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High School Developer Program

Official Curriculum — Empowering the Next Generation of Software Engineers

MERN Stack Project-Based High School

Program Overview

Duration

12 Weeks (3 months)

Format

Hybrid (In-Person + Online)

Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Teaching Approach

Project-Based Learning

Students learn by building real applications

Scaffolded Instruction

Concepts build on each other weekly

Differentiated Support

Extra exercises for advanced students

Peer Learning

Pair programming & group projects

Weekly Breakdown

Phase 1: Foundations (Weeks 1-3)

Weeks 1-2: Web Fundamentals & JavaScript Basics

Foundations
Key Concepts:
HTML5 Semantics CSS Flexbox/Grid JavaScript Fundamentals Git & GitHub
Learning Outcomes:
  • Build responsive webpages with modern CSS
  • Write basic JavaScript for interactivity
  • Use Git for version control
Teaching Tips:
  • Use CodePen for quick HTML/CSS prototyping
  • GitHub Classroom for assignment submissions
  • Live coding demonstrations for JavaScript concepts
Project:
Personal Portfolio Page (HTML + CSS + JS)
Weekly Guides:

Week 3: Advanced JavaScript & DOM

Foundations
Key Concepts:
Array Methods Async JavaScript DOM Manipulation API Integration
Learning Outcomes:
  • Fetch and display API data
  • Build interactive web applications
  • Handle asynchronous operations
Teaching Tips:
  • Use mock APIs (JSONPlaceholder) for practice
  • Demonstrate Chrome DevTools for debugging
  • Show real-world API examples (weather, news)
Project:
Interactive To-Do App with API Integration
Weekly Guides:

Phase 2: Frontend with React (Weeks 4-6)

Weeks 4-5: React Fundamentals

Frontend
Key Concepts:
Components & Props useState/useEffect React Router Tailwind CSS
Learning Outcomes:
  • Build React components and applications
  • Implement routing and navigation
  • Style applications with Tailwind CSS
Teaching Tips:
  • Start with simple components before complex ones
  • Use React DevTools for debugging
  • Demonstrate component composition patterns
Project:
Social Media Dashboard (React + Tailwind)
Weekly Guides:

Week 6: Advanced React & Testing

Frontend
Key Concepts:
State Management React Testing Performance Optimization Custom Hooks
Learning Outcomes:
  • Implement global state management
  • Write tests for React components
  • Optimize React application performance
Teaching Tips:
  • Use Redux Toolkit for state management
  • Demonstrate testing with React Testing Library
  • Show performance optimization techniques
Project:
Enhanced Dashboard with Testing
Weekly Guides:

Phase 3: Backend Development (Weeks 7-9)

Weeks 7-8: Node.js & Express

Backend
Key Concepts:
Node.js Fundamentals Express.js REST APIs MongoDB
Learning Outcomes:
  • Build RESTful APIs with Express
  • Connect to MongoDB databases
  • Implement CRUD operations
Teaching Tips:
  • Use Postman for API testing
  • Demonstrate MongoDB Compass for database visualization
  • Show proper error handling patterns
Project:
Task Management API (Node.js + Express + MongoDB)
Weekly Guides:

Week 9: Authentication & Security

Backend
Key Concepts:
JWT Authentication OAuth 2.0 API Security API Documentation
Learning Outcomes:
  • Implement secure authentication systems
  • Design and document RESTful APIs
  • Apply security best practices
Teaching Tips:
  • Use Swagger for API documentation
  • Demonstrate security vulnerabilities and fixes
  • Show proper password hashing techniques
Project:
Secure Social Media API (Authentication + CRUD)
Weekly Guides:

Phase 4: Full-Stack Integration (Weeks 10-12)

Weeks 10-11: MERN Stack Integration

Full-Stack
Key Concepts:
MERN Stack Integration State Management Error Handling API Integration
Learning Outcomes:
  • Connect frontend and backend applications
  • Implement global state management
  • Handle errors and edge cases
Teaching Tips:
  • Use Redux or Context API for state management
  • Demonstrate error handling patterns
  • Show API integration best practices
Project:
E-commerce Platform (MERN Stack)
Weekly Guides:

Week 12: Deployment & Final Project

Full-Stack
Key Concepts:
Deployment CI/CD Basics Project Management Portfolio Development
Learning Outcomes:
  • Deploy full-stack applications
  • Complete and present final projects
  • Create professional portfolios
Teaching Tips:
  • Use Vercel/Netlify for frontend deployment
  • Use Render/Railway for backend deployment
  • Guide students through project presentation
Project:
Deployed Full-Stack Application
Weekly Guides:

Assessment Criteria

Component Weight Description
Weekly Assignments 30% Small coding tasks & quizzes
Mini-Projects 30% 3-4 intermediate projects
Final Project 30% Capstone project + presentation
Participation 10% Engagement in discussions & reviews

Teacher Resources

Slides & Code Examples

GitHub repo with lesson materials

Extra Challenges

Bonus exercises for advanced students

Debugging Guide

Common errors & fixes

Rubrics

For project grading

Course Structure

Core Technologies

React
Node.js
MongoDB
JavaScript

Learning Approach

  • Project-based learning with real-world applications
  • Hands-on coding exercises and workshops
  • Peer learning and collaboration
  • Regular assessments and feedback

Resources & Assessment

Learning Resources

Video Tutorials

Curated video content from industry experts

Documentation

Official documentation and guides

Code Examples

Sample projects and code snippets

Assessment Criteria

Projects
40%
Assignments
30%
Participation
30%