Coding is one of the most important and in-demand skills in the modern world. As of 2020, over ten million people work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, and jobs in their fields continue to grow fast! STEM jobs are expected to grow 10.5% between 2020 and 2030 (see our article on stem stats for more information). Online coding classes for teens can help provide a jump start on these crucial skills, all while having fun learning new things.
Join online coding classes for teens
Learn live online from experts, in award-winning classes designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT.
1. Accelerated Scratch
For those who are absolutely new to programming, Scratch is a fantastic tool for learning the fundamental concepts of coding. It uses a block-based coding system, allowing students to visually see how parts of their code interact with the code around it, as well as easily make changes and experiment with different ideas. Accelerated Scratch introduces students to key coding concepts at an accelerated pace and prepares them for more advanced computer science courses.
Grades: 5-9
Best for: Learning coding essentials
2. Python for AI
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, used by major companies like Netflix and Google. It’s also used for web development, game development, machine learning, and more. The Python for AI class teaches the foundational concepts of Python, setting students up for more advanced Python classes, such as AI Creators (see below)!
Grades: 5-9
Best for: Learning coding essentials
3. Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge program is perfect for those who are interested in applying what they’ve learned in programming to the real world. Hosted by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives, it encourages middle school and high school students to create and submit their original apps that solve a district-specific problem. Any student in middle school or high school can submit projects, as long as their congressional district participates. Create & Learn offers classes which bring those interested students together and guide them through the entire process to complete and submit their apps using either JavaScript or Thunkable.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Learning to solve real-world problems with code
4. Build Your Web
Web development is one of the most important skills in the world of computer science right now, as a large number of applications are designed to run within web browsers. Build the Web introduces students to the process of building web pages and understanding how the internet works. Students learn how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a number of projects on the way to becoming well-rounded web developers!
Grades: 5-9
Best for: Learning how to create websites
5. Mobile Coding for Apps and Games
Alongside web development, mobile app development is another incredibly important skill in the modern technology world. In this course, students learn event-driven programming and how to create fun mobile apps from scratch, including UI design, using mobile features such as touch screens and gyroscopes, and more. The class uses a block-based programming platform which is used by many to develop commercial applications in the real world.
Grades: 4-9
Best for: Learning how to create mobile applications
6. Data Science with Python and Pandas
A major use-case for Python programmers is analyzing large amounts of data programmatically. Pandas is a powerful Python library which allows fast and complex analysis and manipulation of data, and it’s an industry standard used by large organizations everywhere. In this course, students will learn the basics of Pandas, practicing with various examples throughout the course, as well as completing a project using a dataset they have identified themselves.
Grades: 5-12
Best for: Learning to solve real-world problems with code
7. AI Creators - Computer Vision
Another major use-case for Python, and one of the most exciting cutting-edge fields in modern computer science, is artificial intelligence! In AI Creators, students are given the opportunity to create simple and practical AI apps. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in coding AI, creating models representative of a variety of data, and more.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Learning about AI
8. Intro to Computational Biology
Scientists all over the world use coding to help them solve problems every day. The field of computational biology bridges the gap between biology and computer science. In Intro to Computational Biology, students learn how Python coding can help understand the world DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Learning to solve real-world problems with code
9. Java Primer with Android
Java is another extremely popular programming language in computer science, due in part to its compatibility with many different devices. The Java Primer with Android class focuses on using Java to create real-world mobile applications using Java. Students learn not just about Java and mobile development concepts, but also how to apply them to actual solutions.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Learning how to create mobile applications
10. Unity Game Development
In the early years of video games, games were often developed by just one or two people. Over the years, game development teams grew to tens or even hundreds of people. However, in recent years, the pendulum has swung back toward the independent developer, and tools like Unity allow solitary developers to create magnificent video games all by themselves! The Unity Game Development course teaches students how to use one of the most popular game engines in the world to create their own games by way of a series of projects over the course of the class.
Grades: 6-12
Best for: Learning game development
Why take online coding classes for teens?
So why take online courses in these subjects? Online courses provide a level of flexibility which in-person courses cannot, and they allow you to learn from the best teachers in comfort of your own home. Online courses also tend to run for shorter periods than traditional in-person classes, which allows students to explore a wider range of topics more quickly.
In the modern world, gaining any amount of programming knowledge can only be helpful. We all rely more and more on our electronic devices, and STEM disciplines are in need of well-educated people ready to make a difference in the world. Studying computer science helps build a great foundation for your resume, and it looks great on college applications!
On top of all of that, programming is fun! It helps exercise creativity and expand the range of your abilities when working with computers. The ability to program a computer to accomplish any task you want is a powerful one, and something that you can use both in your career and in your everyday life.
Learn with the best online coding classes for teens
There’s a ton to explore when it comes to coding for teens. If you’re interested in learning more, you might try checking out our blog post on learning game coding.
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.
