Pathway Courses
Sophomore
Exploring Computer Science
The first course in the three-year pathway • Introduction to computer science and problem-solving • Learn and use the four parts of every program • Program using the C++ language • Solve problems using control flow, arrays, iteration and several standard libraries.
Junior
AP Computer Science Principles
Explore how computing and technology is impacting us today through a project-based approach • Address real-world problems involving Big Data and Cybersecurity • Earn a 5.0 GPA bump and college credit by taking the AP test.
Senior
AP Computer Science A
Learn content equivalent to a first-semester college-level course in CS • Learn object-oriented programming using the Java language • Solve problems by developing algorithms and using data structures • Compete at HP CodeWars • Earn a 5.0 GPA bump and college credit by taking the AP test
Elective Courses
All grades
Computer Science & Robotics For Beginners
Available to students with little to no programming experience • Learn the basics of text-based coding • Work collaboratively to solve real-world problems
Senior
Machine Learning Honors
Gain an understanding of various ML models • Use regression to model continuous data • Predict discrete results using classification models • Discover unknown patters with clustering models • Additional topics include association rule learning, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing
Franklin gave me the foundation to take my skills to the next level and land a great job. It’s cool to see how the program continues to build opportunities for others.
My interest for software and cybersecurity flourished under Mr. Dagler’s tutelage at Franklin. I’m happy to be in this field and hope that Franklin inspires more computer scientists to keep going!
Graduates went to
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Meet your instructor
Clay Dagler
CS & Robotics for Beginners | Exploring Computer Science | AP Computer Science A | Machine Learning Honors
As the head of the Computer Science pathway here at Franklin High, I hope to encourage my students to pursue a career in computer science. I started out teaching Math after graduating from the University of California, Davis, but slowly moved towards robotics and computer science, where I found engaged students learning more about mathematics. I've since worked as a CTE teacher with Franklin, finding any opportunities for my students to involve themselves with technology.
Lynette Rodriguez
AP Computer Science Principles
Frequently asked questions
The banner at the top currently has a link to the 2025-2026 Google Form registration. Make sure to sign up for Exploring Computer Science by your sophomore year.
The short answer is NO. Both elective courses (Computer Science & Robotics for Beginners and Machine Learning Honors) and Exploring Computer Science assume no prior CS experience. One of my favorite parts about teaching is watching students learn computer problems for the first time. The excitement of that "light bulb" moment is a grand celebration. If you do have experience with computer science, there are plenty of opportunities to improve and expand on your prior knowledge.
The pathway emphasizes collaboration through its pathway outcomes and classroom. In all classes, students will collaborate with peers to complete labs, projects, and in-class activities.
Interested freshman and sophomores must take Exploring Computer Science to enter the pathway. Elective classes Exploring Computer Science & Robotics for Beginners and Machine Learning Honors can be taken by students not enrolled in the pathway.