ACSL Senior | American Computer Science League
Class
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Join the Masterpiece Academy ACSL Senior Division Team (Grades 9–12)
Get ready to compete, code, and excel!
Is your student passionate about computer science and ready to take their programming skills to the next level? The Masterpiece Academy Team for the American Computer Science League (ACSL) – Senior Division offers motivated high school students a chance to sharpen their coding abilities, collaborate with peers, and compete in one of the most prestigious computer science competitions in the U.S.
This programming class is designed for busy students who want flexibility with year-round individualized support. Participants receive weekly face-to-face office hours with experienced ACSL coaches for personalized guidance, problem-solving help, and advanced concept discussions.
Office Hours: (2 hours/week)
November 2, 9, 16
December 7, 14
January 11, 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
March 1, 15, 22, 29
April 12, 19, 26
May 3, 10
Contest Dates:
Contest 1: December 19,21,22
Contest 2: February 13, 14, 15
Contest 3: April 3, 4, 5
Contest 4: May 15, 16, 17
Who Should Join
This program is ideal for:
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Students in Grades 9–12 with a strong interest in computer science and algorithms
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Learners with prior experience in Python, C++, or Java
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Students currently taking or preparing for AP Computer Science
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Previous ACSL competitors (Intermediate or Junior Division) — preferred but not required
What to Expect
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Monthly ACSL Contests: 30-minute written test (5 questions) at our One Loudoun campus
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Programming Challenge: A 72-hour take-home coding problem each month
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Flexible, self-paced learning supported by live coaching and mentorship
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Collaborative environment that builds teamwork and advanced problem-solving skills
Disclaimer: If the enrollment in a team has fewer than three students, you will receive a refund.
Here is the class outline:
1. Welcome to ACSL Senior SuccessGet an overview of ACSL Senior, the contest schedule, and all the resources you can tap into. We’ll set up smart study habits and time-management tricks so you start strong and stay on track. 1 section
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2. Number Systems and Recursive ThinkingDive into binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal, then see how recursion solves big problems by breaking them into bite-sized steps. Hands-on examples make the math and code click. 1 section
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3. Program Analysis and Contest 1 Coding PracticeTrain your detective skills by figuring out what short code snippets actually do, then write your own programs to reinforce every Contest 1 concept. 1 section
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4. Expression Notations and Bitwise MagicMaster prefix, infix, and postfix notation for fast expression evaluation, then harness AND, OR, XOR, and NOT to manipulate bits like a pro. 1 section
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5. Intro to LISP and Contest 2 Coding PracticeExplore LISP’s parentheses-powered world and tackle programming challenges that blend notation skills with bit-level thinking. 1 section
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6. Boolean Algebra and Data StructuresSimplify complex logic with Boolean algebra, then build and use stacks, queues, and binary search trees to organize data efficiently. 1 section
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7. Pattern Recognition with FSAs and Regular ExpressionsLearn how finite state automata and regular expressions spot patterns, then code solutions that use these ideas for Contest 3 problems. 1 section
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8. Graphs and Digital CircuitsMap relationships with graph theory and peek inside computers with digital electronics basics—gates, flip-flops, and more. 1 section
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9. Assembly Language, Debugging, and Contest 4 PracticeWrite low-level code in assembly, sharpen your debugging radar, and solve programming tasks that tie together all Contest 4 topics. 1 section
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10. Final Review and Contest ReadinessRecap every major idea, run through quick-fire drills, and polish your contest tactics so you enter each ACSL round confident and prepared. 1 section
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