For anyone wanting to learn quantum mechanics, there is a list of resources and pointers: http://p.migdal.pl/2016/08/15/quantum-mechanics-for-high-sch... (I have been teaching it to... high-school students).

Yes, linear algebra (and complex numbers) are necessary. Though, complex numbers are fun on its own, and linear algebra is crucial for other cool things, e.g. artificial neural networks.