Coding is one of the most important and in-demand skills in the modern world. Already as of 2020, over ten million people worked 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. Create with ChatGPT

Through several carefully designed projects, this interactive course helps students understand what ChatGPT is and introduces them to effective ways of using ChatGPT. Find out how to plan a fun trip, code with Scratch, improve your creative writing, and even make your own chatbot - all using ChatGPT. Throughout this course, students will gain an understanding of the power of ChatGPT, what can be expected from working with it, and the ethics of using ChatGPT and AI.

Grades: 5-12

Best for: Learning the latest real-world tools

4. AI Art for Kids

Embark on an exciting creative adventure with our AI Art class, specially crafted for kids! In this dynamic class, your child will not only learn the incredible power of AI art but also will cultivate essential skills such as creativity, imagination, attention to detail, and communication. Students will delve into the mesmerizing world of AI, exploring state of art tools such as Adobe Firefly, Canva, DALL·E-3 by OpenAI, and Runway ML. From abstract compositions to vibrant illustrations, each session will empower your child to experiment with diverse styles and subjects.

Grades: 5-12

Best for: Teens that enjoy art and imagining designs

5. 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

6. 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: 5-12

Best for: Learning how to create websites

7. Modern Website Design with Wix

This live online class for teens 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. Every student will create a portfolio of websites by the end of this class!

Grades: 5-12

Best for: Designing websites fast

8. 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

9. Coding with Roblox Studio in Lua Class

Create your own Roblox games using Roblox Studio with coding. students learn how to build multiplayer games so they can invite their friends to play their games together - which is both fun and motivating. Students will also learn how to build multiplayer games where players interact with in-game characters with some simple intelligence. This class covers beginner through advanced coding concepts such as tables, and fairly complex use of variables and functions.

Grades: 6-12

Best for: Teens interested in game development

10. 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

11. CS Principles

In this Computer Science Principles class, we introduce students to 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. Developed by expert AP computer science educators, the class also meets the requirements for the APCSP exam as defined by the College Board. APCSP is a fairly manageable exam to pass for high school, and even middle school, students who have done a couple of years of coding and have a solid foundational understanding about computer science principles.

Grades: 6-12

Best for: Teens interested in AP Computer Science

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.