6.001 presumed the students had prior exposure to college physics and calculus mathematics. If your son has this level of foundational knowledge, then SICP pro

6.001 presumed the students had prior exposure to college physics and calculus mathematics. If your son has this level of foundational knowledge, then SICP probably would be the most efficient way to bring someone up to speed on programming. If they have not attained that level of education, then this isn't the best intro point to computer science. Predicate logic and set theory is probably a better starting point. Or if you're feeling particularly cruel, Java. :-)