Courses

Foundations of Programming

Grades 7–11
All Dates and Tuition
Modality
In Person
Identification Level
Quantitative - CTY-Level
Tuition
$6,717 - $7,801

About the Course

This course explores methods of computer programming, the algorithmic aspects of computer science and the theoretical constructs common to all high-level programming languages. You and your classmates will study the syntax and basic commands of a programming language such as Java, C, C++, or Python and, building upon this knowledge, move on to study additional concepts of programming, such as object-oriented programming or graphical user interfaces. By solving a variety of challenging problems, you will learn to work through the steps of writing a program: defining a problem and its desired solution, outlining an approach, encoding the algorithm, and debugging the code. Through a combination of individual and group work, you'll complete supplemental problems, lab exercises, and various programming projects to reinforce concepts learned in class. By the end of the course, you'll be familiar with standards of software development practiced in the professional world, and understand how to apply techniques to other high-level programming languages. Note: The specific programming language used is based on the instructor's preference.

Typical Class Size: 18-20

Learning Objectives

  • Craft algorithms to solve problems
  • Develop algorithms using recursive and modular design principles
  • Generate code to solve a problem ranging from modest to compound and sometimes intricate
  • Test and debug programs to demonstrate working or non-working codes
  • Create programs that contain strong and succinct program documentation
  • Implement and test programs using data types
  • Formulate control structures correctly into algorithms
  • Test structural design by implementing programs with functions that include parameter passing and value returning
  • Formulate and test programs using classes with strings and files
  • Construct algorithms using indexed data structures
  • Construct and test algorithm sorting by desk-checking and modifying implementations

About Advanced Enrichment courses

These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.

Requirements

CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.

Identification Details
Grade 7–11
Identification Level
Quantitative - CTY-Level
Coursework Prerequisites None

Dates and Tuition

All CTY courses require you to create an account and confirm Identification Level before enrolling can be completed.

In Person

Map icon

Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA
Residential Site icon Residential Site
Summer A 2026
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026
$7,549 Residential
$6,717 Commuter

You will be asked to join or sign in first.

Register by:

Register by: June 21, 2026

Filling up fast! 1 spots left
Time Commitment:

Time Commitment:

Important Information

This course has a lab fee of $187.

Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.

Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.

Python Programming for Young Coders: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Coding for Beginners, Kids, and Teens, by Anand Pandey

Summer B 2026
Jul 19, 2026 - Aug 7, 2026
$7,549 Residential
$6,717 Commuter

You will be asked to join or sign in first.

Register by:

Register by: July 12, 2026

Time Commitment:

Time Commitment:

Important Information

This course has a lab fee of $187.

Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.

Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.

Python Programming for Young Coders: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Coding for Beginners, Kids, and Teens, by Anand Pandey

Residential Site icon Residential Site
Summer A 2026
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026
$7,801 Residential
$6,969 Commuter

You will be asked to join or sign in first.

Register by:

Register by: June 14, 2026

Filling up fast! 4 spots left
Time Commitment:

Time Commitment:

Important Information

This course has a lab fee of $187.

Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.

Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.

Python Programming for Young Coders: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Coding for Beginners, Kids, and Teens, by Anand Pandey

Registration Fee and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.

Learn more about Financial Aid
Join Fee $55

If you are not a member of CTY yet, you are required to join before enrolling in a course.

Join CTY
In-Person registration fee $75

Non-refundable fee for in-person courses.

Online Registration Fee $15-$20

Non-refundable fee for online courses.

Robotics and Technology

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