Anyone can learn to code.
Welcome to the SBHS Computer Science Academy
Who We Are
Discover a world of creativity, problem solving, and collaboration with the Computer Science Academy! Our students learn to develop games, animations, websites, iPhone apps, and more, and frequently use what they learn to give back to the community. While other local campuses offer some classes related to computer science, none of the programs offer the comprehensive coverage of the subject that we do in the CS Academy at SBHS.
The CS Academy does not require an application to join; any SBHS student can enroll in a CS class and thereby join the academy. The academy’s mission is to expose as many SBHS students as possible to computer science and to demonstrate its relevance to their academic and career interests.
Students in the CS Academy enjoy benefits beyond what they learn in the classroom. These benefits include things such as: completion of an official Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway and other certificates which are impressive on college applications, participation in extended field trips to Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach, visits to tech companies and colleges, guest speakers from industry, as well as career development and mentoring opportunities. Keep exploring our website to learn about all of our great programs.
Did you know?
Did you know that 58% of all new jobs in STEM are in computing? Students who are exposed to computer science in high school are up to 8 times more likely to major in computer science in college. But even students who don’t plan to study computer science in college have much to gain from our unique program.
And if that isn’t enough, here are some MORE reasons why you should be part of the CS Academy
Find your people – meet other students who share your love of technology!
Imagine the future – learn about a variety of careers in computer science through monthly speaker lunches, job shadows and internships.
Think outside the box – Learn about programming and technology through creative curriculum and exciting extracurricular activities.
Be flexible – the open academy format lets you tailor the program to meet your needs
Learn a new language – technology touches every part of our lives. Computer programming is the language that drives innovation!
What are students and parents saying about the CS Academy?
“The field trips were what captured my heart during my time in the Computer Science Academy. They allowed me to immerse myself in tech companies and universities and provided clarity for my future endeavors.
The CSA has been the most heavy influence in my decision to pursue computer science at the undergraduate level. I really loved working with others in the classroom and coding a bunch of fun and personalized projects to share with others.”
“After taking a CS class I have learned how fun and how many endless careers and interests I could find in CS. It definitely has helped me choose what to study in college.”
“The CSA definitively shaped my academic and career choices through the trip to Silicon Valley and the professionals brought in throughout the year to speak with us regarding their lives. Both of these experiences exposed me to daily life in the world-shaping field that is computer science — convincing me that tech was where I belonged — giving me milestones to strive towards and the motivation I needed to pursue a future in cyber security.”
“The SBHS CSA has greatly impacted my life thus far. With the help of CSA connections, I was hired as a developer intern at the local company, Novacoast, during the spring of my senior year. I have since worked there full time in the summer and part-time (remotely) while at school. The CSA also gave me the opportunity to be in a mentorship role where I gained the experience to be recently hired by the Bowdoin CS Department as a Teaching Assistant. I love working with software and computers, and I’m excited to finish my degree and continue to work out in the field!”
“The Computer Science Academy was like a second home to me at Santa Barbara High School. I developed skills in coding and also in public speaking and teaching. The teachers, guest speakers, etc. helped us work together to become amazing scholars and open the door to endless possibilities. The CSA influenced me to go into a computer-related career where I will
get the opportunity to work on the world’s most powerful military submarines in combat systems, communications, navigation or underwater acoustic technologies! Thank you, Mr. Muhl and Mr. Johnston, for letting me be a part of this amazing program!”
“The Computer Science Academy has provided me with great opportunities to learn more about computer science and the many different careers out there. One of my favorite things I’ve done so far has been getting to do a job shadow at Procore.”
“The CS Academy was instrumental in sparking our daughter’s passion for computer science and gave her the foundation to succeed. She is now studying CS at UC Berkeley and loving it. Thank you, CS Academy teachers and staff!”
“What started out as a casual interest in computers has since blossomed into Trip’s major focus in college and helped land him a job as a computer coder at a tech company.”
“My experiences in the CS Academy have influenced me to pursue computer science in college.”
“I developed a passion for computer science, and I figured that combining it with healthcare, one of my other passions, would be the best choice for me.”