Looking for the best coding classes for kids? With so many options available, it can be hard to figure out where to start and what works best for you and your child. So today, we have pulled together a list of award-winning coding classes. These classes feature a curriculum designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT, including some free coding classes. Find the best programming course for your student no matter whether they're a beginner or an advanced Java pro looking for some help preparing for their AP Computer Science exam - your student can even earn a certificate! We'll cover everything you need to know about coding for kids below.
Best Online Coding Classes For Kids and Teens - Voted Most Recommended by Parents
Computer science is a great way to broaden your child’s view of the real world, and develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. "Everybody should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think." Steve Jobs once said. Let's get started by figuring out which language your student should learn first, before finding the perfect class in which to learn it.
What is the best programming language for a child to learn?
The best programming language for most children starting out is Scratch. Scratch coding offers kids (ages 8-16) the opportunity to design interactive stories, animations, and games very quickly. Which helps keeps kids engaged and excited right from the start.
It is a blocked-based coding language designed by the MIT media lab - imagine an experience sort of like building with digital LEGOs - that makes it easy for students to learn code by helping them focus on the concepts of coding (such as loops) without having to type syntax and risking mistyping a letter, preventing all their code from running.
To begin learning programming a small group format, from a live expert, get started with the most popular beginner coding class, designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT: Create & Learn's Scratch Ninja class (for Grades 2-5) or Accelerated Scratch (for Grades 5-9):
Alternatively, for your youngest students, Scratch Jr. is a somewhat similar platform (a free app) designed by the same MIT team, for children ages 5-7. To bring things to life in the app, kids connect together simple graphical programming blocks to help characters move, jump, dance, and sing. Again, this helps kids master coding logic, without getting frustrated by needing to write coding syntax. ScratchJr works on iPads and Android tablets. So to get started, you can download ScratchJr on the App Store and on Google Play for free.
We also offer a fun live online class for kids in kindergarten to first grade, Scratch Junior, that teaches coding with Scratch Jr with live expert guidance.
For teenagers just starting coding, who don't mind putting in a little extra work outside of class, Python can be a good language to learn rather than Scratch. Python is a high-level coding language used by companies such as Netflix and Google, and it is also used for web development, game development, building apps, machine learning, and so much more. Join our award-winning online Python coding class, led live by an expert.
If you're having trouble deciding between Scratch or Python for your child read more here.
Explore Coding Tools For Kids
These coding platforms for kids are designed by highly regarded non-profits such as Code.org, ensuring your student can learn highly applicable skills and real world tools with your guidance. Many are even free, and used by Create & Learn in our award-winning children's coding classes.
- Scratch - Best for elementary: Scratch is a platform designed by MIT that is a great way for students in grades 2-5 to begin learning coding (or ScratchJr for grades K-1). It's a free programming language and online community where kids can create their own interactive stories, games, and animations using colorful drag-and-drop blocks. For live expert guidance join Scratch Ninja.
- Code.org - Best for elementary: Kids can learn to make their own game, app, or computer drawing, all with self-guided lessons on this non-profit's online platform. Code.org offers many curricula for teachers, so it's a nice fit for students that can keep themselves motivated, or for parents that want to be highly involved. There are also one-hour coding tutorials many teachers use for their students during the annual Hour of Code.
- Minecraft Education Edition - Best for elementary: Minecraft Education Edition is an immersive and engaging platform designed specifically for educational purposes. It allows students to explore and learn through interactive gameplay, building, and coding. Minecraft Education Edition is a great fit for parents who want to help their children learn in a fun and interactive way. For live expert guidance join Minecraft Modding Quest.
- Thunkable - Best for middle school: Thunkable is a powerful and user-friendly coding platform that empowers teens to create their own mobile apps with drag-and-drop visual components. And it's even used by many to develop commercial applications. Join Mobile Coding for Apps and Games.
- VEXCode VR - Best for middle school: VexCode VR empowers students to explore the fundamentals of coding by programming virtual robots to complete a variety of challenges. The platform provides a dynamic environment where kids can experiment with different coding concepts using a block-based programming language. Join Robot Adventures.
- Roblox Studio - Best for middle school: Through Roblox Studio, kids can explore a vast library of assets and tools to create their own games, characters, and environments. They can customize everything from the terrain and lighting to the characters' movements and abilities, all with a simple drag-and-drop interface. And with its integrated coding language, Lua, children can add their own logic and behaviors to their creations. Join Roblox Game Coding.
- Unity - Best for high school: Unity’s game engine provides tools for teens to create and operate amazing games (such as Angry Birds), and other real-time interactive experiences and publish them to a wide range of devices. Join Unity Game Development.
Join Recommended Online Kids Coding Classes
To get your child started today, check out online coding classes led live by an expert (including free introduction classes). All of our classes are in a small group format (max of 5 students), so your child will enjoy personalized attention and feedback. Our award-winning curriculum is designed by tech professionals from Google, Stanford, MIT, Apple, and Code.org, and ensures a comprehensive computer science education across 40+ amazing subjects.
Our teachers are all based in the US with years of experience in their fields, and have been trained in our effective inquiry-based and project-based style of instruction that builds children's creativity and problem solving skills, in addition to their coding abilities. We're proud that our classes have been recognized by Minecraft, Meta, SMASH, HulaFrog and parents worldwide as the Most Loved Virtual STEM program and also won the Best of ActivityHero Award.
Below you'll find some of the most popular online coding classes for kids ordered by student age. You can also explore the complete kids coding curriculum by your child's grade level here: Grades K-2 | Grades 2-4 | Grades 4-6 | Grades 6-9 | Grades 9-12
Online Coding Classes For Elementary Kids
Discover how computers power our daily life. Learn the basics of coding. Then explore a wide range of fields and far reaching topics. Code games and animations, discover how AI works, and compete with virtual robotics.
1. Scratch Ninja (Grades 2-5)
Scratch is one of the best ways to start coding because it’s a user-friendly language designed by MIT. This class starts from the very basics, so no prior coding experience is needed. Students will learn core coding concepts such as sequence, loop, and conditional. They'll also find out how to create a cool interactive game with a ball, conquer a wizard tag game, build animations with moving and talking characters (also called Sprites) based on their interests, and even navigate and customize a jungle adventure - plus so much more!
Older students can begin with Accelerated Scratch, while younger students can start with Scratch Junior.
2. Minecraft Redstone Engineering (Grades 2-4)
In this fun live virtual class, your child will learn how to incorporate more advanced blocks such as redstone, pistons, and observer blocks to build holiday lights, automatic doors, and even flying machines inside Minecraft. More importantly, your child will also learn about real world engineering and computer science such as how sensors and circuits work, time controls, and binary. It brings fun and learning to a whole new level for young kids. This class includes a full satisfaction guarantee and was designed by Minecraft experts.
3. Minecraft Modding Quest (Grades 2-5)
Harness your child's love of Minecraft! In this cool coding class, kids will control agents to solve puzzles while interacting with different in-game characters. They will learn core coding concepts such as loop, operations, conditional, events, function, variables, and more. As students get more comfortable with these coding skills, they will also start building more complex structures as well as their own mini-games. The curriculum has been featured by Minecraft Education! The class starts from the basics however it covers them pretty fast. For students who are new to coding, it's recommend you take Scratch coding classes first, before taking this class.
4. Junior Robotics (Grades 2-4)
This Vex robotics virtual world class teaches students how coding is used in robotics through fun, hands-on projects. Students will learn how to navigate robots through in a virtual environment and gain a deeper understanding of how robots can be used to solve problems through many real-world examples. No physical robot is required. But all of the code does work on physical robots if you want to see your code come to life!
5. Internet Safety for Kids (Grades 2-5)
This is a great foundational class for any kid that is on their computer and the Internet. Do your children know what information they should or shouldn't show on social media or video games? Kids are online more than ever before, but do they know how to use the Internet safely and protect their privacy? When students join this class they'll explore a wide range of topics related to computer security, modern computers, and the Internet. They'll enjoy fun videos, games, and security tools, as well as building projects of their own.
6. Beginner Roblox Game Coding Class (Grades 3-8)
This is a first-in-kind class because it harnesses new technology making it easier to code within Roblox than it has previously been! In this fun live virtual class students will learn the foundational coding skills to create their own games in Roblox, the popular gaming platform with over 40 million games! This class is designed for students to become equipped with foundational Roblox coding skills without having to use the standard and very complicated game development tool most commonly used for Roblox, Lua. Instead use a fun drag-and-drop interface that allows students to focus on learning coding concepts, before being overwhelmed by typing syntax. Students will find out how to make a cool dodgeball game, multiplayer games, and even a game modeled after the highly popular infinity run game where players must turn, dodge, and jump to avoid obstacles and gain points.
Online Coding Classes For Kids And Tweens in Middle School
Master areas your child enjoys the most. Solve real-world problems with computer science. Build mobile apps, code smart devices, and make stunning websites.
7. Coding Smart Devices (Grades 4-9)
Create with circuits and Arduino - the foundation of smart devices. We are surrounded by electronics: smartphones, computers, TVs, robots, and more! While lots of students have learned to code, few have had the opportunity to build a physical system, which opens up a brand new world. Learn Arduino coding online to create electronics projects for real world adventures at home.Kids will create three awesome projects: Home Automations, Light Show, and Smart Cars, from circuit creation to coding. Also this class uses an Arduino simulator and does not require a physical device. However, if you prefer, an Arduino starter kits can be purchased online. The same code your student creates in class will work on the device without any changes.
8. Mobile Coding Class (Grades 4-7)
Learn how to create fun apps and games for mobile devices in this live online, small group class led by an expert! The class uses Thunkable, a block based programming platform for professionals. It is easy to use, yet very powerful, and is used by many to develop commercial applications. During class your student will learn all about design layout and the UI of mobile applications. They'll find out how to use different mobile features such as device sensors, touch screen, gyroscope, camera, and more. Plus they'll build projects and fun games that involve image recognition, popular use cases, and fun activities.
9. Create with ChatGPT Class (Grades 4-8)
With the right guidance, ChatGPT can be one of the best learning resources for students. It can also help them develop critical thinking, executive functions, and creativity. In this fun and informative course, students will start to learn how to use ChatGPT more effectively, understand its strengths and weaknesses, and develop important skills to master this very valuable tool. Students will learn how to plan something fun, improve their creative writing, and even build their own chatbot.
10. Python for AI (Grades 5-12)
This is a great class for older beginner coders! Python is a simple yet popular coding language (it's used by companies such as Netflix and Google) and a great introductory to text-based coding. In this live online class, students earn how to animate and draw with Python. Before conquering core concepts of Python syntax, loops, data types, variables, and a lot more. Plus, kids will learn elements of Python that are relevant to Artificial Intelligence, including data structures and libraries.
11. Roblox Studio Lua Coding Class (Grades 6-12)
Students probably have tons of ideas of how they wish they could change their Roblox games - and now they can! Take a big step forward with your Roblox experience by actually creating your own games. In this unique live interactive class, students will learn how to use Roblox Studio to create customized worlds and code mini-games. Through a combination of configuring and scripting/coding, your child can create their own game world using a built-in 3D design tool and coding interactions with the world. The course starts with simple coding concepts such as loop and conditional to get students familiar with text-based coding, and gradually goes deeper to more advanced concepts such as variables, arrays, and more.
12. Modern Website Design with Wix (Grades 5-12)
This class covers a wide range of topics in Web Design, starting from the basics of how to use WIX and how to structure your website, to designing layout, choosing color schemes, and even to creating a web store to sell products. Whether you are thinking about doing a website to showcase your own art or hobbies, feature school/community events, publicize your sports teams or clubs, or to help local businesses and non-profit organizations, this class will teach you how to make it. This is a real-world skill your student can use immediately to create any type of website you want.
13. Website Development Class (Grades 5-12)
Get started building your first website from scratch! Learn all about the inner workings of the Internet and world wide web. This fun live online class covers everything from building web pages, and understanding how the Internet works, to learning more about the layers of business players around the Internet economy. Students learn Javascript, and build websites with dynamic content and that can respond to interactions from viewers. This class was developed by experts from Apple, Airbnb, and Uber.
High School Coding Classes For Teens
Reach advanced topics such as Java, Cloud Computing, and even Computational Biology. Solve real-world problems with computer science classes for teens.
14. Computer Science Principles AP Level (Grades 6-12)
Have you ever thought about how do computers work exactly? How does a computer understand the code we write? How do computers talk to each other? How to keep our data secure? In this Computer Science Principles class, students learn a wide range of important fundamental topics in computer science such as binary, encryption, networking, and more. It is a great step for learning more about system and architectural aspects of computers. This class also meets the requirements for the APCSP exam as defined by the College Board. And any student who has learned Python can take it regardless of whether they want to take the AP exam or not.
15. Unity Game Development (Grades 6-12)
Have you ever wondered how professionals develop games that have such sophisticated features and looks? They use game engines - and Unity is the most popular one! Unity is behind many of the most popular games such as Crossy Road, Among Us, Angry Birds, and a lot more. This series of live online, expert-led Unity classes teach students the core techniques of developing both 2D and 3D games in Unity. It covers a wide range of topics from character control, coding (in C#), to asset management. The classes are entirely project-based where students learn and practice the skills as they build fun games.
16. AP Computer Science Java Class (Grades 6-12)
This rigorous Java class introduces students to software engineering and object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. This curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The class will also thoroughly prepare students for the AP CSA exams offered by the College Board. This class is packed with content. In part one alone, students will complete 16 sessions of 90 min classes covering Object-Oriented Programming, Class Structure and Design, Arrays and Algorithms, Conditions and Logic, and Two-Dimensional Arrays.
17. Android Game Building with Java Class
Our Android Game Building with Java class is focused on getting results and building the type of skill set that will enable further exploration in Java. Each class session actively engages students in developing real-world mobile programs on Android platforms using Java. Our small class size means that students will receive the kind of individualized attention and support that is so critical to success in computer science. The first half of the course explores and expands on important programming concepts such as ArrayLists and Object-Oriented Programming. In the second half of the course, students will learn to design Android front-ends for the objects and programs they have previously written. Students will see first hand what it means to develop modular, portable objects, and what software reusability looks like in real life. This class is best for students who already have solid Java background. If you are new to Java coding, we recommend taking our APCS Java class first.
Discover the Best Free Online Coding Classes For Kids and Teens
Not quite ready to commit? Help your student discover a new passion and get excited about coding with our free intro coding classes. These classes are held in small groups and led live by an expert. In each class students will make a project they're proud of, and develop their love of learning and growing!
There are also tons of free live online computer science events for kids led by experts from NASA, Pixar, and more.
18. Circuit Fun with Snap Circuits (Grades 2-8)
They are in your phone, and they are in your car. They light up your house, and they run roller coasters. What are they? They're electronic circuits and they're everywhere! In this fun free online event, your child will learn the basics of electronic circuits using Snap Circuits. We will build several fun projects, while they learn what a circuit is, how circuits work, how to create one, and how to add more parts in a circuit to make sounds, light, and more! They will also learn different components of circuits, and how they can be put together to create a fun system. We are running this roughly on a monthly basis. Each month has a different theme.
19. AI Explorers Free Intro Event (Grades 4-6)
From R2-D2 in Star Wars to Transformers, artificial intelligence (AI) and robots have fascinated children for generations. Want your kids see what AI is about before committing to a class? Then try this live online event for free. In this session we will cover some fun cutting-edge AI applications, and a hands-on project.
20. Free Intro to Roblox (Grades 3-12)
Roblox is one of the most popular children's games today! Turn your child's passion for playing the game into passion for coding the game. This class is for students who have not had any experience with Roblox Studio before. Students go through the process of installing and activating the Roblox Studio. Students also complete a self-paced tutorial to create a simple interactive experience. The teacher will walk through the process, do demos, and answer questions as needed. Build your first Roblox game, and have fun!
21. Python Free Intro (Grades 5-10)
This is a great way to transition from block-coding to text-based coding. Join this free Python tutorial live online class for kids to build your own story project to create a cool animation in one session. In these interactive, small group lessons, middle and high schoolers will have fun mastering this essential computer programming language used by companies such as Netflix and Google. Python is incredibly useful to learn because it's one of the fastest growing languages.
Other options include some classes pulled together by CodeWizardsHQ, and Activity Hero.
Compare Top-Rated Kids Coding Classes and Programs
When comparing coding courses and the best online STEM classes, here are a few key indicators you will want to consider.
1. Curriculum quality
If students have a great time but learn the wrong computer science concepts and tools, the benefit of online lessons won't be as great as it could have been. Look for a curriculum that provides a clear path of progression, that's been designed by experts who have worked in the fields of study, and uses real-world applications.
2. Small student to teacher ratio
Having a small student to teacher ratio makes individualized learning possible. With a smaller class size, teachers are able to give more one-on-one instruction to students and focus on their needs. The best classes have smaller amounts of students in them.
3. US-based expert instructors
Qualified, experienced, clear, and caring instructors are definitely a must have. Instructors should be engaging and willing to go the extra mile for their students, while displaying positive interaction. Follow up summaries and feedback should be offered from instructors as well.
4. Project-based sessions
Look for programs that offer fun project-based learning which helps students apply, build, test, and learn by bringing their code to life. A teaching style that prompts student engagement and thinking, and empowers kids to make choices, will also help.
5. Feedback
Classes should include helpful teacher follow up summaries and feedback on your student so you can keep track of their progress and areas of growth easily, and clear signs of progression such as the opportunity to earn a certificate.
Additional Coding Classes for Kids Providers
Here are some additional coding class options for parents looking to supplement our award-winning computer science curriculum with additional learning.
1. Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free, self-paced coding classes for kids of all ages - though this is an ideal solution for teenagers with a bit of prior coding experience or to use as supplemental learning to live online classes. The recorded video classes are presented in an interactive format, where the student is able to pause at any time and play with code on-screen. Lessons explore a range of topics from JavaScript to HTML/CSS and SQL. Khan Academy's coding classes are unique in that they are aligned with the latest coding standards, so students can be confident that they are learning the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.
2. CodeWizardsHQ
CodeWizardsHQ is an online coding school that teaches kids and teens how to code through live, interactive classes held every single week for 6 or 12 weeks, which can be quite a commitment. The school offers a variety of coding classes for kids and teens of all ages, from beginners to advanced learners in a pre-determined format rather than a la carte. All of the classes are recorded, so student's can catch up on or rewatch lessons. Kids can also contact their teachers via a secure messaging system if there’s something they urgently need help with.
3. Juni Learning
Juni Learning is an online coding platform that provides 1:1 coding instruction to students ages 7-18. Juni's coding classes are taught by experienced, certified instructors who are passionate about teaching kids how to code. Juni's coding classes are unique in that they are taught in a personalized, project-based way that makes learning to code both enjoyable and rewarding.
4. CodeMonkey
CodeMonkey is an online coding platform that teaches kids ages 5-14 how to code through interactive games and challenges. The platform offers a variety of coding classes for kids of all ages, from beginners to advanced learners. Courses start with block-based code, before moving on to real programming languages such as CoffeeScript and Python. CodeMonkey's coding classes are unique in that they are taught in a fun and engaging way that makes learning to code both enjoyable and rewarding.
5. iDTech
iDTech offers in-person computer science camps. With their more than 70 summer and after-school courses in coding, game development, robotics, creative arts, and math, kids and teens can develop skills, flex creativity, and experiment with the latest tools from Adobe, Epic Games, Minecraft, Roblox, and more.
Enjoy The Best Online Coding Classes For Kids
Coding not only prepares children for future job opportunities, but also gives them an advantage in using technology and succeeding in academics. Up next, learn more about why it's important for kids to learn to code.
Written by Amanda Hendrix, a Create & Learn instructor with 10 years of teaching experience. She also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership, and a BS in Elementary Education.