Learning to code can help your children develop important technical and soft skills. These online classes can provide an interactive environment where students learn valuable knowledge that can also benefit them academically in other areas like math and science.
It can also help bolster their college application, especially if they’re applying to a STEM program. Coding classes are the perfect way to help your child’s future and set them up for success in this tech-driven world.
These are some of the top online coding classes for kids who are looking to learn or expand their technology skills.
1. CodeWizardsHQ
CodeWizardsHQ has a fun series of coding classes for kids ages 8 to 18. Students are divided into age groups, as well as by their skill level, ranging from beginner to advanced. Your sons and daughters can find the perfect spot in one of the 6 to 12-week-long courses. Each class is 55 minutes each and is held once or twice a week, depending on the specific selection.
These classes are focused on real-world skills and challenges, and the majority of the time is spent coding. Depending on your child’s skill level, they usually start with an Intro to Python before moving on to more advanced topics like object-oriented programming, APIs, and DevOps. There are also classes on Minecraft and Roblox for kids who love these games.
There are a plethora of other interesting platform features as well, including 24-hour access, video recordings, one-on-one tutoring, and weekly progress updates for parents. The instructors are experienced and trained specifically for teaching kids online.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow and well-structured program for your children, CodeWizards is an excellent choice.
2. iD Tech
iD Tech is a major name in STEM education and is renowned for its collaborations with tech industry leaders and distinguished universities like Harvard and Wharton. Its online coding programs serve students ages 7-17.
iD Tech bolsters a huge selection of technology classes on languages like C#, C++, Javascript to advanced subjects like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, plus game-focused options like Roblox and Minecraft.
Their 2-hour classes meet once a week for ten weeks, as well as summer camps that meet Monday to Friday for two weeks. These courses are open to all experience levels, and its teaching staff features professionals recruited from elite universities.
Besides their virtual classes, iD Tech partners with universities and schools across the US to host STEM summer programs for students on their campuses. It’s a pioneer in the education world, having run its tech first camp in 1999. Scholarships are available for qualifying students.
3. Coding with Kids
Coding with Kids offers a unique style of teaching, as it provides two different styles of coding education. Its Coder’s Pathways course teaches specific topics and programming languages, while Coder’s Ladder is a comprehensive multi-year curriculum.
The coding academy has small group classes for students ages 5 to 18, with each online lesson meeting once or twice a week for 6-10 weeks. Each session last 1 hour to an hour and a half.
The Coder’s Pathways courses cover topics like Minecraft, C#, and web development. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels available that run year-round.
In Coder’s Ladder, students start at the first level before moving through the school’s multi-year program. It covers the basic fundamentals all the way to developing full-stack web applications. If you prefer your children to have a more customized learning experience, you can select private classes where they get their very own instructor.
Coding With Kids is a trusted partner of many high schools in the United States, teaching computer science electives and AP classes.
4. Create & Learn
Award-winning computer science education platform Create & Learn offers students in grades K-12 engaging classes on every coding topic imaginable. They make learning to code fun and easy for children who attend their expert-led online classes.
They have a range of choices with topics on Minecraft, Scratch, Roblox, Python, Web Development, and many more. Their small class sizes with a limit of 5 students, let your child receive personalized attention from each of their instructors.
Choosing a course that fits into your children’s schedule is easy, with each course offering different start days and times. A structured curriculum designed by world-class staff from Stanford, MIT, and Google is always followed for each of their programs.
During the school break, you can enroll your children in one of their more than 35+ coding summer camp options. Your kids can even try them out first with a free online class to start.
5. Tynker
One look at Tynker’s course offerings, and you’ll see why parents are crazy about the user-friendly approach to coding education. Its six-level curriculum is packed with games, puzzles, and more.
Students can expect to learn essential coding concepts and languages, including Scratch, Python, and JavaScript. Scratch is an ideal block-based programming language to teach kids, as it was specifically built for that purpose. Meanwhile, Python and Javascript are more text-based coding languages but simple enough for them to learn. They also develop critical thinking skills as they work on hands-on projects and create their own games. They also have artificial intelligence classes for children.
Apart from group coding classes, Tynker also provides options for individual study and many tutorials. Monthly subscriptions are available with access to self-paced courses and exercises. Tynker has big-name partners like Mattel for its Barbie programs and NASA for its Moon 2 Mars program. Read our full Tynker review to learn everything it offers.
6. CodeCombat
CodeCombat is a website that teaches the love of coding through playing video games. It goes without saying that this game-based approach is a fan favorite for young gamers.
CodeCombat takes visitors on a journey through dungeons, forests, and deserts while teaching coding languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS. There are several options for scheduling, including self-paced options that can be completed as slowly or as fast as someone wants. More advanced students can even take part in the CodeCombat AI League.
As they progress through the game-based challenges, students build a foundation and improve other personal skills like deductive reasoning and problem-solving. If you’re a teacher, CodeCombat also offers resources for the classrooms and can help you teach computer science more efficiently.
You won’t find as many kid-friendly coding websites that are better than CodeCombat. They’re also currently working on another project featuring Roblox, but it’s not out yet. In the meantime, you can take a look at these Roblox classes.
7. CodeMonkey
Students will love this gamified learning platform. CodeMonkey has classes that are taught in K-8 classrooms all around the country. The programs have won numerous awards for being comprehensive, engaging, and above all, enjoyable.
You can choose from a variety of coding courses, and its home plan option offers the same curriculum taught in elementary and middle schools. Its beginner choices include basic computer literacy courses on things like internet safety and how to perform an internet search, and older students can progress all the way to chatbot development and server-side programming. It teaches CoffeeScript and Python, both of which are relatively beginner-friendly programming languages and have extensive real-world applications.
Progression through interactive challenges and exercises is a key component of their process. In addition to coding classes, CodeMonkey also offers resources for teachers, including lesson plans and curriculum materials. If you’re homeschooling your children, this is a fantastic resource to use as part of your schooling.
8. CodeAdvantage
CodeAdvantage offers a variety of online coding classes for kids as early as 5 years old. They’re renowned for being engaging and interactive and feature topics young coders will love. Most courses in its 8-week programs last one hour to 90 minutes.
Their Intro to Coding introduces the basics of coding through games and interactive activities, giving first-time coders a good impression. They also offer more advanced options like their web and mobile app development course for older students.
They meet twice a week for 90 minutes and cover topics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for building websites or Java and Android Studio for building mobile apps.
CodeAdvantage also offers private one-on-one tutoring, virtual birthday parties, online coding summer camps, and more. With enthusiastic instructors and a wide selection to choose from, you won’t have any problems finding the right one for your child.
9. CodaKid
CodaKid offers a wide range of self-paced courses and private lessons for students ages 5 to 18. It’s the perfect destination for young coders looking to learn and grow without any pressures. From block-based coding for beginners to advanced topics like Python and game development for experienced students, it’s got something for all.
CodaKid believes that one of the best ways to learn is by doing, so its content is filled with hands-on projects and challenges to apply what is taught.
They keep things entertaining through games, competitions, and interactive activities that make learning easy and simple. Instructors are carefully picked and screened to ensure they’re passionate about teaching programming to younger kids.
So if you want to be ready to join the ranks of the next generation of tech leaders, check out CodaKid’s wide range of individual-study classes.
10. YoungWonks
YoungWonks is a popular platform that offers coding and engineering classes for kids ages 8-18. If you’re looking for a self-paced program for your child, you should consider this option.
Students advanced through each level learning different things along the way. They start off learning with Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language that works well for kids. As they progress through the curriculum, they find out about Python, object-oriented programming, java, and even machine learning. They mix in different components like robotics, IoT, and game development.
YoungWonks creates a classroom feel with small groups so everyone can ask questions if they need help. We like their project-based method of teaching keeps kids engaged and lets them put to use what they learn in the classes. Parents pay on a 4-week basis, depending on what level they’re at.
11. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a true pioneer in the world of online education. Founded in 2008 by Salman Khan, it has made learning more accessible for students worldwide while being completely free. There are no-cost coding courses on every kind of subject, including coding and other computer science topics.
Students can start with drawing and animation, then progress to things like making webpages through HTML/CSS and using jQuery. Khan Academy allows students to learn at their own rhythm, and the engaging video lessons make learning to code enjoyable. Its easy-to-use online platform can also be accessed from anywhere at any point, so there aren’t any scheduling hassles.
This free option is great for individual learners that don’t need a structured curriculum or assignments to advance, although project ideas are still provided.