With the influx of social media sites and rise of burgeoning tech startups, more and more people are flocking to technology-based careers and pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degrees.

In order to adequately prepare us to be productive members of society, equipped with the skills to help us succeed in the “real world,” Ridge offers a variety of course selections in the core subjects as well as a buffet of appetizing electives ranging from Forensic Science to Ceramics.

In the Practical Arts section, classes range from the classic Robotics to the newly-named Engineering Design I. Meanwhile in mathematics and science, course offerings include AP Statistics and AP Physics C.

But as the popularity of STEM, technology in particular, across the country surges, students are beginning to notice the absence of one certain course: where is the computer science course?

The administration has heard the students’ demands for a computer science course and is adding AP Computer Science A as an option for students to take in the upcoming 2015-2016 school year. While I was ecstatic to find out I would have the opportunity to take the class, I could not help but feel a bit miffed. The addition of this course would change scheduling plans of numerous students, including myself. Why was this decision coming so late in our high school careers?

Unfortunately current seniors do not have the chance to take AP Computer Science at all. Voicing the frustrated sentiments of the students, Alison Shim ‘15 laments, “Given that computer science is becoming such an important field in the business world, I feel that Ridge should have introduced [AP Computer Science] much earlier: like many other seniors, I wish I had been presented this opportunity-expanding class choice when I was a junior.”

Shim brings up a common misconception among students: Ridge had actually integrated computer science into its curriculum several years ago. In fact, there had been two levels of computer science classes. Due to the lack of interest and waning popularity, Ridge removed the course. So why is Ridge bringing back Computer Science now?

“In recent years, there have been many current students who have requested such a course,” Mrs. Wolff, Supervisor of the Mathematics Department at Ridge, elucidates. “There have also been recent graduates who have indicated that it would have been helpful to have a computer science course prior to beginning their coursework in a college or university. In the curriculum department, we are always looking to be responsive to the needs of the school community.  Computer science is a rapidly growing and changing field, and we want to provide all students who may be interested in pursuing this field in the future an opportunity to have a solid foundation.”

As Mrs. Wolff mentioned, the skills and knowledge students would glean from the AP Computer Science course would help provide them with an introduction to computer-related programs in college and set them on a path to success in multifarious careers. Many of the largest corporations from Facebook to Morgan Stanley desire people with computer science backgrounds because they need computer specialists, software developers, etc. to help them conduct their businesses.

With the constantly shifting interests of students and skills demanded in the real-world, it can be extremely difficult for curriculum designers to determine which classes to keep and which to eliminate. Keeping this in mind, it is inevitable that Ridge may seem to fall behind with current career trends. Admittedly, numerous students will miss out and certainly feel disappointed that the option was not open earlier. However, the administration is doing its best to provide us with classes that will effectively endow us with the knowledge and skills we will utilize in our futures.

For those who still have the chance to take AP Computer Science, do not pass up this great educational opportunity!