Coding For Teens
Coding is a powerful skill for teens, offering the chance to shape the future of technology across industries like gaming, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and even space exploration. Whether it's developing mobile apps, building websites, or creating the next big video game, learning to code gives teens the tools to bring their ideas to life and solve real-world problems. But where should teens start, and which programming languages are best for them? At Create & Learn, we've been teaching teens how to code for years with engaging, expert-designed courses from professionals at Google, Stanford, and MIT. Our award-winning live online classes, from beginner-friendly Python to advanced AP Computer Science, help teens strengthen their creativity, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and prepare for college and exciting careers. Discover how your teen can start coding today!
Coding For Teens
Build your teen's curiosity and passion for computer science with free coding classes. Our free teen introduction classes provide an engaging and fun way for students to explore programming and start building their tech skills with the help of a live expert instructor.
Best starting point for middle school beginners
Accelerated Scratch - Intro to Coding for Teens
Grades 5-10
Best starting point for high school beginners
Free Intro to Python Coding
Grades 5-10
Best for teens with coding experience
Beginner Roblox Game Coding - Free Intro
Grades 3-8
Best for teens interested in new technology
AI Explorers - Introduction (free event)
Grades 4-9
Awards And Recognition
Explore Recommended Teen Coding Pathways
We recommend all middle school students begin by learning Scratch coding with our Accelerated Scratch class. Designed by MIT, Scratch coding is a wonderful first programming language for teens that introduces students to coding concepts in a fun, visual way. With its drag-and-drop interface, teens can easily create animations, games, and interactive stories, and get the thrill of seeing their ideas quickly come to life, without needing to write complex code.
If your student is in high school and just starting off with coding, Python is a great place to start. It's beginner-friendly, but can still be used for advanced (or even professional) programming. Our Python For AI class series teaches all the important coding concepts. Python is incredibly powerful and widely used in fields such as artificial intelligence, web development, game design, and data science.
For teens interested in computer science, but not specifically coding, it's best to begin based on their unique interests. For example, AI Explorers for teens interested in cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, and digital design can be a great starting point if your teen likes art.
As your teen progresses with their computer science skills, we recommend following the curriculum for their grade level. Complete the foundation classes series first, choose intermediate classes (such as Minecraft modding, Roblox coding, and robotics) based on their interests, and pursue advanced classes (such as Cloud Computing and AP Java) for ambitious learners eager to secure internships or stand out on college applications.
Explore Foundation Coding For Teens Classes
| Live Online Classes | Best For Grades | Class Highlights | Subject | Type of Coding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Accelerated Scratch (Free Intro Available!) | 5-9 | Fast-paced introduction to coding using Scratch: build games, stories, and animations. Recommended for all middle-school beginner coders. | Scratch coding | Block coding |
 | Python for AI (Free Intro Available!) | 5-12 | Learn the most popular programming language in the real world, with focus on AI. Python is also the most suitable text-based coding language for students. | Python | Text-based |
 | Mobile Coding for Apps and Games | 5-10 | Create fun mobile apps and games with Thunkable, a powerful yet easy-to-use platform. Explore advanced topics such as cloud computing and networking. | Game development | |
 | Create with ChatGPT | 4-8 | Explore the power of ChatGPT, learn how it works, and create your own ChatBot with code. | Artificial intelligence | |
 | Beginner Roblox Game Coding (Free Intro Available!) | 4-9 | Learn essentials of how to code for Roblox and create fun Roblox games using a platform that is friendly for elementary and middle school students. | Robotics | Block coding |
 | AI Explorers (Free Intro Available!) | 4-7 | Explore broad AI applications such as computer vision, language, and art, as well as the underlying technologies. | Artificial intelligence | |
 | Canva for Kids: Design, Video Creation, AI Art | 4-8 | Create beautiful graphic designs and videos in Canva with assistance from AI. Bring your imagination to life. | Digital design | |
 | Robotics & Smart Devices: Arduino for Kids | 4-9 | Learn to design circuits and code Arduino to create electronic projects like smart sensors, motor controls, and more, that are essential for robotics and smart homes. | Robotics |
Award-Winning Education
Featured by Minecraft Education, Code.org, Meta, Roblox Education, ActivityHero, and more.
Very Small Group Classes
Enjoy personalized attention from your teacher with just 3-5 students per class.
Expert Teachers
Less than 5% of teacher candidates are selected as instructors, and our state-of-the-art technology ensures on-going quality.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Have fun learning computer science. Find the perfect class, or get a full refund.
Why Online Classes Are The Best Way For Teens To Learn Coding
Downloading an app, sorting through YouTube videos, and buying books for your teen are all great ways for students to learn coding. However you've probably encouraged your child to do this before, and maybe they're consistent for a few days, and then eventually drop it.
There are many resources and platforms where your middle or high schooler can get information and knowledge about how to code for free. But what happens if they get stuck on a line of code, learn outdated information, or find all it too overwhelming or confusing? They probably won't stick with coding, and they might never want to return to it. The opportunity to foster their passion for computer science might flash by in the blink of an eye!
As the chart below reveals, there are many options for learning to code for teens. Live online classes offer some of the most compelling benefits when comparing some key factors such as a curriculum crafted by and instruction from the best experts in the world in the comfort of your home, personalized support, engaging interactivity, and thoughtful learning paths that set students up for success.
| Features | Live Classes | Apps/Platforms | Games | Videos/Books |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Expert Instruction | ||||
| Real-World Applications | ||||
| Accountability | ||||
| Learning Path | ||||
| Interactive Content | ||||
| Instant Personalized Support |
What Is Coding For Teens?
Coding for teens is the process of learning how to build and create using computer programming, turning ideas into reality through apps, websites, games, and more. By learning coding languages such as Python, Java, HTML/CSS, C++, and JavaScript, teens can develop bring their ideas to life while building essential life skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Coding also helps teens prepare for the future by giving them a competitive edge for internships, tech competitions, and college applications.
With technology playing a crucial role in nearly every industry, learning coding equips teens with the tools to become future innovators in fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development, entertainment, healthcare, and beyond.
Explore Popular Coding Subjects For Teens
Does your teen enjoy solving puzzles or building apps?
Python programming’s versatility makes it perfect for teens who want to bring their ideas to life, whether they're interested in game development, automating tasks, or creating cutting-edge AI technology.
Free Intro to Python Coding
Grades 5-10
Data Analytics with Python and Pandas
Grades 5-12
Free Intro to Python Coding
Grades 5-10
Does your teen love playing and dreaming up games?
Many teens enjoy learning game development, like Roblox or Unity, bso they can build immersive 3D worlds, design unique characters, and develop their own multiplayer games.
Beginner Roblox Game Coding - Free Intro
Grades 3-8
Intro to Intermediate Minecraft Modding
Grades 4-8
Unity Intro - Install & First Game (Semi-Private Class)
Grades 6-12
Intro to Intermediate Minecraft Modding
Grades 4-8
Beginner Roblox Game Coding - Free Intro
Grades 3-8
Unity Intro - Install & First Game (Semi-Private Class)
Grades 6-12
Does your teen want to start their own business?
Entrepreneurial teens often enjoy learning how to create their own websites and apps, and may even want to pursue data science - as it can give them many insights for growing their business.
Modern Website Design With Wix 1
Grades 5-12
Intro to Building Mobile Apps
Grades 5-10
Data Superpower 1
Grades 4-6
Data Superpower 2 (Storytelling with Data)
Grades 4-7
Intro to Building Mobile Apps
Grades 5-10
Modern Website Design with Wix 2
Grades 5-12
Is your teen interested in pursuing computer science in college?
The AP CSA and AP CSP exams provide a solid foundation, demonstrate commitment to the field, and make students more competitive in college applications.
Computer Science Principles - Core
Grades 6-12
Intro to Java Programming (AP CSA Aligned) - Part I
Grades 6-12
Intro to Java Programming (AP CSA Aligned) - Part II
Grades 6-12
Does your teen want to impact the world?
These real-world challenges provide fun opportunities for teens to code to solve social problems in their district and develop games for the National Science Foundation.
Congressional App Challenge (Thunkable)
Grades 6-12
Scratch Mentoring - NSF Game Maker Competition
Grades K-8
Congressional App Challenge (Javascript)
Grades 6-12
Minecraft Mentoring - NSF Game Maker Competition
Grades 2-8
Imagine Your Teen's Future: Coding Careers
Your child could be a Cloud Solutions Developer working on Microsoft Azure, building and maintaining cloud-based applications for businesses. Java is commonly used in building scalable and reliable backend systems.
Imagine being a Gameplay Engineer working on popular games like FIFA or The Sims.
These engineers write the code that controls how characters move, react, and interact with the environment. For example, in FIFA, they code how a soccer player kicks the ball, how the ball curves in mid-air, or how the AI players make decisions during a match.
Or how about being a Data Analyst working on projects like analyzing data from the Mars Rover missions? These analysts write Python code to analyze images sent back from Mars, identifying rocks, craters, or potential signs of water, or they might use Python to process data from sensors that monitor the rover's performance.
Learn Coding For Teens: Projects, Games, And Tutorials
Learn how to make AI chatbot in Python with a fun tutorial for you and your child to walk through step by step!
Learn the basics of Java, how to download and install Java SDK, and follow a simple tutorial for getting started.
Learn about loading and saving data, selecting data, viewing data, and some helpful functions in Pandas.