Winter Computer Science Camps

Overview

One of the most important features of our camps is to teach students with hands-on experience — in-class guided code writing.

AlphaStar Winter Computer Science Camp is a unique opportunity for interested and talented students to improve their Computer Science skills during winter break, where students are guided and trained by expert faculty via utilizing national and international competitions in a fun and challenging environment.

The camp consists of two types of courses:

  • Booster Courses for intensive preparation for the upcoming USACO contests. They consist of analysis, discussion, and solution of last 3 years’ USACO problems, and exam strategies.
  • Accelerated Programming / USACO Fundamental Courses give a chance to take some of the programming / USACO Fundamental courses offered in the Fall in a short amount of time.

OFFERED COURSES

NOTE: Registered students will receive an email one week in advance of the camp regarding the necessary preparations.

For In-person Camp Only

NOTE: Students are expected to bring their laptops.

LOCATION

St. Joseph of Cupertino School
10120 N De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, California, 95014

➤ Overview

➤ For In-Person Camp Only

➤ Dates and Registration

➤ Curriculum

➤ Levels

➤ Diagnostic Exams

➤ Faculty

Fees

Online Live – all Courses: $925
In-person – Programming Courses: $1,100
In-person – USACO Courses: $1,200

⇒ Super Early Registration by October 30, 2024
$100 discount (online live courses)
$125 discount (in-person courses)

⇒ Early Registration by November 15, 2024
$50 discount (online live courses)
$75 discount (in-person courses)

Available Discounts

Course Schedule

Register Now

Dates

December 26th – 31st, 2023

Academics Curriculum

Winter camp is a booster camp that mainly focuses on boosting student problem solving skills in their current level. The students will be equipped with necessary background in lectures and trained with different types of problems to master various problem solving techniques. The classes are problem solving-based and the curriculum is aligned with USA Computing Olympiad (USACO). Please check USACO Website for more information about USACO.

Levels

Below is a short description of each level. For more details and diagnostic exams, please

click for details.

Programming

This level is for students who are new to or know little programming.

USACO Bronze

These USACO competing courses are for students who have programming and have an Algebra I level math background.

USACO Silver

These courses are for students who compete in USACO Silver division.

Diagnostic Exams

If you have further questions about levels, please send us an email at info@alphastar.academy

Please click for diagnostic exam

Faculty

AlphaStar Academy mainly considers teaching, competition, and education background as well as passion and dedication for the subject when hiring full-time and part-time teachers.
We hire our instructors and TAs from a pool of High School, College, Ph.D. students, school teachers, and University Professors. Our faculty have teaching/coaching/tutoring experience and have expertise in the subject area, regardless of their age.
They have participation and/or training experience in national/international math competitions and Olympiads in Math, CS, and Physics such as USAMO, USACO, USAPhO, IMO, IOI, and IPhO.
They are role models and inspiration for students with their backgrounds and achievements.

AlphaStar Winter CS Camps Faculty and guest lecturers for upcoming online/onsite camps and former camps are listed below with their most recent bios.

  • 2024
    • /
  • 2023
    • /
  • 2022
    • /
  • Former

Fatih Gelgi, Ph.D..

  • AlphaStar Co-founder and Computer Science Director (since 2017)
  • Ph.D., Computer Science, Arizona State University (2007)
  • International Olympiad in Informatics (1999: Bronze Medal)
  • USA Computing Olympiad Coach (2006-2014)
  • Olympiad in Informatics Turkish National Team Coach (1999-2003)
  • Balkan Olympiad in Informatics (1998, 1999)

Osman Ay, M.S..

  • AlphaStar Computer Science Instructor (2021-present)
  • M.S. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology (2012)
  • Coach Assistant of USACO (2004-2009)
  • World Finals Judge, ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (since 2002)
  • Experience in Computing Olympiads as a teacher, coach, problem writer and judge (since 1997)
  • Authored several Computer Science and programming books.

Alexander Moreira, M.S..

  • M.S. in Computer Science, Stanford (2023)
  • B.S. in Mathematics, Stanford (2022)
  • Mathematics and Computer Science instructor (5+ years)
  • George Polya Prize from Stanford University (2022)
  • Honorable mention for the Computing Research Association’s Undergraduate Researcher Award (2022)

Salma Baig, M.A..

  • AlphaStar Instructor (since 2018)
  • Computer Science teacher (10+ years)
  • MA in Education from the University of London
  • Specialized in C++ and experienced in Python, SQL, Linux
  • Working towards a Masters in Computer Science

Connect With Us

Contact Me
Fields marked with an * are required
100 Saratoga Ave Suite 100
Santa Clara, CA 95051 United
States +1 (650) 273-4089

Our programs & courses are now Fully Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges