• Computer Engineering Pathway
• Software Development and Game Design Pathway
• Cyber Security Pathway 

The goal of Central Academy’s Information Systems program is to develop skills in specific areas of computer technology. Through in-depth study, a student may be able to leave high school with several IT certifications, such as A+ Hardware/Software, Network +, SAS Certified Base Programmer, and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. These courses are best suited to students who enjoy hands-on, but are very analytical thinkers.

Although these courses are "deep" in programming and computer logic, the solid preparation that will be offered will open the door for the graduates to achieve any IT career goal. The world relies heavily on computers to maintain and process data. Why not be one of the experts in design or maintenance of these important tools of life?

Students are accepted either into the Computer Engineering (Hardware and Networking) pathway, the Software Development and Game Design pathway, or the Cyber Security pathway.

College Advantage

Use your high school career to give yourself an edge when you enter college or further technical study. Central Academy will offer all the required subjects for any four-year university or two-year associate program. Many required courses in the Information Systems Academy carry honors credit. Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities also exist within the academy curriculum. Successful completion of Honors and/or AP courses can increase a student's GPA. 

Course Information 

Information Technology – Cyber Security

Information Technology – Computer Engineering

Recommended electives: Computer Programming I HN

Information Technology – Software & Game Design

Primary Information Systems Courses 

Foundational Coursework :

Fundamentals coursework provides students in all pathways with the basic knowledge to pursue further study in Information Technology. Instruction focuses on network systems, information support and services, programming, software development, and interactive media. After this initial foundational course, students start coursework specific to their pathway.

Computer Engineering Pathway

Students will continue developing their networking and internet skills using tools and hardware common to home and small business environments. From personal computers to network systems, students will learn connective to the Internet through ISP, network addressing, network services, and wireless technologies. Study will include an overview of routing and remote access, security and email services, help desk operations, and planning network upgrades. Training is conducted using the Cisco CCNA Discovery curriculum. Students will become proficient in home and small business networking, in addition to routing and switching.

Software Development and Game Design Pathway

Students will be introduced to the concepts of programming, application development, and writing software solutions. Utilizing programming students will learn how to plan write programs to solve common data analysis problems by running and debugging programs. The emphasis is placed on reading input data, creating list and summary reports, defining new variables, executing code conditionally, and reading raw data fields. Students will progress to using complex 2D graphics, animation, editing and image analysis to better understand, illustrate, explain and present technical mathematical and/or scientific concepts. Students will apply skills through the development of XNA Game Studio computer games. At the conclusion of the pathway students will work in collaborative teams to develop a final 3D game project.

Cyber Security Pathway 

Students will be introduced to networking and computer programming during the first two years of the program. Students, in their last two years, will take courses in network security, as well as high level courses in networking. Students will be able to practice their security skills in a safe way, while learning skills that will be beneficial to 21st century technology careers. A strong emphasis on ethical computing will be present in this pathway.

Work-based Learning Opportunities

Partnerships with the business community have been developed to allow qualified students in the Information Systems Academy to participate in job shadowing, internship, and cooperative learning experiences.