Best Online Coding Classes For Kids

The impact of coding and it's ever-growing importance in shaping our surroundings making it a valuable skill for children to know. One way of learning it is by signing your kids up for online coding classes. Not only does programming prepare children or teenagers alike for a future career in computer science, but it also improves their problem-solving skills and logical thinking abilities. Even educational boards recognize the importance of coding, such that 30+ states across the US have added coding to school curriculum.

Coding is a creative way for kids to express their ideas and thoughts. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be easily taught by a parent or teacher with no previous coding experience. Luckily, there are plenty of coding websites and classes out there that can teach kids for free or at a low cost and our guide covers the best ones.

CogniCoder

Online

CogniCoder offers kids coding courses in various subjects ranging from Java, Python, Scratch, cybersecurity, and much more. The classes are specifically created and organized by instructors from the USC Computer Science department. Apart from simply learning to program, it's taught in a fun manner and it shows them how computer science can be used to solve real-world problems.

The Zoom class sizes remain limited to a small group of 4-10 students, so that everyone receives the necessary attention and instruction to succeed. Most programming classes are two weeks long and offered for specific grades and varying difficulty skill sets.

Through the different difficulty levels, the program incorporates more advanced programming principles as kids transition through...

Code Academy

Online

Code Academy has a unique system they've developed to teach children how to start coding for free. Depending on what you want your child to learn, you can select from a group of courses based on their interests. Students will slowly advance based on the path they choose and receive instant helpful feedback regarding their code. They provide quizzes to tests the knowledge you've learned and also help you test what you've learned by dealing with real-world projects.

Kids learn everything regarding web development and computer science in general. While they have free coding courses, there is an option to pay for more advanced courses. Code Academy's PRO path might just be worth the cost...

BYJU'S FutureSchool Summer Program

Online

BYJU'S FutureSchool Summer Program, in partnership with NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly, offers summer coding courses for children.

Younger students will get the opportunity to create space-based games and apps while enhancing their coding skills. The program offers two different courses that differ in length — a 6-week option and a 12-week option. There are different focuses on app & game development and space technology, so your child can choose which one they're more interested in. The coding program runs all the way to August 31st, perfect for those looking to get a late start in the summer. If your kid has an interest in space and programming, this is the perfect opportunity for them.

Apart...

Code Monster

Online

Code Monster offers an engaging and simple way to teach young kids ages 9 to 14 valuable programming skills completely free. Code Monster is aimed at preteens and young learners can start to learn coding in Javascript.

While it's not as flashy as other programming websites, it's a straightforward text-based coding platform. All it pretty much consists of is a monster icon, code box, and a green dialog box you click on to move forward. You can quickly see the results of what you type into the code box on the right side.

Children receive a step-by-step guide starting from the basics like creating functions, declaring & setting variables, loops, and much more. They can...

Code Galaxy

Online

Code Galaxy offers some of the top coding lessons across the nation. They offer virtual coding camps, lessons, and private tutoring to kids. They have courses on web and game development, design, Python programming, and other STEM-related classes. The classes are designed for kids to develop valuable programming skills to equip them for their careers.

From Scratch + Minecraft to Python Programming and Web Development, the coding camps for kids are the perfect way to spend time off school. Kids can receive an education while also having fun and learning valuable coding skills. Code Galaxy is great way to learn the foundations of coding and creating games. Their programs are specifically for kids ages 7...

Tynker

Online

Tynker offers programming coding lessons for younger kids who are complete beginners. The company does a great job at making learning programming fun and simple. While their programs don't have a specific age minimum, kids as young as 6-7 years old (1st grade) can benefit. There is a class on just about every coding language available. Plus, they also have classes on popular gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft.

With the Tynker platform, children can advance at their desire with the self-paced classes, and the learning material is based on their perceived skill level. Kids can test their learning progress by taking up one of the coding projects suggested by the platform.

With millions of...

Code For Life

Online

Code For Life is a free coding website where kids can learn to code for free. It's a nonprofit organization that was established in 2014 and has helped thousands of students since.

They learn by playing fun coding games and advancing through the different levels. The learning is suitable for kids ages 6-13+, and there are also free resources available if you're a teacher that want's to teach kids in the classroom.

It's a great way to learn the basics if your child plans on taking any computer science courses in the near future.

Code Combat

Online

Code combat takes a unique approach to teach coding to kids. With the use of coding games, they've designed an interactive and engaging way for children to learn and enjoy programming. The main coding languages they use are Python and Javascript, two of today's most popular high level languages. Code Combat teaches core principles, which helps children learn essential coding concepts allowing them to pick up other languages easier.

Children receive hints and suggestions when they get stuck at specific points, encouraging them to learn by trial and error while also improving their problem-solving and analytical skills. They offer several course options ranging from self-paced classes, small groups, and even private offerings. Their online coding...

Codemoji

Online

Codemoji offers a variety of online coding lessons for kids. It's one of the best coding websites for younger kids and allows them to easily practice with their online text based editor.

Their curriculum focuses on teaching kids web development and coding in an entertaining way. The main programming language used is Javascript, along with HTML and CSS. Children will be able to create a website and animations using the things they've learned.

Depending on the grade and skill level, the online classes will have different goals for the students. With a project-focused way of teaching, young students can put what they learned to the test, helping them develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills and...

CodaKid

Online

CodaKid is a coding academy and tech camp based in Scottsdale, Arizona catering to children between the ages of 6-15. The camp introduces young minds to real programming tools and professional coding languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript. They also offer some amazing STEM camps during the summer.

Through their fun and engaging courses with live support from engineers, CodaKid teaches children in over 15 countries new tech skills like how to build coding apps, develop games, and even create mods in Minecraft.

CodaKid offers a range of intermediate computer programming courses to an expert level that takes on average 30-60 hours (plus a 14-day free trial). Their mission is to encourage young minds...