Cincinnati Country Day School Earns Computer Science Female Diversity Award: Recognized for Improving Female Representation in Computer Science

Cincinnati Country Day School has been recognized with the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving notable female representation in AP Computer Science A. This award acknowledges schools that have successfully increased access to AP computer science courses for female students. Currently, 22% of the school’s high school students are taking an AP computer science course, reflecting the school's commitment to STEM education.

“Our forward-thinking computer science program has been instrumental in facilitating these successes,” says Rob Baker, director of technology. “For the past 25 years, we have required all students to take computer science, ensuring early exposure to the field. Our innovative course design helps students realize that computer science and engineering are areas they can excel in, often leading them to pursue advanced AP courses beyond the initial requirement. By integrating cutting-edge technology, project-based learning, and real-world problem-solving into the curriculum, we ensure that our students are well-prepared for the future.”

In the 2023-24 academic year, 1,153 schools across the country received the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for either AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, or both. To qualify, schools must have either 50% or higher female representation in one of the AP computer science courses or a percentage of female exam takers that meets or exceeds the school's overall female population. Cincinnati Country Day School was among the 237 schools recognized for their efforts in AP Computer Science A.

“I chose to teach at Country Day because I was intrigued by the computer science graduation requirement the school has in place. This exposure provides students with an invaluable opportunity to understand a bit more about arguably the most important tool they will use in their college career,” says Mike McCue, computer science teacher. “Our commitment to continuing the rich history of computing at CCDS affects and permeates all levels of our school, and this award is a wonderful testament to our mission of breaking down barriers and providing an equitable exposure for all our students. And it is worth mentioning that APCSA [AP Computer Science A] is just one option that Country Day provides; our students also have the opportunity to embrace computing tools and design principles through our engineering track, taught by the inimitable Jamie Back. Having access to everyone’s voice in our technology courses is but one aspect of achieving our promise to allow our students to be known, nurtured, and inspired.”

AP Computer Science A students are taught to design and implement computer programs that address real-world problems. Since its introduction in 1988, AP CSA has seen a steady increase in the number of students taking the exam. In 2024:

• 98,136 students took the AP CSA exam, marking a more than 60% increase in participation since 2017.
• 25,811 female students took the exam, reflecting an 81% increase in female participation since 2017.

“This is not the first time that Country Day has received this award, and I’m proud of our students and our faculty,” says Jenn Weinheimer, head of Upper School. “All our students are fortunate to be encouraged and supported to study at the highest levels. We have never underestimated the effects of role-modeling in this success, whether through inspiring female teachers in STEM or through our junior and senior girls showing our younger students that computer science is a place where girls and women belong. We are privileged to have these role models on our campus and in our community.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and mathematical occupations was $104,200 in 2023, yet women make up only 26.9% of the workforce in these fields.

"Ensuring young women have access to computer science courses is crucial for achieving gender equity in high-paying tech jobs and fostering innovation and diversity. By providing these opportunities, we can inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders in technology,” says Jamie Back, director of makerspace and innovation design. “It takes time to build a program, but this recognition shows that we have a strong pipeline of girls who have had a great experience in computer science at CCDS and know they can be successful when taking the most challenging computer science courses!"

A Google study found that 54% of female computer science majors had taken AP Computer Science A in high school. College Board research on AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) also finds AP CSP students are nearly twice as likely to enroll in AP CSA, and that for most students, AP CSP serves as a steppingstone to other advanced AP STEM coursework.