Course Description

This course provides an engaging, hands-on introduction to Python programming, one of the most widely used and versatile programming languages in the world, powering everything from web applications and data analysis to artificial intelligence and automation. Designed for students eager to explore the world of coding, this course builds a strong foundation in both the logic and creativity behind computer programming. The course introduces the basics of object-oriented programming, teaching students how to design and structure their own programs using classes and objects.

Each session combines short lessons with live coding demonstrations, collaborative challenges, coding interviews, group work and guided practice, giving students the opportunity to apply new concepts immediately. Through mini-projects, students will build interactive drawings, automate simple tasks, and create basic games, developing confidence and problem-solving skills as they progress. The course concludes with a final project, where each student designs and implements their own Python program using the skills and tools learned in class.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the students will know/be able to

  • Develop Python Programs: Write and debug Python scripts using fundamental programming concepts like variables, loops, and conditionals. 
  • Utilize Data Structures: Effectively use lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets to store, manipulate, and retrieve data. 
  • Implement Functions and Modules: Create reusable code and leverage Python’s extensive library ecosystem for diverse applications. 
  • Apply Object-Oriented Concepts: Design and implement basic class-based applications.
  • Complete a Final Project: Demonstrate comprehensive programming skills by planning, executing, and presenting a capstone project that solves a real-world problem.
  • Transfer Programming Skills: Apply core programming concepts and problem-solving structures learned in Python to efficiently learn other programming languages and independently design and develop original coding projects.

Other Information

  • Students will be required to bring a laptop (no tablets). The Robinson Center can provide a device if your student does not have access.
  • This course required quite a bit (approximately 4 hrs a week) of homework to be completed outside of the program day. 

Who Should Apply

  • Students currently in 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th grade

Week Overview

Date Theme/Topic 
Week 1 Foundations of Programming and Computational Thinking

Students are introduced to Python programming, core syntax, variables, data types, basic operations, and control structures. The focus is on building confidence, understanding how programs execute, and using code to express simple ideas and decisions.
Week 2 Program Logic, Abstraction, and Data Organization

Students deepen their understanding of control flow through loops and conditionals, learn to write reusable functions, and begin organizing data using fundamental data structures such as lists, tuples, sets, and dictionaries.
Week 3 Working with Data, Robust Code, and Object-Oriented Design

Students explore string manipulation, file input/output, and error handling to make programs more robust and user-friendly. They are also introduced to object-oriented programming concepts to model real-world entities using classes and objects.
Week 4                                           Applied Programming and Capstone Project Development

Students apply accumulated skills to plan, build, and present a final project. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, collaboration, code organization, and communicating technical ideas through project presentations.

Instructors

Details

Cost

  • $1450
    • $1400 (tuition)
    • $50 (registration fee)

Time

9am - 2:30pm

Location

  • University of Washington Seattle Campus
  • Building and Room TBD

Date

  • June 30th- July 23rd, 2026
  • Monday - Thursday
    • First class is on a Tuesday

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full tuition refund: April 10th
  • 50% tuition refund: April 11th-May 8th
  • No refund: after May 8th