In this day and age where we interact with software on nearly an hour-by-hour basis (if not more), technological literacy is immensely important for students to be able to grasp early. So today is a great day to explore a variety of different programs for high schoolers of all different experience levels in coding, where students can learn many different facets of coding, design, and computer science, with some free courses to try out at the end! Let's jump into some of the best high school coding camps to consider.
Explore coding programs for high school students
These are some great coding programs for high schoolers that cover many different topics.
1. Python for High Schoolers
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. This live online class covers not only the basics of Python coding for kids and teens, but also puts a strong focus on the elements of Python that are most relevant to Artificial Intelligence, including data structures and libraries. The curriculum guides students thoughtfully through adding new skills without unnecessary frustration, and was designed by tech experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT.
Best for: Students looking to begin learning coding, who want to learn a real-world language
Grades: 5-12
2. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Girls Who Code is a wonderful organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology and software development through a variety of educational programs worldwide. In this two-week summer intensive (or six-week self-paced program) for girls or non-binary students, attendees will learn about web development and the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They will also get to interact with real software engineers, gain exposure to careers in tech, and become part of a thriving alumni network!
Best for: Female-identifying and non-binary high school students new to coding who want to learn about web development and the possibilities of a future in tech!
Grades: 9-11
3. Build Your Web
This class covers the basics of building websites using HTML, CSS, and Javascript! Students will start out making their own simple websites using the basics of HTML and CSS, while also learning how the internet functions through a series of fun lessons. After, students then learn how to build dynamic websites using Javascript, improving upon their initial static websites. At the end of the live online, expert-led class, students will be able to build more complex projects and websites that can integrate animations and games.
Best for: High schoolers that want to learn about front-end development to make their own websites!
Grades: 5-12
4. Unity Game Development for High School Students
Unity is one of the most prolific video game engines on the market, and you can learn how to use it to create your own games! In this program, you will learn how to build basic games in both 2D and 3D, write scripts in C#, and much, much more!
Best for: High schoolers that want to learn about game development!
Grades: 6-12
5. MOSTEC for High Schoolers
MOSTEC is a six-month, online engineering program for rising high school seniors with an interest in science and engineering. First, students do a summer intensive where they complete two online courses and projects in a STEM-related field with personal mentorship from undergraduate students at MIT. Once the classes and projects are completed, students attend a conference where they present projects and interact with the wider MOSTEC community!
Best for: Rising high school seniors interested in science and engineering looking for a rigorous academic experience
Grades: 11
6. AP Computer Science Java
This live online AP Computer Science Course is a great way to prepare for the AP CSA exams! In the last 10 year, the number of high school students taking the AP CSA exam has grown almost 900%, by far, the fastest growing AP exam. Students will learn how to program in Java, as well as how to use data structures effectively, efficient algorithms, and the ethical implications of modern and theoretical technologies.
Best for: High schoolers looking to prepare for the AP CSA exams, as well as those looking to learn more about Java and strategies used by real software developers.
Grades: 9-12
7. Cloud Computing for Web Apps for Teens
In this program, you will be learning about one of the most fundamental aspects of web development: cloud computing! Students will learn to use Google Cloud Platform and Firebase, eventually creating their own dynamic and interactive online applications. Over the 3-unit course, they will learn about security basics, virtual machines, cloud functions, and even implementations for multiplayer functionality.
Best for: Students that already have some experience with coding that want to learn more about web development!
Grades: 6-12
Free coding bootcamps for high schoolers
If you’re looking for courses that are more cost-efficient, here are some free courses for you to try.
8. Meta’s Engineer for the Week
In these live online Meta’s Engineer of the Week classes, students make fun games while learning the basics of coding! Students also learn about video game development and software engineering, and eventually, they plan out, code, and test a game based upon a social issue they care about. These games and products are reviewed by Meta employees, and they’ll have the chance to be selected to earn a $1000 donation to a charity of their choice.
Best for: Students new to coding that want to make an impact for social good.
Grades: 5-12
Price: Free
9. Python for AI Free Class
This free introduction class is a fun way to for teens to begin mastering this incredibly popular coding language! Students will start out learning basic syntax, as well as fundamental programming tools, such as loops, variables, and functions. From there, students will start learning more about artificial intelligence and key topics that relate to them, including data structures and libraries. By the end of the course, students will have designed and coded their own Python program from the ground up!
Best for: High schoolers that want to learn about the basics of Python and AI.
Grades: 5-12
Price: Free
10. Google Computer Science Summer Institute
Google is one of the biggest companies in the world, and they have many fantastic educational programs at your disposal! This one in particular is an online introduction to Computer Science over the course of a month. Students will engage with a project-based curriculum to prepare high school students for college, as well as weekly developmental workshops. They will also learn about Google’s many different programs and careers.
Best for: Incoming college freshman looking to prepare for a collegiate education and engage with a community of fellow learners and experienced software engineers.
Grades: 12
Enjoy the best high school coding camps
Hopefully you found something that sparked your interest in this list! If you're interested in solving real-world problems with computer science, explore our curriculum for high schoolers.
Up next, explore some fun leadership activities for high school students.
Written by Create & Learn instructor Jonah Zimmermann. Jonah has focused on creating and teaching computer science, coding, and STEM curricula for elementary and middle school students. In his free time, he enjoys video games and a good Dungeons and Dragons session with friends!
