Coding is an increasingly important skill in the modern world. It’s used in nearly every industry, and as technology continues to develop, programmers will continue to be in high demand. Fortunately, there are countless resources available online to help learn about coding for fourteen year olds. Read on to find out about award-winning programs, free coding classes, and self-guided tutorials for learning how to code!
Jump right in with beginner-friendly coding to make cool games, with a live online award-winning free Accelerated Scratch Coding class led by an expert, and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT.
Explore Coding for 14 Year Olds
Let's take a look at some programs that can help ninth and tenth graders develop a passion for computer science and lifelong learning. This Create & Learn curriculum, designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT, equips students with the skills they’ll need to go from absolute beginners to experienced programmers in the fields in which they’re interested.
With this curriculum, a fourteen year old can start with learning some basic design principles and simple programming concepts via block-based coding. They can then expand to text-based coding with languages like Python, Lua, C#, and JavaScript, applying those skills with project-based learning. Depending on their interests, students can opt to focus on web development, game development, or even data science and artificial intelligence. You can even get AP class credit with classes like the advanced Java course!
We recommend starting with foundation classes, choosing intermediate classes based on interests, and completing advanced classes for ambitious learners.
Top Free Coding Programs for 14 Year Olds
Create & Learn offers award-winning computer science classes in 35+ different subject areas. These classes are small group sessions of about 5 students, and are taught live by an engaging instructor whose feedback, answers to questions, and personalized support can be especially helpful to ninth and tenth graders beginning to explore coding. All classes use real-world applications, so teens can learn skills they can immediately apply outside of the classroom setting. There are also many free coding classes to try first, to see what sparks your teen's interests!
Fourteen year olds typically start learning programming using either Scratch or Python. In both languages, code is written (or constructed in the case of Scratch) in a way that is similar to English, which can make it easier for beginners to learn. For those who want a more fundamental onboarding path, that doesn't require much additional work outside of class, we recommend starting with Scratch. For those who want to jump right into a real-world programming language, Python is the better fit.
1. Free Accelerated Scratch
Scratch is a popular platform as a first choice for learning to program. It makes use of block-based programming, rather than text-based programming, to allow students to focus on learning the core concepts of coding without worrying about tricky syntax. This free introduction to Scratch is designed to teach older students the basics of Scratch by building a simple project, making it perfect for a 14 year old to take! There are no prerequisites for this class, so your child can jump right in.
2. Free Python
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, due to its ease of use and wide array of real-world applications. It’s used in everything from game development to artificial intelligence, making it a great option as a first text-based coding language. In this introductory class, students will learn how to animate and draw with Python, and will build their own story project with cool animations. It’s recommended that students have experience with block-based coding before taking this class, although highly motivated students can get started with Python first if they’re willing to spend a little extra time practicing!
3. Free Roblox Coding
Roblox is an ever-growing platform beloved by kids everywhere, so why not learn how to make your own games in Roblox? This class introduces students to coding with Lua in Roblox Studio. They’ll be guided on the process of installing and activating Roblox Studio, followed by a tutorial to create a simple interactive experience. The expert teacher will walk students through the process, do demos, and of course, answer questions if needed. It is recommended that students have experience with text-based coding, such as Python, before taking this class.
Explore the Top Coding Classes for 14 Year Olds
Online coding classes offer a unique and valuable experience that is worth the cost. With expert instructors leading small classes, students receive personalized attention and guidance to help them reach their coding goals. These online coding classes for teens are tailored to specific skills and programming languages, ensuring that students receive the most comprehensive and up-to-date education. Online coding classes provide access to quality education, experienced teachers, and a collaborative learning community that can't always be found in free resources.
1. Mobile Coding for Apps & Games
In this class, students will build their very first mobile app using the block-based programming system of Thunkable. This is a great place for a fourteen year old to dive into their professional programming journey, as using block-based programming helps practice the core concepts of coding without worrying about the complexities of text-based programming. It is advised to have some experience with a platform like Scratch before taking this class.
2. Python for AI
Python is a high-level programming language used by companies such as Netflix and Google, and it’s popular for web development, game development, app development, machine learning, and more. This class is designed to help students transition from block-based programming to text-based programming, with a focus on the elements of Python most useful to the field of artificial intelligence. It is recommended that students come in with experience with block-based programming systems, although motivated students can make it as long as they’re willing to put in a little extra practice time!
3. Modern Website Design with Wix
Web design is a massive field in the world of computer science, and Wix is the leading platform for designing and managing websites. This class starts students out with the fundamentals of web design and covers the core features of Wix. Throughout the course, students learn how to add complex elements to websites, such as maps, submission forms, private pages, interface design, and even how to set up payment gateways. There is no required prerequisite to take this class, although students with prior coding and design experience will likely get the most out of the course.
4. Coding with Roblox Studio in Lua
Lua is a very popular scripting language, most often used to write extensions and other add-ons for existing software. Roblox Studio allows players to create their own worlds in Roblox using Lua to script the behavior of their creation. This course teaches students how to create games with Roblox Studio, including multiplayer games, while also learning the syntax of Lua in the process. It is recommended that students have a background with other text-based coding languages before taking this course.
5. Computer Science Principles
Learning to code is extremely valuable, but learning how a computer works is important too! This class introduces students to a wide range of important fundamentals topics in computer science, such as binary code, encryption, networking, and more. Designed by expert AP computer science educators, this class also meets the requirements for the APCSP exam as defined by the College Board. It is strongly recommended that students have completed Python for AI to get the best learning experience from this course.
6. Data Science with Python & Pandas
Data analytics is a critical field of computer science for modern businesses, so there’s no time like the present to start learning about data science! Whether your fourteen year old has aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur, lawyer, journalist, doctor, or engineer, it’s important to gain the power to analyze and utilize data to gain business insights and make decisions. This class teaches students how to use Python alongside the Pandas library to clean data, process it, and analyze it. Students need to have completed Python for AI Part 3 or have equivalent experience to take this class.
7. Unity Game Development
Game development is always a popular subject, and Unity is one of the most popular platforms in the world for making video games! It uses the C# programming language alongside a powerful editor to create both 2D and 3D games. In this class, students begin by learning how to make a 2D platform game, and work toward building a 3D first person game. Be sure to take the free introductory class to get Unity set up and get familiarized with the interface. It is recommended that incoming students have a basic knowledge of text-based coding languages, such as Python or Java.
8. Intro to Java Programming
Java is an extremely flexible object-oriented programming language used by professional software engineers all over the world. This class covers a broad range of Java topics, including designing solutions to problems, using data structures to organize large amounts of data, developing and implementing algorithms to process that data, 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. Incoming students must have a good understanding of text-based programming languages like Python.
9. Android Game Building
Java can be used for more than just business purposes! In this class, students learn how to use Java to develop games for the Android mobile platform. In the process, they’ll practice with important Java concepts, like loops, classes and objects, arrays, and more! Students interested in this class should be familiar with the basics of Java programming, having taken the Intro to Java Programming class first (or have equivalent experience).
Self-Guided Coding for Ninth Graders
If your student prefers to supplement their live class education, there are also coding books for teens. These books can aid your child in gaining a deeper understanding of programming, giving them the ability to build more advanced software and branch out to more specialized fields. Of course, reading these books alongside taking live classes gives your child the best of both worlds!
Or your student could use the interactive W3Schools platform to teach themselves to code. This platform offers explanations of all of the elements of a wide array of popular programming languages, as well as exercises and quizzes to test your knowledge along the way. Most languages also feature an in-browser code editor, allowing students to practice with their new skills as they learn them. These self-guided courses can be a great way to supplement live classes with additional exercises, or to knock out prerequisites on the way to taking more advanced courses!
Enjoy Coding for 14 Year Olds
Now that you know all about coding for teens, why not get the ball rolling by reading our blog post on how to create an easy cross the road game in Scratch? And don’t forget to check out the fantastic curriculum offered by Create & Learn to jumpstart your child’s programming journey!
Written by Create & Learn instructor Josh Abbott Salazar. Josh is a teacher, coder, audio engineer, and musician. After graduating with a Master's in Music from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, Josh turned his attention to the technology side of things, and has been working in various aspects of coding and engineering ever since. He runs a small music studio in Nashville called Tango Sound Studios, and develops video games in his spare time.
