James C. Enoch’s CS Secret: Providing Students No Cost College Credits

James C. Enoch’s CS Secret: Providing Students No Cost College Credits

James C. Enochs High School in Modesto, California

When you walk on campus at James C. Enochs High School, it doesn’t look like the computer science powerhouse campuses of MIT, Stanford, or Harvard, but looks can be deceiving.

James C. Enochs High School is one of seven comprehensive high schools in the Modesto City Schools District. Enochs High School opened in the Fall of 2006 with 1,228 ninth and tenth grade students. Since then, Enochs has grown to become a large high school with over 2,400 students!

Computer Science teacher Brad Cornwell says, “My dream is that we become the largest computer science program in the state.” They are well on their way, as currently 25% of the schools 2,400 students take at least one computer science class. Principal Amanda Moore’s thinking is along the same lines, “Our goal for our Computer Science Pathway is to provide [a program] that allows for computer science engagement for all students at Enochs High School.”

Where They Began

Becoming the largest computer science program in the state doesn’t happen overnight. With the support of district administrators, outstanding teachers, strong curriculum, and a secret incentive, Enochs High School has grown their CS program from one AP CSP course in 2016 to 11 CS courses offered across 15 class periods!

Amanda Moore, a big driver for the CS program shares how, “The CodeHS curriculum has been the backbone of most of our CS courses. At the student level, the curriculum meets the students at their skill level and allows them to practice and build their skill sets. CodeHS has also assisted our teachers, especially when teaching a new or unfamiliar course.”

Computer science teachers at the district can attest to the support CodeHS provides in the classroom. Fellow Enoch’s Computer Science teacher Andrew Johnson says “CodeHS is a terrific online curriculum with immeasurable possibilities and an excellent support system to help teachers provide the best computer science education to their students, preparing them for a future where understanding and utilizing technology is an essential skill.” From the integrated development environment to the collaborative sandbox and a wide variety of lesson plans, these resources and the support of the CodeHS Team are essential to train students for careers in all areas of technology, especially computer science.

“I want students to find a passion and love for learning technology, and to follow that passion to find a career they love. This is my 16th year teaching in the district, and I still love what I do.” - Brad Cornwell, CS Teacher

The Secret Incentive: No Cost College Credits

One of the ways Enochs is exciting students and attracting talent is through articulation agreements with local higher education institutions. Articulated courses at Enochs are courses that are recognized by California community colleges and 4-year universities (ex. California State University and the University of California) to provide students the opportunity to earn dual credit towards high school and college graduation. If students pass the high school course, the credit will also be awarded to their junior college transcript as if they took the course there. Simply put, Enoch’s is providing no cost college credits for students completing a computer science course.

Brad says the benefits are clear, “Each 3-unit course a student takes in college will require approximately 130 hours to complete and have an associated cost per unit; along with a cost for the course’s book(s). Taking and passing an articulated course saves students both time and money.” Students can then begin their junior college career with a head start; or request their junior college transcript upon graduation and have it sent to the college of their choice for a head start there!” Students can graduate High School with over 18 computer science college credits.

And that’s not all. Beyond building student excitement through free college credit, James C. Enochs runs a variety of student extracurricular activities with a focus on computer science. From student-run coding and cybersecurity clubs to 24-hour hackathons and computer science exploratory assemblies, there are many ways for the students (and parents) of Modesto City School District to learn about the various CS opportunities and careers out there.

What’s on the Horizon for James C. Enochs

James C. Enoch’s current growth plan includes: expanding our curriculum and CodeHS course offerings; finding additional ways to integrate CS standards in other content areas; forming additional alliances with local businesses; offering more industry standard software training to help prepare students for careers right out of high school; and offering additional routes for all students to gain industry recognized certifications, certificates, and degrees.

Brad sees a connection between the courses being offered at Enochs High and attracting tech companies further into the California Valley, saying “I see us next building strong industry partnerships as we continue to build a highly-skilled workforce, so we can attract more tech companies to the central valley.” James C. Enochs is leading the way in computer science education with engaging curriculum, industry partners, and articulated courses.