I went to a public school that had a programming track like Spencer but we started at BASIC and ended in an "advanced" C++ class.

I jokingly referred to our classes as learning "skills" since we lived so close to the poverty line. We had well taught and well funded tracks in dry cleaning, construction, cosmetology etc. I joke but they provided job placement and it probably gave many people a decent living.

I also remember how great it was have an army recruitment office inside the school.