Academics
Strategic Academic Plan (PK-12)

Computer Science

Computational Thinking, Ethics, Analysis, Collaboration, Design and Creativity, and Entrepreneurship are among the overarching competencies gained through Computer Science instruction. This set of competencies are critical to the interrelated skills and knowledge necessary for solving complex problems and fully participating in a computational world.

Computer Science at Casady School

Computational thinking undergirds a variety of career-based thinking systems such as engineering, systems, and design.  This Computer Science-oriented competency as well as the unique skills within the discipline of Computer Science are increasingly essential for students' readiness for college, careers, and civic and social engagement. Across the divisions, Casady School is expanding the implementation of a robust and vertically aligned Computer Science program to ensure our mission of preparing students with the "skills and knowledge that serve as the foundation for success."

“We want students to be able to use a variety of technologies in a variety of disciplines.” -Assistant VP of Enrollment Management, University of San Diego

Initiatives by Division

The Casady Table

Casady Liberal Arts Education
All students, regardless of their length of time at Casady, partake from a “table of learning” that includes these disciplines: Math, Foreign Language, Religion, Athletics, Fine Arts, Social Studies, English, and Science, and now Computer Science.

Adding Computer Science to the Casady Table Affirms:

  • Computer Science basic skills and knowledge (literacy) are needed for college and for life.
  • Unique skills and knowledge will be learned within Computer Science such as machine learning, web development, and coding.
  • Overarching Computer Science competencies including computational thinking, problem-solving, logic, and design, are gained through meaningful practice and engagement with course instruction.
  • Areas of overlap exist between Computer Science and other Disciplines such as data analysis [Math], graphic design [Art], and language encoding and decoding [Foreign Language].
  • Computer Science integrates with other Disciplines, helping students understand phenomena, solve problems, and create products.
Room is Made at the Casady Table in a Way that:
  • Reflects its similar value alongside our other academic Disciplines.
  • Incorporates thoughtfully sequenced instruction across Divisions.
  • Reflects a college preparatory level.
    Aligns with our Strategic Academic Pillars.
  • Leads students to embody the Portrait of a Graduate.
  • “Develops excellence, confidence, and integrity in students and prepares them with the skills and knowledge that serve as the foundation for success.”




Increase CORE Requirements 

By requiring all students to take certain core courses, it ensures all students engage in foundational learning in Computer Science.

Increase ELECTIVE Opportunities
By offering additional courses that students may choose to take as electives, it increases opportunities for students who might choose it to go wider and deeper into Computer Science.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 7 items.

  • What do we know about the place of Computer Science in the world around us?

    • Computer science related jobs are“projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average for all occupations.” (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
    • Even in non-computer science related jobs, employers are increasingly seeking “digitally talented” individuals to fill what’s known as digital skills gaps.  (2017 LinkedIn and CapGemini report)
    • Computational expertise and technological literacy undergird and enhance an increasingly wide range of careers, hobbies, and opportunities for civic/social engagement as well as critical reflection.
  • Why will there be a graduation requirement for Computer Science?

    By designating Computer Science as one of the required graduation credits (0.5 credit = one semester), we can ensure all students have foundational knowledge of Computer Science. Additionally, by making Computer Science its own department and adding a new faculty member, we can continue to increase the variety and scope of Computer Science courses available for students who might wish to go deeper into the discipline.  This designated Computer Science .5 credit will first apply to the Class of 2027. 
  • How will Computer Science benefit my child in applying to college?

    Conversations with Casady's 2022 College Deans’ Fly-In group provide some insight:
    • Computer Science majors as well as cross and interdisciplinary fields of study connected to Computer Science are growing, even in liberal arts colleges.
    • Colleges like to see early exposure to Computer Science skills and knowledge, even for non-majors.
    • Colleges want people to understand that “it’s not about being a computer person.” Students will need, and professors will expect, these computer-based problem-solving and design skills no matter the major.
  • How will Computer Science fit into Middle Division?

    Students will continue to take one trimester elective each of Computer Science in 5th and 6th grades. Students will also still have the opportunity to take additional trimester Computer Science electives in 7th and 8th grades (Makerspace, Robotics) as their schedules permit.

    What is new is that all students take Introduction to Computer Science as a full year 7th grade core course. Completion of the 7th grade course paves the way for more students to begin Computer Science courses at higher levels when they enter Upper Division.
  • How will Foreign Language including Latin be designed in Middle Division?

    As they currently do, all students continue the “carousel preview” of modern language courses (Spanish/French) in 5th grade and then choose one of those two languages to continue throughout MD.

    In addition to their modern language, all students continue to take Latin as a core MD Language requirement. Students will now only take one year of Latin (8th grade) instead of two. We are exploring the creation of regular and advanced options for 8th grade Latin. Students choosing to continue Latin as their Upper Division Foreign Language can continue into advanced Latin options, including AP Latin and other higher level Latin courses.
  • What will happen to Bible in Lower Division?

    Lower Division Bible will continue to have the same amount of instructional time as it currently occupies in the schedule.  However, it will now be taught by Rev. Baer and have its own rotating class period.  As such, it will more closely align with Lower Division Chapel to promote durable, engaging, and extended learning opportunities.  This also allows Rev. Baer more opportunity to interact with and connect with LD students as she travels to each homeroom for class.
  • How will Computer Science be incorporated into Lower Division?

    The Computer Science Department is being formally integrated into Lower Division with instructional time to match other Specials. Computer Science becomes its own, full class period (50 mins once a cycle) like other Specials classes in first through fourth grades.

    Curricular skills and knowledge will be backwards designed by Computer Science Department Chair Rob Huber and the Lower Division Computer Science teacher Heather Vick. The name of the class will change to Computer Science and will remain in the Launchpad space.
Casady School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory, Episcopal day school serving students in pre-k-12. Educating Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.