Foundations of Quantum Computing
for high school students
The #1 quantum computing course taken by over 20,000 students
Quantum computing is poised to transform everything from cybersecurity and medicine to artificial intelligence and finance — yet very few high school students have the opportunity to learn it before college. This course changes that.
Foundations of Quantum Computing is the first and only course that provides high school students with the rare access to one of the world’s most groundbreaking technologies through a rigorous, university-level course designed specifically for ambitious high school learners. Taught through live instruction, hands-on labs, and guest speakers from experts across academia and industry, this course empowers students to move beyond simply hearing about the future — and begin building it themselves.
This course is designed by researchers at leading universities to ensure curriculum and instruction is on the cutting-edge.
About the Course
Foundations of Quantum Computing is a one-semester course designed to introduce high school students to the foundations of quantum computing, helping them build knowledge and skills in quantum computing, as well as exposing them to the applications, challenges, and future of this transformative technology.
Over the course of 10 weeks, students delve into the exciting world of quantum computing by participating in three weekly components:
Lecture
Hands-on Lab
Homework
Open to students in grades 9-12, students will hear from leading experts across industry and academia and join a global cohort of future innovators and leaders preparing to share the next era of technology.
Developed by researchers from institutions including MIT, Stanford, and Oxford, the course is designed without pre-requisites so allstudents have the opportunity to be a part of the future. Learners are grouped into lab sections based on STEM background, allowing students to progress at a pace that is both challenging and accessible.
Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate from FTI.
What You'll Learn
Quantum computing is redefining what is possible in science, technology, and computation — and students in this course won’t just learn about the future, they’ll begin building the skills to shape it.
Through live instruction, hands-on labs, and real-world applications, students will develop both a conceptual and practical understanding of one of today’s most groundbreaking emerging technologies.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Understand the foundations of quantum mechanics, including superposition, entanglement, and quantum measurement
Build and analyze quantum circuits using foundational quantum gates and multi-qubit systems
Create quantum algorithms and protocols, including Grover’s Algorithm and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
Explore real-world applications of quantum computing in fields such as cybersecurity, chemistry, AI, and finance
Explain how quantum computers differ from classical computers and why they have the potential to transform entire industries
Program Details
Over the course of 10 weeks in Fall 2026, students will join a cohort of ambitious high school students who will explore the foundations of quantum computing. Every week, students will gain technical knowledge and skills by participating in a lecture and hands-on lab with a TA, as well as completing a homework assignment.
Students will also have the chance to explore career pathways in quantum by engaging with guest speakers from leading tech companies, start-ups, and universities.
Grades: Incoming 9th-12th graders
Where: Zoom with live instruction
Dates: Sept. 27 - Dec. 12, 2026
Pre-requisites: None
Earn a certificate and transcript credit for approved schools
Cost: $1,295.00 $995.00 if enrolled by July 31st)
Thanks to the support of our partner, full scholarships are available to U.S. high school students who meet one of the following criteria:
Have demonstrated financial need
Belong to a U.S. military-connected family
To apply for a scholarship, you will need to complete the standard application, as well as provide proof that you meet one of the criteria above.
Program Benefits
Foundations of Quantum Computing is more than just a course — it is an opportunity to gain early access to one of the world’s most groundbreaking fields alongside a global community of ambitious students. By the end of the program, students won’t just understand quantum computing — they’ll have the confidence, network, and foundation to see themselves as part of the future of technology.
☑️ Meet industry leaders and experts across academia and industry who are pioneering quantum technologies
☑️ Gain priority admissions to FTI’s Quantum Research Program for Summer 2027
☑️ Earn high school transcript credit for completing the course
☑️ Develop in-depth knowledge and skills in one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century
☑️ Increase your college competitiveness by being among the first students globally to learn quantum computing
Enroll now
Enrollment is now open for Fall 2026. The course will fill up so apply soon!
Be one of the first high schools to offer a quantum course to your students.
We partner with high schools and school districts to offer the course for high school transcript credit.
For official school partners, the course is free for all students and educators.
The course is approved by University of California A-G course list, and FTI is nationally accredited by WASC.
Sponsors
This course would not be possible without the support of our partners and sponsors, including:
