LaunchSchool: An online school for Software Engineers

The Slow Path for Studious Learners to a Career in Software Development

Structured Curriculum from First Principles

Our program is about slowly building up mastery of fundamentals, so you understand how higher level abstractions truly work from the bottom up. Our goal isn't to teach you how to use React or Rails, but to show you how to construct accurate mental representations of first principles in order to tackle fundamental engineering problems. Our goal isn't to help you find a job, but help you launch a career. Our goal isn't to teach you to code, but to teach you how to deconstruct and problem solve like an engineer.

By Software Engineers for Future Software Engineers

Launch School was founded by experienced software engineers. We know what it takes to not only break into software, but to build and grow a career as an engineer in the software industry. Our objective is to increase your lifetime earnings by millions of dollars. This is what makes Launch School unique and why we focus on the long-term results of a career. Our curriculum was created by software engineers for future software engineers — you.

I remember reading about Launch School's learning pedagogy a long time ago and it really resonated with me. At university, I study to pass the exams but in many cases I don't understand why most things are the way they are. In here everything build on top of something else so it is pleasing to understand where everything comes from.

Juan Garcia Moreno

I think the overall guided mastery-based approach has been the biggest, most helpful aspect of Launch School so far. My experience with programming before LS was mostly self-directed, and while I naturally approach challenges by pursuing mastery, the breadth of the field was very intimidating. The guidance and curriculum here has opened so many doors for me. Excited to continue!

Scott Hoecker

I love going at my own pace. With no formal deadlines to rely on, I have developed discipline in my study habits which has led to more discipline in other parts of my life as well.

Cody Williams

So many times I've gone into a problem overwhelmed and thinking I won't be able to solve it, only to have a viable solution in my head while still working through the PEDAC steps. I still need to improve my PEDAC process, but it has been a game changer.

Adam Mrachek

The community is a big part of what makes LS such a wonderful and encouraging place, and I think that it starts with how involved LS is in responding to messages and getting involved in discussions on Slack. It seems to me like LS has cracked the code much more than most on how to make a vibrant and engaging online learning environment.

Scott Graham

The thoroughness and difficulty level of the assessments were perfect. They forced me to learn concepts to a high degree, but weren't so impossible that they drove me away. I really thought the tests were well done and are key to making Launch School work.

Natalie Martos

"We're one of the oldest and largest coding schools in the world."

Our Learning Goals

The key to unlocking higher level understanding and skills that last a career is focusing on fundamentals. We designed our curriculum with the following learning goals.

Fundamentals first, fundamentals throughout
A focus on learning things that don't change
Learn slowly and deliberately

Learn to be proficient, not just build awareness
Learn to understand problems, not solutions
Learn in a circular fashion

Our students love us, and if you are committed to building a career in software development, you will too

Sienna Wood

Denver

Software Engineer

Experts always return to fundamentals because they are the foundation on which everything else is built. Launch School’s core program embodies this principle by emphasizing mastery of fundamentals through purposeful individual study.

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Steve Kolock

New York

Front-end Developer

I got a different role making significantly more than twice what I had been making as a 'web specialist', putting me firmly in six-figure

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Letladi Sebesho

Johannesburg, South Africa

Full Stack Developer at Co-Foundy

This programme opened possibilities for me that would have taken me years to reach

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Sunny Beatteay

New York City

Software Engineer

From the first glance, it was apparent that Launch School had been founded by industry veterans. I have never encountered a curriculum more in-depth and rigorous

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A Serious Training Curriculum That's Designed to Launch a Career

Core Curriculum

Mastery of Fundamentals

Capstone

Launch Your Career

Complete the Core Curriculum courses and pass their assessments, and you'll have mastered the fundamentals. Participate in our Capstone Program, and you'll launch a career.