Launch School: School Overview

Launch School: A Comprehensive Overview of the Software Development Curriculum

Launch School is an online software engineering school focused on mastery-based learning, providing a unique approach to programming education. Founded in 2015, it aims to equip students with the skills necessary for long-term career success in software development rather than short-term systems mastery typical of most bootcamp-style programs. This commitment to deep understanding sets Launch School apart as a favored choice for those serious about a career in coding.

Launched in 2015, Launch School is built by experienced software engineers who prioritize mastery-based learning in its curriculum.
All classes are conducted online, allowing flexibility for students to learn at their own pace.
The core program typically takes between 8 to 16 months to complete, with an estimated workload of 1200 to 1600 hours.
Students commit to at least 15 hours of coursework weekly, promoting a consistent learning environment.
Core topics taught include front end and back end development with languages like JavaScript and Ruby.
The capstone program, which is optional, offers an additional 16-week intensive course that requires an application to participate.
While students do not receive direct career placement services, the capstone program integrates a job search process.
Launch School graduates report high job placement rates and impressive average salaries in the tech industry.

Subjects Taught at Launch School

Launch School's curriculum includes essential subjects necessary for a comprehensive understanding of software engineering and web development. This structured learning approach ensures that students acquire deep knowledge in both front-end and back-end programming.

Web Development: Encompasses both front end and back end processes involved in building websites. Mastering web development allows graduates to create functional, interactive, and aesthetically pleasing websites across various industries.
JavaScript: A core language for web development, JavaScript enables developers to create dynamic websites. Learning JavaScript enhances problem-solving skills and is pivotal in both front-end and back-end engineering roles.
Ruby: Known for its elegant syntax, Ruby is great for building web applications quickly. Familiarity with Ruby can open doors to opportunities in employment within startups and established companies alike.
HTML & CSS: Fundamental technologies for creating and styling web pages, proficiency in HTML and CSS is essential for any web developer. With these skills, students can effectively communicate layouts and styles to improve user experience.
Database Management: Teaches principles of data storage and retrieval, critical for back-end development. Understanding databases aids in creating effective data-driven applications.
Network Fundamentals: Offers insights into internet functionality, protocols, and access methods. This foundational knowledge is vital for any software engineer working on networked applications.

The 5 Best Courses/Bootcamps from Launch School

Launch School offers a variety of specialized courses aimed at developing essential software engineering skills. Each course is designed to ensure that participants gather the knowledge needed to thrive in their careers as developers.

Full Stack Web Development: This comprehensive program covers both front-end and back-end technologies, making students versatile in web application development. Completing this course prepares graduates for a broad range of job opportunities in tech.
JavaScript Course: Focused purely on JavaScript, this course dives deep into the language's features and applications in both front-end and back-end development. Mastery of JavaScript is crucial for building rich, interactive applications.
Ruby Programming: Students learn the ins and outs of Ruby, empowering them to build applications efficiently. This skill is particularly beneficial within the startup ecosystem where Ruby on Rails is commonly used.
HTML & CSS Fundamentals: Aimed at beginners, this course establishes a strong base in web page structure and styling. Understanding these languages is essential for all web development endeavors.
Database Management Fundamentals: This program prepares students to efficiently manage data storage solutions. Knowledge of databases is essential for both web developers and back-end engineers.

How Much Do Classes Cost?

At Launch School, each course is priced at $199, which provides a cost-effective way to gain in-depth knowledge in software engineering. Students have the option to enroll in a deferred payment plan, ensuring they can start learning without immediate financial pressure. The capstone program, designed for those pursuing advanced skill development, costs 18% of the student's first-year salary after graduation, capped at $18,000.

The monthly subscription model allows students flexibility; they can pause or stop their payments anytime, making it a low-risk investment in their education.
Throughout their studies, participants gain access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance their learning experience.
The structured program promotes mastery at a reasonable cost compared to traditional degree programs, offering valuable skills that meet current market demands.
Participants can also access preparatory courses at no charge before enrolling in paid classes, ensuring they are well-prepared.
With the potential job placement salary of over $100,000, the investment in education can yield significant returns within a short timeframe.
The money-back guarantee tied to employment within the deferred payment program further assures students of the program's value.

Benefits of Taking Classes at Launch School

Launch School offers a unique educational experience centered on mastery and long-term learning techniques. These core benefits make the school an attractive choice for aspiring software engineers.

Mastery-Based Learning: The curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth, allowing students to fully understand programming concepts rather than rushing through the material.
Self-Paced Study: Students have the freedom to progress through the coursework at their own pace, making it suitable for those with varying schedules and learning speeds.
Strong Foundations: The program's focus on foundational skills equips graduates with the knowledge necessary to tackle real-world engineering problems.
Flexible Course Structure: With no time constraints on course completion, learners can take the time they need to grasp the material thoroughly.
High Graduate Success Rate: Alumni have gone on to successful careers, often finding jobs with significant salaries shortly after graduation, reflecting the quality of education.

Reviews of Launch School

Overall, student feedback regarding Launch School is largely positive, focusing on the depth and rigor of the program. Many students appreciate the mastery-based learning approach, which they believe adequately prepares them for real-world challenges.

Pros: Positive reviews highlight the comprehensive curriculum, the quality of instruction, and the strong community support among peers.
Cons: Some reviewers note the program's time intensity, indicating it requires significant self-discipline and motivation.

Are the Courses Worth It?

Considering the cost of courses at Launch School against the outcomes, many believe the courses offer substantial value. With graduates earning competitive salaries, the long-term benefits of investing in this program become clear. While the financial commitment may seem daunting at first, the return on investment through career placements can be significant, making these courses a potentially wise choice for future software engineers.

Ultimately, anyone considering enrollment should evaluate their career goals, financial situation, and readiness to commit to a rigorous program. This deep investment not only in time but also in learning meaningful skills is crucial for those serious about pursuing a lasting career in software development.

Furthermore, graduates and prospective students should engage with alumni and current students to fully grasp the challenges and rewards that come with Launch School's curriculum. Strong foundational skills and successful job placements reinforce the program's efficacy, solidifying its reputation in the field of software engineering education.