond, Oklahoma, and as an AP Calculus Reader at Educational Testing Services in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Andy Harbert

Computer Science Academy Instructor

Andy Harbert teaches computer programming in the Computer Science Academy at the Rockwell campus. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Texas A&M. Andy previously taught Computer Science at Oklahoma Christian University for 23 years. Prior to teaching, he worked as a software engineer and manager in the defense industry. He also worked as a software consultant in various industries while at Oklahoma Christian.

Sherilyn Herndon

Computer Science Academy instructor

Sherilyn Herndon teaches math in the Computer Sciences Academy at the Rockwell Campus. She earned a Bachelor degree in Education at Oklahoma State University. Sherilyn previously worked as a Math Teacher at Mustang High School in Mustang, Okla., and at Memphis Independent Schools, in Memphis, Texas, and Pflugerville Independent Schools in Pflugerville, Texas, and as a Content Author and Editor for American Education Corporation/K12Inc.

Jared Keester

Engineering Academy instructor

Jared Keester teaches math and science in the Academies at the Danforth campus. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Central Oklahoma. Jared previously worked as an AP Physics Teacher at Edmond Memorial High School in Edmond, Oklahoma, and as an Algebra Teacher at Heritage Hall School in Oklahoma City.

Bryan Kitzrow

Computer Science Academy instructor

Bryan Kitzrow teaches in the Computer Science Academy at the Danforh campus. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at Oklahoma State University, and is certified to teach Physics, Chemistry, Math (including middle school Calculus), Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Engineering Design and Development, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Bryan previously worked as a Calculus instructor at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City, and as a Pre-Engineering Instructor at Central Technology Center in Drumright, Oklahoma.

Shane Martin

Computer Science Academy Instructor

Shane Martin is an instructor in the Computer Science Academy at the Rockwell Campus. He joined the Francis Tuttle family from Deer Creek High School where he taught AP Physics. Prior to that he was a Math, Life Science and Physical teacher for Piedmont Public Schools. Martin obtained a Bachelors of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Technology from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

Brad Sanders

Engineering Academy instructor

Brad Sanders teaches science in the Academies at the Danforth campus. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Science Education-Chemistry at the University of Central Oklahoma. Brad previously worked as a science teacher at Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, and as an ExplorOlogy Educator at the Oklahoma Sam Noble Museum of Natural History in Norman, Oklahoma.

Heather Voss

Computer Science Academy Instructor

Heather Voss teaches science and math in the Computer Science Academy at the Rockwell campus. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, both at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a Master of Science in Nuclear Physics at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Heather previously worked as a physics and calculus instructor at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City, and as a physics and calculus instructor and mathematics facilitator at the Apollo Group (University of Phoenix).

Jeff Wooden

Computer Science Academy Instructor

Jeff Wooden teaches Computer Programming in the Computer Sciences Academy at the Rockwell campus. He earned both a Bachelor in Business Education and a Master in Educational Leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. Jeff previously worked as a Technology/Robotics Instructor at Deer Creek Public Schools in Deer Creek, Oklahoma.