Python Programming for Teens
Level: Beginner | Ages: Middle & High School | Length: 28 weeks (14 per semester)
This is a year long class, but charged by the semester
Description: Dive into the world of coding with this fun, hands-on introduction to Python — one of the world’s most popular programming languages. Students will learn to write real programs from day one, exploring everything from simple print statements to creative projects like text-based games and personal data apps.
Each week combines live coding demonstrations, collaborative challenges, and plenty of time for students to build their own projects. Along the way, they’ll master variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and even reading and writing files. By the end of the year, students will showcase a capstone project that highlights their new skills.
Perfect for homeschoolers — no previous programming experience needed. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to learn!
What Students Will Learn
✅ How to write, run, and debug Python programs
✅ Variables, strings, numbers, and basic data types
✅ Using if statements and loops to control program flow
✅ Working with lists and dictionaries to manage data
✅ Creating functions to organize code
✅ Reading from and writing to text files
✅ Building small games & personal apps
✅ Creative problem-solving and collaborative debugging
Highlights
No textbook required — all lessons, handouts, and examples provided by the instructor.
Includes optional at-home practice and creative “mini-missions.”
Ends with a capstone project that students proudly share.
What we provide
✅ All lesson handouts, cheat sheets, sample code, and guided project files.
✅ Debugging challenges and fun “fix this broken code” sheets.
✅ Encouragement and troubleshooting help every step of the way!
What Students Will Need
✅ A laptop or desktop computer
Windows, Mac, or Linux are all fine.
Chromebooks work too if using an online IDE (like Replit).
✅ Internet access
For online coding platforms (like Replit.com), code samples, and any research.
✅ A free coding account (optional but recommended)
Example: a Replit account so students can save projects online.
We’ll walk them through setting this up in class.
✅ A notebook or folder
For keeping printed cheat sheets, class notes, or planning out code on paper.
✅ Basic calculator (optional)
Handy when we start doing small math programs.
✅ Curiosity & willingness to try, break, and fix things
No coding experience is required — just an open mind!
Your Instructor
Jennifer Garcia
Hello! My name is Jennifer Garcia. I graduated from Bellevue University and spent many years in the tech industry, working as a software engineer for IBM, Alpha Telecom, and Hexagon Public Safety, as well as serving as a contractor for the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador. My work took me all over, giving me a broad, global perspective and a deep appreciation for how technology, creativity, and human connection shape our world.
Throughout those years, I was also homeschooling — balancing my professional career while raising and educating my four children. It’s been a journey of more than 20 years, filled with big questions, hands-on projects, and countless kitchen-table lessons. Today, my oldest is a physicist specializing in astrophysics and theoretical physics, a path that began with backyard experiments and a love for learning.
Now, I channel all of that experience into teaching and designing courses that spark curiosity and confidence — from Spanish and creative writing to computer science, math, and immersive STEAM programs. I also serve as president of Timeless Homeschool Events Cullman, creating memorable experiences for teens and families through proms, themed dances, and immersive mystery parties. Additionally, I direct Alabama STEAM Academy, building programs that make education personal, meaningful, and community-driven.
At the heart of it all is my belief that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life. It’s more than academics — it’s about nurturing curiosity, building character, and growing together. I look forward to sharing this incredible learning journey with your family!