Description
Modern Web Development (Flex-Paced)
This flex-paced course teaches high school students how to build modern websites and web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SvelteKit.
Students work through a structured series of video lessons (currently more than 45 hours of content) while meeting regularly with the instructor for guidance, feedback, and support.
This format allows students to move at their own pace while still receiving personalized instruction and accountability.
Students may enroll in either the semester-length version of the course (0.5 credit) or continue through the full curriculum for a full-year credit (1.0 credit).
This format allows students to move at their own pace while still receiving personalized instruction and accountability.
Course Overview
- Format: Flex-paced with one-on-one instruction
- Start Date: Begin anytime during the year
- Course Options: Semester (0.5 credit) or Full Year (1.0 credit)
- Video Content: ~45+ hours of lessons with additional content added over time
- Topics: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SvelteKit, and modern web workflows
- High School Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
What Students Build
This course is project-driven. Students build multiple real websites and components as they progress through the material.
- A foundational HTML/CSS site using the Svelte Playground
- A reusable card UI component with more advanced layout and styling
- A multi-page SvelteKit website with a blog using dynamic routes and Markdown (mdsvex)
- Custom components including Header, Footer, PageTitle, and a Contact form
- A second SvelteKit site built from a design using CSS variables, utility classes, and semantic class structure
- Interactive components including a Todo List and Counter built with JavaScript
- A final portfolio-style site combining previous work
By the end of the course, students will have multiple completed projects and a strong foundation for building their own websites.
How the Course Progresses
The course follows a deliberate progression designed to build both understanding and practical skill:
- HTML & CSS Foundations — Students begin in a simplified environment to focus on structure and styling without setup complexity.
- Component-Based Design — Students build reusable UI components and learn more advanced layout techniques.
- Modern Web Development with SvelteKit — Students create full websites with routing, layouts, and Markdown-based content.
- Design Systems & Styling Strategies — Students work from a design using CSS variables, utility classes, and semantic structure.
- JavaScript Fundamentals — A focused crash course introduces programming concepts through practical examples.
- Interactive Applications — Students build components like Todo Lists and Counters to apply JavaScript concepts.
- Portfolio Development — Students combine their work into a cohesive final project.
Flexible Schedule with Accountability
Web development is best learned through consistent practice and individualized pacing. This course is designed to support both.
This is not a purely self-paced course. Students receive:
- Structured video lessons with clear progression
- Regular one-on-one meetings with the instructor (typically weekly)
- Guidance, feedback, and help when needed
- Accountability to ensure steady progress
Students can move faster than a traditional semester if desired, or take more time to fully understand the material.
Real Skills, Not Just Tutorials
This course is designed to move students beyond simply following instructions. Students learn how and why things work so they can begin solving problems independently.
Rather than focusing on outdated tools or overly simplified examples, students use modern technologies and workflows that reflect how websites are built today.
The course emphasizes:
- Clear mental models of how the web works
- Reusable components and structured code
- Practical problem-solving skills
- Confidence in building independent projects
Instructor Support
Students work directly with technology instructor Anna Pollard, who provides regular check-ins, answers questions, and helps students stay on track.
After completing the core projects, students may continue working with the instructor to build projects that match their own interests and goals.
Tools and Technology
Students use modern, real-world tools including Svelte, SvelteKit, Markdown (mdsvex), and Visual Studio Code.
All required software is free, and no textbook is required.
Bonus Lessons and Continued Learning
Additional lessons may be added over time to reinforce key concepts and explore more advanced topics.
Students retain access to all course materials and can continue learning beyond the core curriculum.
Semester or Full-Year Option
Students may take Modern Web Development in one of two ways.
- Semester Course (0.5 Credit) — Students complete the core curriculum, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript fundamentals, component-based design, and introductory SvelteKit projects.
- Full-Year Course (1.0 Credit) — Students continue beyond the core curriculum with additional projects, deeper exploration of modern web development concepts, more practice building applications, and expanded portfolio work.
Families may enroll in the full-year course from the start or complete the second half later as a continuation of the first semester.
High School Credit
- Part 1: 0.5 credit
- Part 1 & 2: 1.0 credit
