2024
State of Computer Science Education
Code.org is a nonprofit dedicated to the vision that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science and artificial intelligence as part of their core K-12 education. Code.org also organizes the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, which brings together more than 100 industry, nonprofit, and advocacy organizations to grow the movement to make computer science a fundamental part of K–12 education.
The annual State of Computer Science Report is written by Code.org and partners CSTA and ECEP.
Computer science is an increasingly critical subject for students to learn as our world becomes more powered by computing, with computing jobs projected to grow at more than ten times the average rate of employment.
A recent study from Maryland showed that schools offering just one computer science class boosts students' earnings by at least 8% by age 24.
Why Computer Science?
Computer science helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills applicable across all other subjects and future careers.
Over half of all high schools nationally offer computer science
60%
of schools offer computer science nationally
High Schools Offering CS
Over Time
National Access to Computer Science
*Based on 24 states
**Based on 39 states
High Schools Offering CS
Disparities in Access
are less likely to offer foundational computer science
Rural high schools
Urban high schools
Small high schools
High free and reduced lunch population high schools
Disparities in Access
These disparities are most stark in small schools
Rural high schools
Urban high schools
Small high schools
High free and reduced lunch population high schools
2.1 x
Large schools are 2.1 times more likely to offer foundational computer science than small schools.
From Access to Participation
It is necessary for all schools to provide access to computer science courses for all students.
But that is just the first step to ensuring all students actually participate in these courses.
of U.S. high school students have access to computer science education
82%
of high school students enrolled in a computer science class last school year
6%
National Participation
National Student Demographics
Students enrolled in CS classes
Gender Participation
Participation by high school female students lags in all states
Gender Participation
Participation by high school female students lags in all states, but is more representative in states with a graduation requirement. These states have an average of 6% higher female participation than states without a requirement.
Gender Participation
Bright Spot on Gender Participation
Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina:
The top five states with female participation near or above 40% have graduation requirements or “de facto” requirements in place
Policy and Access and Participation
10.8%
enrollment
5.2%
enrollment
States with graduation requirements show an average of 10.8% of high school students enrolled in computer science…
…compared with 5.2% in states without graduation requirements.
Ten Policies to Make CS Fundamental
Policies Adopted by State
2024 State Policy Highlights
CA Highlights Throughout the Report (AI)
CA Highlights Throughout the Report
Diving into CA Data
CA Computer Science Policy
CA High Schools Offering Computer Science
U.S. Schools Offering Computer Science
CA High Schools Offering Computer Science
CA Student Participation in High School Computer Science
California does not collect enrollment data for all foundational computer science courses. We used AP exam data from the College Board for participation statistics, but we know participation in all foundational computer science courses is broader than just AP. We encourage the state to begin collecting and reporting comprehensive course enrollment data.
The computer science education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
As AI has the potential to play an outsized role in education, students must be prepared to become both critical consumers and responsible creators of AI. Computer science can help prepare students, no matter what the future holds.
Looking Forward
Read the full report on advocacy.code.org/stateofcs