How a Silicon Valley school built one of California’s most advanced high school CS tracks
Quick Answer for Busy Parents
Stratford Preparatory describes its Computer Science program as one of the most distinguished in California, built on at least 8 advanced, college-level courses that go beyond standard AP offerings. Students start with foundational courses like AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, then move into Stratford Advanced Studies (SAS) courses such as Cybersecurity, Data Structures & Algorithms, Full Stack Development, Game Development with Unreal, and App Development with Java/Android Studio, reflecting the school’s Silicon Valley location and its stated goal of exceeding AP-level rigor.
From AP Foundations to College-Level Depth
Stratford Prep’s CS sequence doesn’t jump straight to advanced material. Students typically build a foundation with AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, the same courses many strong high school programs offer, before moving into the school’s own Stratford Advanced Studies (SAS) courses. SAS exists specifically because Stratford’s faculty believe AP, while valuable, can limit the scope and rigor some students are ready for, so SAS courses are designed by Stratford’s own teachers to go further in select disciplines.
Why Build Beyond AP at All?
Designing courses in-house, rather than relying solely on the College Board’s AP curriculum, gives Stratford’s CS teachers room to add depth in fast-moving fields like cybersecurity and game development that a standardized national curriculum can’t always keep pace with.
| Course Level | Examples |
| AP Foundation | AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A |
| SAS / Advanced | Cybersecurity, Data Structures & Algorithms, Full Stack Development |
| SAS / Applied | Game Development with Unreal, App Development with Java/Android Studio |
What Advanced Computer Science Actually Covers
Once students move into SAS-level computer science, the course list reads more like a college catalog than a typical high school elective sheet: Cybersecurity, Data Structures & Algorithms, Full Stack Development, Game Development with Unreal, App Development with Java/Android Studio, and Biomedical Engineering, among others. The range matters; students interested in security, in building playable games, or in mobile app development all have a specific, named course to pursue rather than a single generic “Advanced CS” catch-all.
Where CS Fits Into the Broader Curriculum
Computer science at Stratford Prep isn’t isolated from the rest of the academic program. Students can also pursue Robotics as an elective, and clubs including FIRST Robotics and a dedicated Cybersecurity club give students competitive, hands-on outlets beyond the classroom. The school’s overall academic identity, more than 25 AP courses, 15 honors courses, and 8-plus SAS courses, treats computer science as one strong pillar among several, not the school’s only focus.
A Program Still Establishing Its Track Record
Because Stratford Prep only graduated its first class in 2026, families should ask directly about specific outcomes tied to the CS program, such as college placements or competition results, since a multi-year track record is still being built.
Wondering If Stratford’s CS Program Fits Your Child?
Cardinal Education helps families understand how a school’s technical programs line up with a student’s interests and long-term goals.
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Expert Guidance on Stratford Prep’s Computer Science Track
Stratford Prep’s computer science sequence offers a deep, college-level progression, but navigating its SAS course offerings requires planning. Cardinal Education helps families assess how this technical rigor aligns with a student’s specific academic goals and verifies which specialized courses are active for the upcoming enrollment cycle. Partner with an expert to ensure your student’s high school track is both ambitious and achievable.
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