Ready to create an awesome coding after school program to inspire students? In addition to encouraging students to create a coding club, and enter coding contests (such as the Congressional App Challenge), here are a few of the best coding after school programs for kids in elementary, middle, and high school.
By helping students pursue computer science today, you're not only equipping them with valuable skills for the future but also opening doors to a world of innovation and endless possibilities. You're investing in a future where your students are equipped to excel in various fields, from technology to arts and sciences. Six different studies show that children who study computer science perform better in other subjects!
Discover Coding After School Programs
From live online classes and interactive online platforms to project-based curriculum, and hands-on club activities, these programs offer unique and engaging ways to dive into the world of coding and make for fun indoor after school activities.
1. Create & Learn
Enjoy live online classes for your after school program! Award-winning K-12 coding class platform Create & Learn stands out as an exemplary after-school coding program thanks to its comprehensive learning paths suitable for all proficiency levels. Their vast course offerings (35+ subjects including select free coding classes), ranging from Python to AI, are led by passionate, tech-savvy instructors in a live online engaging classroom, following a curriculum designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT. With a strong emphasis on real-world applications, fun projects, and inquiry-based learning, your students will enjoy not just learning coding, but also building creativity and logic skills that equip young minds for the future.
Book free virtual classes for your students (groups of 10+) - any time of the year! Create & Learn serves all schools and community organizations, and have even partnered with SMASH and Meta's Engineer for the Week to teach students across the US. Just pick the activity you're interested in for your class (from these 10 fun options) and contact us (partners@createandlearn.us).
Parents can enroll students in our popular beginner-friendly Scratch class on their own:
2. Code.org
Teachers eager to foster a coding culture after regular school hours can harness the powerful resources of Code.org to set up a remarkable after-school program. This nonprofit organization provides a free introduction to computer science and programming, catering mainly to K-12 students and educators. Beginning with Code.org's extensive library of engaging lessons and interactive tutorials, educators can structure sequential coding modules suitable for various age groups and expertise levels. In addition to the curriculum, Code.org provides comprehensive teacher guides, training, and support, ensuring that even educators new to coding can feel confident in guiding their students. Their Hour of Code activities have been a hit worldwide!
Get started with the elementary curriculum, middle school curriculum, and high school curriculum.
3. Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code offers a fantastic pathway for teachers who wish to champion gender equality in tech through an after-school coding program. Not only does this organization teach coding, but it's also on a mission to close the gender gap in the tech sector. Through its clubs and summer immersion programs, middle and high school girls learn coding and get exposure to tech jobs. The curriculum covers a wide range of computer science aspects. Plus, the community and mentorship aspect ensures that girls are supported throughout their coding journey.
Get started by setting up your own club, using their one-of-a-kind 3rd-12th grade programming curriculum that includes GWC Tech Spotlights, self-guided tutorials, interactive activities, flexible meeting guides, and more.
4. Google CS First
Google CS First is a prime resource for teachers aiming to kickstart an after-school coding program. Built on the concept that every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science, Google CS First provides a free and ready-to-teach curriculum catering to varying skill levels. Students learn through video-based lessons, with different themes like sports, art, and game design. Teachers can dive into themed modules ranging from storytelling to game design, all using the Scratch programming platform. What makes this initiative shine is the comprehensive support offered; educators are equipped with video tutorials, lesson plans, and digital materials, all ensuring an engaging and interactive learning experience.
Get started with the curriculum here.
5. W3Schools
For teachers looking to establish an after-school coding program, W3Schools offers a plethora of tutorials, references, and examples across multiple web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. By structuring a curriculum around the platform's step-by-step tutorials and quizes, educators can craft a dynamic, hands-on experience. W3Schools' try-it-yourself tools give students the unique opportunity to experiment with code and witness real-time results. This interactive approach not only solidifies understanding but also sparks curiosity and fosters self-directed learning. Furthermore, with its responsive design and user-friendly interface, W3Schools ensures that learners, regardless of their prior coding experience, can navigate the vast world of web development with ease and confidence.
Begin with HTML tutorials.
Start A Coding After School Program
Today's a great day to begin your coding after school program. Here's how to bring your idea to life:
- Research and Choose a Platform: Begin by exploring various coding platforms and resources tailored for educational purposes, such as Code.org, Girls Who Code, and Google CS. These platforms offer structured lesson plans, interactive activities, and comprehensive guides specifically designed for classroom or group settings. Bring expert instructors into your program with free virtual classes for your students (groups of 10+) - any time of the year from Create & Learn. Just contact us (partners@createandlearn.us) to get set up. Consider the age group you're targeting and the topics you want to cover, from basic coding concepts for beginners to more advanced topics for older students.
- Gather Resources and Set Up the Environment: Once you've chosen a platform, gather the necessary resources. This may include computers or tablets, reliable internet access, and supplementary materials like textbooks or handouts. Ensure that the digital environment, whether it's an online platform or software, is set up and accessible to students.
- Promote and Launch the Program: Spread the word about your coding program among students, parents, and fellow educators. Use school newsletters, bulletin boards, and social media to create buzz. Schedule a kick-off session or open house where interested students can learn more, ask questions, and register. Make the program engaging from the start, with interactive sessions, group projects, and opportunities for students to showcase their creations.
Happy coding!
Learn more about coding for schools and explore coding resources for teachers.
