United States K-12 Computer Science Standards

With the adoption of new standards across the nation, it can be difficult to ensure ongoing alignment with computer science education requirements. Computer science high school requirements are generally well established (especially around AP Computer Science), but now many states with computer science standards have adopted standards all the way from K to 12. State requirements vary greatly; some states build their own standards while some adopt or modify national standards. You can explore your state’s specific standards using the links above.

Two of the most well-known national standards bodies are the ISTE computer science standards and the CSTA K 12 computer science standards. Both sets of standards outline the skills and knowledge students need to grow and thrive in the digital world. The ISTE standards provide guidelines for learning, teaching, and leading in STEM. There are many different ISTE standards bodies (educators, administrators, leaders, and coaches), but the ISTE computer science standards for students are the most well known.

The CSTA standards are developed by the Computer Science Teachers Association, who consider student as well as teacher needs in computer science. In addition to the standards, they offer CSTA resources such as a glossary of vocabulary as well as a list of approved professional development opportunities. This is the standards body that most states adopt or adapts for state-level computer science standards.

Ellipsis Education is aligned to the local, state, or national computer science standards adopted by each school or district. Ellipsis Education also assures that the curriculum meets the needs of the school or district’s unique instructional strategy for computer science integration. As a part of this process, all courses are delivered with standards alignment maps customized to the instructional cadence and standards of your district. This documentation saves you valuable time and enables teachers to quickly identify when and where each standard is addressed within the curriculum.

Ellipsis Education provides full-year computer science curriculum for K-12. The curriculum offers grade level differentiated learning pathways, aligns with all state and national computer science standards, and is continually updated to reflect changes in computer science. Ellipsis Education courses are customized to districts’ unique instructional strategy for computer science integration. This can mean incorporating computer science into an existing class period, adding to a specials rotation, or introducing a stand alone class. Courses are delivered with instructional resources teachers need to feel confident teaching computer science.

Our computer science curriculum for K-2 empowers you to engage your students with courses that fuel their interest. Coding lessons use ScratchJr, an introductory block coding language, perfect for emergent and early readers. In grades 3-5, inspire your students with courses that spark their creativity. Coding lessons use Scratch, a block based coding language, ideal for the transitional and fluent reader.

Our computer science curriculum middle school (6-8) helps you motivate your students with courses that connect to their world. Coding lessons use line based languages JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Java to explore programming options.

Our computer science high school curriculum (9-12) helps you empower your students with courses that expand their skills. Coding lessons use JavaScript, Java, Python, and Godot to develop websites, programs, and games.

Explore our full course offering on our courses page; you can find it underneath “Related Links”. Find the curriculum that will support every teacher as they inspire every student.

As technology continues to advance, the need for computer science in school curriculum is clear. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029. Given this, shouldn’t we grow these skills within our students starting at a young age?

Throughout the United States, computer science programs are serving students beginning in kindergarten and continuing to high school. Computer science is a undoubtedly a complicated study, but teaching computer science in elementary school is more accessible than you may initially think. The earlier students discover computer science, the more skills they will be able to apply in the future. Students can learn programming skills using block-based coding languages built for early and fluent readers. The basic building blocks of coding such as loops, functions, and conditionals can then be applied to more complex languages in middle and high school. As students progress to more advanced projects, such as developing websites, programs, and games, they are motivated to connect with their world and empowered to expand their skills. The advantages of computer science, however, extend beyond just coding. Students practice the communication, collaboration, computational thinking, and creative skills they will need to be successful in any career. Regardless of the path students decide to pursue, a strong foundation in computer science will serve them well for years to come.