 The Academy of Computer Science and
Electronic Game Design is a combination
of Advanced Placement and computer
science courses dedicated to attracting
and retaining diverse learners who seek
to gain college and real world
experiences while completing their high
school requirements. Students and
parents will agree to devote their high
school career to pursuing rigorous
academic courses within a computer science
pathway that will result in students
graduating with options to continue to post-secondary educational
institutions and/or begin a
career within the technology industry.
Why is this different?
First, students will be selected and
once on campus they will follow a
scripted course progression. Secondly,
during the junior and senior years,
students will focus on video game design
on campus and at Columbus State
University. Finally, the Academy of
Computer Science and Game Design has formulated articulation agreements, dual
enrollment agreements, internships, and
work site training to prepare our
students for employment and/or post-secondary educational
opportunities immediately
upon graduation. Only twenty-eight
students will be selected for the
Academy annually.
What key outcomes are expected
from the Academy?
The goal
of the Academy is for all graduates to
leave William Henry Spencer High School with the
technical ability to pursue
post-secondary educational opportunities
at technical centers and/or four-year
colleges/universities. Our students will have
multiple options upon graduation because
of the rigor and relevance found in the
Academy of Computer Science and
Electronic Game Design.
What does the future look like for
careers in technology?
The future for technology is extremely
robust, especially in Georgia. The
43-mile stretch between Fort Benning and
Lagrange will see tremendous growth
because of BRAC and the Kia plant. Jobs
that demand technical expertise are
readily available. Our students will be
employable immediately upon graduation
via our courses and mentorship
opportunities. Our students will be able
to benefit from this economic explosion.
Click here for greater insight on
careers in technology in Columbus and
surrounding areas.
Advanced Placement courses are
abundant at William High Spencer High
School. In 2010-2011, Spencer
High School will offer the following
Advanced Placement courses (17):
- Computer Science - Computer Science A
- English - English Language & Composition and English Literature
& Composition
- Fine Arts - Art History, Music Theory, and Studio
Art
- Mathematics - Calculus AB
and Statistics
- Science - Biology
and Environmental Science
- Social Studies - Human Geography,
Macroeconomics, Psychology, United States History, and World History
- World Languages -
French Language and Spanish Language
Our magnet program prepares
students for post-secondary educational
opportunities
William H. Spencer High School partners
with both Columbus State University
Computer Science Department and Columbus
Technical College. Our students can also
participate in dual enrollment programs
with the aforementioned institutions. It
is our magnet’s goal to keep our
students local; however, 14 other
Georgia colleges and universities offer
video game courses and/or full
curriculums in computer science and/or
game design.
Career opportunities are varied
and strong in programming, video games,
animation and simulation. One of the fastest growing job markets
in our country is in the video game
design industry. The domestic U.S. video
game industry earns over $13 billion
annually. Currently, there are 75 video
game companies in Georgia which employ
over 2,000 Georgians. Georgia is ranked
fourth in the nation in compensatory
levels for video game developers.
According to the Game Makers Salary
Survey average beginning salaries range
from $32,000 - $50,000.
Career choices in the video game
industry vary. Here is a sampling of
career needs in the gaming industry with
a game development percentage breakdown:
Programming 30%, art and animation 27%,
game designers 15%, marketing 10%, game
testing (quality assurance) 8%, sound
designers 7%, business management 2%,
and other 1%.
This industry has multiple career
interests for everyone. Our students
will be able to benefit from these
career opportunities.
Join the most
innovative magnet in the state of
Georgia and be a part of the Mighty
Greenwave! |
