"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."

Curriculum Detail

Faculty

  • Photo of Mark Eisenhardt
    Mark Eisenhardt
    Teacher - Computer Science, Engineering and Design
    Harvey Mudd College - BS
    The College of Saint Rose - MS
  • Photo of Erin Mumford
    Erin Mumford
    Associate Head of Upper School / Interim Department Chair - Computer Science, Engineering and Design
    (212) 979-5030 x5127
    Columbia University - MA
    Vassar College - BA

Select Department Below

Computer Science, Engineering and Design

The Computer Science, Engineering and Design curriculum is structured to give all students a foundation in computer programming concepts and to allow students to expand upon their learning through a variety of electives. In a required ninth grade class, students begin by exploring concepts in data types, conditional statements, loops, and arrays before turning their attention to object-oriented programming. In semester-long electives, students practice the iterative design process to develop, test, and revise their work in a variety of programming environments. Students who meet prerequisites can continue their study at the Advanced level.

Faculty in the department also provide support to students and teachers as they integrate technology into their academic work. Upper School students each have a laptop for use in class and at home, as well as access to laptops throughout the school. In using these tools, members of the community strive to be mindful of the Quaker values of simplicity and stewardship: technology is meant to support our teaching and learning, not complicate it; and we care not only for the devices that we use, but the way our use of them impacts those around us.
 

  • Programming & Computing

    Students will explore the fundamentals of computer science using the object-oriented programming language, Processing. Students will begin by incorporating their knowledge of geometry and algebra to create graphic animations on the coordinate plane using conditional statements, loops and functions. They will then move on to topics in data structures, classes, and inheritance. Students will have regular homework assignments in addition to projects, on which student will spend time both in and outside of class.

    5 periods/cycle 
    One semester course (Fall & Spring) – 2 credits                       
                                                                

  • Computer Science II

    This course is an ideal extension of the concepts and skills introduced in Programming & Computing. The course will use Processing, a Java programming language extension, to teach object oriented programming and Java through design projects. Students will create visually compelling programs to formally learn the basics of the Java language. Once the basics of class implementation have been mastered, students will use Java classes to learn data structures, inheritance, and the powerful concept of recursion by creating interactive games and code generated artwork. This course is designed to allow students to unleash their creativity through the power of code.

    5 periods/cycle
    Full year course – 4 credits
    Prerequisite(s): Programming and Computing

  • Computer Science III

    This course is designed to encourage students to learn a new language, Python, in order to understand its differences from and similarities to other languages. Python has become the most commonly used programming environment, making it an important language to learn for students interested in Computer Science. The first part of this course will be an accelerated review of how Python does all of the routines of any programming language. Students will complete coding projects using skills they already know from prior programming, thereby solidifying the importance of style and algorithms.
    The second half of the course will require students to use the Design Process to create their own project in Python. Students will build a reasonable proposal, identify critical milestones, and ultimately implement their plan. The important skill of Just in Time learning will be emphasized so that students can learn new Python skills required for their individual projects. The final in this course will be a formal presentation of their finished project to an appropriate audience. 
     
    This class could serve as a Senior Project Class.
    5 periods/cycle
    Full year course – 4 credits 
    Prerequisite(s): Computer Science II

  • Engineering

    What distinguishes engineering from science?
    How can we use the engineering design process to create solutions to problems we can name?
    How can we involve different constituencies in determining what the optimal solution to a problem is?
    This class will be based around a series of projects that students undertake. When each unit starts, we will learn skills necessary for students to have in order to work towards their designed solutions. Students will engage in real work towards solutions to real world challenges.  
     
    5 periods/cycle 
    One semester course (Spring) – 2 credits

Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
FRIENDS SEMINARY
222 East 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
P: 212-979-5030
F: 212.979.5034
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.