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AP Computer Science Principles is a college-level introduction to computing. It is organized around five Big Ideas: Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computer Systems and Networks, and Impact of Computing. The AP score combines a 70-question multiple-choice exam (70 percent) and the Create performance task (30 percent), a program students build during the course and then answer written questions about on exam day.
Growing Stars provides personalized, one-on-one online AP Computer Science Principles tutoring that builds programming skills, prepares students for the multiple-choice exam, and supports them through the Create task within College Board guidelines.
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AP Computer Science Principles is a broad, language-agnostic introduction to computer science, organized around five Big Ideas: creative development, data, algorithms and programming, computer systems and networks, and the impact of computing. Unlike AP Computer Science A, this course isn’t tied to a single programming language, and a large part of the final grade comes from a student-built program completed and submitted during the course, not just an end-of-course exam. That combination of conceptual breadth and independent project work is different from most other AP courses, and it rewards planning ahead rather than last-minute review. Our tutors at Growing Stars build both the conceptual understanding and the project-planning skills clearly, step by step, using the student’s own course material.
Our expert tutors focus on core computing concepts, code tracing, and clear written explanation, helping students build the skills they need for the AP exam and Create Performance Task, and for college-level computer science beyond it.
AP course content and exam formats may be updated from time to time. Refer to the College Board website for the most up-to-date information.
Instead of numbered content units, the College Board organizes AP CSP around five Big Ideas. Teachers group the topics into their own units, so the order varies by school. Weightings apply to the multiple-choice exam.
| Big Idea | Exam Weighting | What Students Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Big Idea 1: Creative Development | 10% to 13% | Collaboration, program design, and finding and fixing errors |
| Big Idea 2: Data | 17% to 22% | Binary numbers, data compression, and extracting information from data |
| Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming | 30% to 35% | Variables, conditionals, iteration, lists, procedures, and algorithm efficiency |
| Big Idea 4: Computer Systems and Networks | 11% to 15% | How the internet works, fault tolerance, and parallel and distributed computing |
| Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing | 21% to 26% | Benefits and harms of computing, the digital divide, bias, and safe computing |
Big Idea 3 carries the most weight and is also the foundation of the Create performance task. For the 2027 exam, students must submit their Create task components as final in the AP Digital Portfolio by April 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The exam uses its own pseudocode reference. What is displayed after this code runs?
total ← 0
nums ← [3, 8, 5, 10]
FOR EACH n IN nums
{
IF (n > 4)
{
total ← total + n
}
}
DISPLAY(total)3 is not greater than 4. 8, 5, and 10 are.
total = 8 + 5 + 10 = 23.
The program displays 23.
A common mistake is treating “greater than” as “greater than or equal to,” or forgetting that AP CSP lists start at index 1. Tutors help students get comfortable with the exam’s reference sheet so tracing questions become quick points.
Students ready for a full programming course can continue with AP Computer Science A.
Whether your student is new to programming, preparing the Create performance task, or reviewing for the multiple-choice exam, one-on-one tutoring builds the skills and confidence they need.
Tutoring sessions follow and align with the school’s instructional pace and learning materials, ensuring that tutoring supports and reinforces classroom learning.
At Growing Stars, we know that every student engages with computing concepts and independent projects differently. Our expert tutors personalize each session to the student’s course pace, learning goals, and areas of difficulty, rather than following a fixed script.
Sessions follow the student’s course notes and upcoming assessments, supported by our library of practice questions, code-tracing exercises, and Create Performance Task planning guidance. Because sessions are one-on-one, tutors can spend as much time as needed on the concept causing trouble, whether that’s tracing pseudocode, understanding how the internet routes data, or planning a Create Performance Task project.
Sessions take place online, so students can join from home, a study space, or anywhere with an internet connection.
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Find quick answers to common questions about our AP Computer Science Principles tutoring, session format, and student support.
Sessions are conducted live on our interactive platform, using audio/video, a digital whiteboard, screen sharing, chat, homework tools, progress monitoring, and a parent portal. These features support interactive learning, personalized instruction, communication, and convenient progress tracking.
Yes. Sessions are aligned with your child's AP course, school curriculum, textbooks, class notes, assignments, and other learning materials. Tutors adapt instruction to the resources your child uses while also supporting preparation for upcoming assessments and AP exams.
Yes. We pair each student with a dedicated tutor for consistency, allowing sessions to build on previous learning and provide continuous support throughout the course.
Progress is monitored through homework, practice, quizzes, assessments, mock exams, and ongoing tutor feedback. Parents can receive progress updates and reports through the Parent Portal, email, and GS App, helping them stay informed about their child's learning, strengths, areas for improvement, and overall progress.
Not necessarily. Tutoring is aligned with your child's course materials, textbooks, class notes, assignments, and other learning resources, with additional practice questions and study materials provided as needed.
Yes. Sessions can be tailored to specific topics and skills where your child needs additional support, while also addressing broader course content as needed. Tutors can adjust the pace, level of practice, and instructional support based on the student's learning needs.
Yes. Live online AP tutoring provides real-time interaction, an interactive digital whiteboard, audio/video, screen sharing, collaborative learning, and immediate feedback. Tutors can explain concepts, work through questions and tasks, and provide personalized instruction throughout each session.
AP Exams are scored on a 1–5 scale. A score of 5 indicates "extremely well qualified," while a score of 3 indicates "qualified."
No. Incorrect or unanswered questions do not result in a penalty.
A qualifying AP Computer Science Principles score may earn college credit, placement, or both, depending on the college. Credit policies vary by institution.
No prior computer science experience is required. Students should be comfortable with basic mathematical and analytical problem-solving.
The five Big Ideas are Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computer Systems and Networks, and Impact of Computing. Algorithms and Programming carries the most weight at 30 to 35 percent of the multiple-choice exam.
For the 2027 exam, students must submit their Create performance task components as final in the AP Digital Portfolio by April 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET. They then answer written-response questions about their program on exam day.
Tutors can teach the programming concepts, review the College Board's requirements and scoring guidelines, and help students plan and practice. The program and written responses must be the student's own work, so tutoring follows College Board rules on collaboration and academic honesty.