  Quantum computing was once regarded as a mere theoretical possibility, but
recent advances in engineering and materials science have brought practical
quantum computers closer to reality. Currently, representatives from industry,
academia, and governments across the world are working to build the educational
structures needed to produce the quantum workforce of the future. Less
attention has been paid to growing quantum computing capacity at the high
school level. This article details work at The University of Texas at Austin to
develop and pilot the first full-year high school quantum computing class. Over
the course of two years, researchers and practitioners involved with the
project learned several pedagogical and practical lessons that can be helpful
for quantum computing course design and implementation at the secondary level.
In particular, we find that the use of classical optics provides a clear and
accessible avenue for representing quantum states and gate operators and
facilitates both learning and the transfer of knowledge to other Science,
Technology, and Engineering (STEM) skills. Furthermore, students found that
exploring quantum optical phenomena prior to the introduction of mathematical
models helped in the understanding and mastery of the material.
