Everyone has to start somewhere with programming: Most schools set their curricula in such a way so that students may have a handle on relevant programming concepts. They usually identify what is important by doing research. I know of programmes that include functional programming. I actually know of many programmes where the programming language is not as important as the concepts. Once you have the theory down and have completed the excercises that goes along with it, you are usually ready to launch into other programming languages anyway. At least - this has been my experience :)