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Java Programming: AP Computer Science A

Grades 9–12 · Advanced

AP Computer Science A is a college-level course in Java, and one of the most popular AP exams for high school students. Our AP CSA Java Lab prepares students for the exam with a complete course built on the 2025 AP Computer Science A framework, taught the Progressive Kids way: hands-on, step by step, with a real program to build in every class.

What you’ll learn

  • Objects and Methods: Use classes, objects, String and Math methods, and learn exactly how Java evaluates expressions, casts values and calls methods.
  • Selection and Iteration: Write if statements, boolean logic, while and for loops, nested loops and the standard algorithms behind them.
  • Class Design: Design your own classes with private data, constructors, methods, static variables and the this keyword, the skills behind the AP class design question.
  • Data Collections: Work with arrays, ArrayLists and 2D arrays, read data from text files, and learn searching, sorting and recursion.
  • Build Real Projects: Put it all together in projects like a Tic Tac Toe game and an ATM bank account.
  • Think Like an Engineer: Discuss data ethics, privacy and how to check AI-generated code, topics that are new to the 2025 AP framework.

How the course works

Every lesson comes with a step-by-step worksheet, classroom slides and practice questions written in the style of the AP exam. Students practice tracing code on paper (the way the exam asks) as well as writing programs on the computer. The course includes three full-length practice exams with multiple-choice and free-response questions, scored with AP-style guidelines, so students know where they stand before exam day.

Before this course

Students should have completed Java Programming: Basics, or have similar experience with variables, loops and methods in Java or another language (for example, our Python sequence).

Who it’s for

  • High school students taking AP Computer Science A at school who want extra practice and support.
  • Students preparing to take the AP exam on their own.
  • Java students who want a full, rigorous next step after our Java series.

Students who complete this course will have covered all four units of the AP Computer Science A course and practiced every type of exam question.