Curriculum Detail

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Computer Science

Department Overview
The computer science department educates students to be successful, ethical, and effective problem-solvers who are prepared to tackle complex 21st century challenges facing the world.

Lower School
The lower school computer science program provides a solid foundation for students by teaching computing concepts including computational thinking, learning the proper foundations of keyboarding, and understanding the basics of digital citizenship. Programming is introduced through applications, web-based programs, and robotics.

Middle School
Middle school students continue to explore computational thinking practices and digital citizenship concepts while refining their keyboarding skills. Programming is introduced through applications, web-based programs, and robotics.

Upper School
The Upper School Computer Science curriculum provides students with active, hands-on learning experiences that teach logical reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving. The course offerings provide our students with essential 21st century skills to prepare them to be effective collaborators and innovators while building their own digital portfolio.

Criteria and Selection for AP Courses

Students must have demonstrated high and consistent levels of achievement in each of the prerequisites.
Final selection into an AP course is subject to review by the AP teacher, with appeals made to the Department Chair.

Faculty

Ivann Grande

Computer Science Teacher

214-346-8162

Texas Wesleyan University - Bachelor of Science

Grandei@smtexas.org
Bio
A member of the Computer Science Department, Ivann Grande joined the St. Mark’s faculty in 2023, teaching classes in Middle and Upper School. Grande earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University and has taught programming courses at CodewizardsHQ, where he was part of the curriculum development team. He also worked as a software engineer for Tata Consultancy Services where his focus was on web development and applications, simulations, DevOps and virtual reality.
Stewart Mayer

Makerspace Director

214-346-8364

Southern Methodist University - B.A.

MayerS@smtexas.org
Kendall Murphy

Computer Science Teacher, Coordinator For Instructional Technology and Fifth-Grade Sponsor.

214-346-8291

Texas Christian University - B.S.

murphyk@smtexas.org
Bio
In 2015, Kendall Murphy joined the St. Mark’s faculty as a computer science teacher. She also serves as coordinator for instructional technology, fifth-grade sponsor and tennis coach. After earning her B.S. from Texas Christian University, Murphy began her career as a teacher at R.L. Turner High School, where she was also the varsity and junior varsity tennis coach. Murphy teaches a variety of business, marketing and computer science courses. She received the John H. Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018 and the Ackerman Character Education Award 2020.
Kurt Tholking

Computer Science Department Chair

214-346-8194

Miami University - B.S.

tholkingk@smtexas.org
Bio
Kurt joined St. Mark’s in 2012 and teaches middle and upper school computer science. He also coaches middle school basketball and JV lacrosse. Before coming to St. Mark’s he worked at independent day schools in Cincinnati and Connecticut. Kurt has many roles on campus outside the classroom and coaching including advisor, club sponsor and is also an active member of the wilderness program. A native of Cincinnati and graduate of St. Xavier High School, Kurt received a B.S. in Business from Miami University. He and his wife have two children.

St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000

About Us

St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.

St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.