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Foundations of Computer Science

Credits Course Length in Weeks Requirements

1.0

Summer – 6
Fall – 14
Spring – 14

  • Completion of Grade 8
  • Must be able to attend all webinars
  • Basic computer skills (see FAQs page)

Foundations of Computer Science is available in webinar format. Webinar format consits of multiple mandatory one-hour online webinars. Specific web conference dates and times are listed on the registration form. Students are expected to attend the entirety of all webinars.

Note: Students may take the full A/B course, only semester A, or only semester B.

MCPS Course Description for Foundations of Computer Science (Course Code ITC2083A/ITC2083B)

Registering for the MCPS online course Foundations of Computer Science (FoCS) is a multi-step process. The Student Online Learning office provides information about the registration process below. For further information or clarification of a particular step, please contact the Student Online Learning office at eLearning@mcpsmd.org.

Semester Registration Status Details
Spring Not Open Yet Course schedules and important dates are on the Spring tab of this page.

 

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Complete Google Form
    1. Complete the Google Form for online FoCS:

      The application form for Spring 2024 FoCS will be posted here when registration begins on January 2, 2025.


      *Applications may take up to one week to process.
     
  2. Next Steps
    1. Application Received Email
      • Within one day of submission of Google Form, you will receive an Application Received email containing the courses you requested.
       
    2. Enrollment Confirmation Email (or Waitlist notification)
      • Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
      • Once your application is processed, approved, and space is available, you will be sent an Enrollment Confirmation email.
      • If there is no space available, you will be placed on a waitlist. If, after being placed on the waitlist, space becomes available before the class begins, you will automatically be enrolled in the course and will be sent a Confirmation of Enrollment email.
       
    3. Wait for Course to Start
      • Approximately one week before the course begins, the teacher for your online course will contact you via email with important information and instructions for accessing the online classroom.
       
     
  3. Please remember to:
    • Contact the Student Online Learning office at eLearning@mcpsmd.org if you need to withdraw from a course.
    • Only apply to courses for which can attend all required meetings.
    • Check your email on a regular basis for important updates from your teacher and/or Student Online Learning office.
     
 
See the High School Summer Programs page for more information on summer programming.

2023 Fall Schedule

Fall Option Course Session Dates Status Dates of Webinars Time of Webinars
1 FoCS A 10/9 – 11/13 - 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 6:45PM - 8:15PM
1 FoCS B 11/20 – 1/15 - 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15 6:45PM - 8:15PM

2025 Spring Schedule

Spring Option Course Session Dates Status Dates of Webinars Time of Webinars
1 FoCS A 2/19 – 3/26 - 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 6:45PM - 8:15PM
1 FoCS B 4/2 – 5/14 - 4/2, 4/9, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14 6:45PM - 8:15PM

Class will not take place during spring break.

Enrollment and Registration

Students are eligible to take Foundations of Computer Science after completing Grade 8. Students currently in Grade 8 are eligible to register for the summer course when registration opens for summer courses.

Detailed information about enrollment is available on the Registration tab on this page.

General Course Info

Online courses use the same curriculum and learning outcomes as the courses taught in traditional school. They are designed to take advantage of the online format. Students who are most successful with online courses have good time management skills and are self-motivated.

The same grading and credit policies apply to online courses as to traditional courses offered in classrooms.

All classes are taught by highly qualified teachers who have been trained to teach in an online environment. MCPS online learning courses are taught by MCPS teachers.

The amount of time spent on each course will vary by student.

Students are required to attend all mandatory web conferences. All course work may be done at any time during the day.

Students may complete the online portion of the course wherever they can obtain a secure and reliable internet connection.

There are opportunities for a student to work ahead. If you want to complete work in advance of the class schedule, communicate with your teacher to develop a plan.

Instructors will have office hours when they can be reached online or by phone.

No, your online course grade will not appear on a report card. Check your transcript a few weeks after the class ends to verify that your grade has been placed on your transcript. If the grade is not recorded, immediately contact the Student Online Learning office.

General Hardware and Software Requirements

Students need computer skills such as navigating websites, uploading and downloading files, using word processing software, using Google Drive and Google G Suite applications, formatting text and page layouts, using presentation software, using spreadsheet software, saving and updating files, locating files on a computer, and downloading and installing software.

Hardware: Any Windows computer running Microsoft-supported operating systems or Apple computer running MAC OS 10 (or higher) can access our online course content. Students need a reliable internet connection.

Software: The latest version of Google Chrome (preferred browser) or Mozilla Firefox will be needed to access course content. Students need access to a G Suite account or a word processing program that can open and save Microsoft Word format or Rich Text Format (RTF) files in order to open and complete assignments. The capability to work with PDF files (saving as, opening, etc.) may be necessary. Files submitted in Mac OS Pages (Apple) format will not be accepted.