Core Live Program
Experience Launch School’s Core Curriculum Live in a TA-led classroom setting, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet peers and build technical programming skills in just 4 weeks
What is Core Live?
For students new to programming, The first courses of Launch School often have the steepest learning curve. Within a virtual classroom setting, Core Live aims to give new students more guidance, motivation and accountability through the first 101 courses of Ruby, Python and JavaScript. Here’s some of the features and benefits students can expect from Core Live:
Core Live Eligibility & Fees
Who can apply to Core Live
Core Live is intended for Core Curriculum students currently enrolled in 101 courses. We also accept students finishing the prep courses if they have an active Core Curriculum subscription before Core Live commences. Due to limited seating, preference is given to those that apply with a Core subscription
How much does Core Live cost?
Core Live is free to all Launch School students that are currently subscribed to any Core Curriculum language track (Ruby, Python or JavaScript)
Program Outline
Each week, TA instructors help students build a new fundamental taken from the 101 courses. Sessions are delivered in a flipped classroom setting to encourage active participation and peer-to-peer practice
Week 1 Class 1: Introductions
In week 1 we’ll ensure you are prepared for the weeks ahead by reviewing concepts like data types, key vocabulary, and flow control. This class will be your first opportunity to vocalize technical concepts and understand the importance of language precision
Week 1 Class 2: Prep Review
In our second class of week 1 we’ll review the most crucial concepts from the prep course, including variables as pointers and mutability. You’ll be exposed to more complex scenarios that will challenge what you know and what you can apply
Week 2 Class 1: Foundations Truthiness
In week 2 you’ll begin by exploring the complexities of truthiness, a topic that can seem simple on the surface, but demands precision and thoroughness so you can understand complex expressions nested in larger problems
Week 2 Class 2: Foundations Precedence
In the second half of week 2 you’ll dive into precedence, where you’ll learn about short-circuiting and begin to train your logic skills to parse code snippets, and then write your own
Week 3 Class 1: Foundations Variable Scope 1
In week 3 you’ll learn about variable scoping, a core concept and a deep topic that we'll dedicate a whole week to. In part 1 , you’ll learn about basic variable scoping as it relates to functions and blocks
Week 3 Class 2: Foundations Variable Scope 2
In part 2 of variable scoping you’ll complete the topic with more advanced concepts, like variable shadowing and nested scopes. As each language varies, you’ll discover how variable scoping nuances applies to your chosen language
Week 4 Class 1: Foundations Pass by Reference
In our final week, we’ll pull together several concepts as you take your understanding of data manipulation to a deeper level. Learning pass by reference and pass by value allows you to avoid common pitfalls that new developers can fall into
Week 4 Class 2: Identifying Concepts & Assessment Prep
In our final class we’ll look at larger code snippets and test your ability to not only read and write code, but to identify concepts being demonstrated within code— a necessary skill for Launch School assessments. Finish off with assessment preparations and resources you’ll need for Launch School as we bring Core Live to a close
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Supportive TA Instructors
Our supportive TA instructors will help guide you through Launch School’s Core curriculum 101 course, and are specifically trained to help beginner programmers work through foundational concepts.
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Philip Knapp
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Brandi Seeley
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Antonina Kallinteri
Begin Your Core Curriculum Journey Live
Important Upcoming dates
Before you apply, please be aware of the following Core Live deadlines in order to participate in the next student cohort
Applications are currently closed
To receive updates and information about the next Core Live intake please join our waitlist below.
By signing up to the waitlist you agree to be added to receive email updates and notifications about Core Live
Requirements to apply
If you’re interested in attending Core Live, please read our requirements before filling out an application below
RB101
PY101
JS101
By applying to Core Live you agree to be added to the Core Live mailing list to receive email updates and notifications about the program
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Core Live approach conflict with Mastery Based Learning?
While Core Live doesn’t utilize mastery-based learning, it instead complements mastery-based learning at Launch School.If you have less time to commit to Core Live, you can expect to get a high-level overview of the most important concepts from RB/JS/PY101. When you return to the mastery-based approach, you’ll have a much easier time studying and putting together the missing pieces.If you have more time to commit to Core live, you may be prepared to take the first assessment by the end of the program. Between sessions, you can use your mastery-based approach to move through the curriculum simultaneously, and during Core Live sessions, you’ll be testing your understanding and ensuring that you’re able to communicate clearly about and apply what you’ve learned
Is Core Live mandatory for new Launch School students?
Not at all. If you are comfortable with the study involved, reaching out to others and working through the curriculum on your own, you probably don’t need to attend a program like Core Live. However most students find they need additional support getting started.
Are there any prerequisites for joining Core Live ?
- Before Core Live commences:
- You must have completed Launch School’s prep courses
- You must have an active subscription to the Core Curriculum
- You must be subscribed to a language Track and currently enrolled in a 101 or 109 course
- You will need a Launch School Slack account (signup instructions here)
How do I know if I’m accepted into Core Live?
Applicants will receive an instruction email on how to check if they have been accepted into Core Live. Accepted students are added to their own private group in Launch School’s Slack chat which they will need to login to participate in Core Live.
How much does Core Live cost?
Core Live is free to all Launch School students that are currently subscribed to any Core Curriculum language track (Ruby, Python or JavaScript)
I’m currently going through the Prep Courses, can I apply to Core Live?
While Core Live is intended for Core Curriculum students currently enrolled in 101 courses, we also accept students finishing the prep courses if they have an active Core Curriculum subscription before Core Live commences. Due to limited seating, preference is given to those that apply with a Core subscription.
What if I’m not able to attend all Core Live sessions?
It’s important to attend all live sessions to get the most out of the program as each session builds on the last one. If however there are circumstances for which you cannot attend, you can collect your homework assignment on Slack for the next live session.
How is the Core Live program delivered?
Core Live is delivered in a classroom setting over live Zoom calls. For part of the sessions, you’ll discuss and answer questions about the topic of the week with your instructor. This will help give you a better sense of the big picture and help you articulate concepts. For the second half of the session, you’ll break up into groups and work on coding problems, both deciphering code snippets and writing your own. You will also have time to complete homework between live sessions in preparation for the next live class.
How Does Core Live differ from the Smooth Start Program?
Core Live aims to provide technical live support through the first 101 courses of the Core Curriculum. Smooth Start on the other hand provides non-technical support and guidance as you get to know the community of Launch School.
Do I need a Core Curriculum subscription to participate in Core Live?
While Core Live is intended for Core Curriculum students currently enrolled in 101 courses, we also accept students finishing the prep courses if they have an active Core Curriculum subscription before Core Live commences. Due to limited seating, preference is given to those that apply with a Core subscription
How many hours a week are required to participate in Core Live?
Core Live requires 6 hours a week commitment:
- each week contains 2 live sessions, each 1 hour long (2 hours)
- between each live session, 2 hours is also required (4 hours)