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Do you have a big test coming up? It’s normal to feel nervous. After all, if test taking were a breeze, they wouldn’t call it a “test.” However, there are ways to increase your confidence… and your chances of scoring a good grade. The best part is that these ideas aren’t difficult to implement at […]
We’ve discussed the endless possibilities that arise from learning to code, and how fun it is to learn. You’ve probably seen the power of coding every day on the internet, in the video games you play, and in the technology segments that play during the news, but maybe you’re still not quite clear of one […]
Learning about coding will give you the tools to make a video game, but did you know playing games can teach you to code? It’s true! While some may simply contain stories inspired by the world of coding, others teach players how to code with problem solving, critical thinking, and of course fun. Ever since […]
Think of your brain as a storage unit. While it grows with every day that passes, it still can only contain so much information at once. When you’re working on something difficult, a lot is required from your brain. So, while you’re struggling to figure out an error you made in a sequence, you don’t […]
The moment you begin your journey into the world of coding, you learn that the computer you use is your best friend. Sure, it can act up sometimes, and the occasional bug or two might make life hard for you, but programming languages are nothing without the machines we need to talk to. That’s why […]
You see it all the time, people running outside and working out at the gym with headphones on. They don’t only want to look cool, they just know that music makes working out significantly better! So, why wouldn’t you take the same approach when working out your mind? Coding is the ultimate mind […]
If you hear a statistic like “58% of parents feel that coding and programming is the most beneficial skill to their child’s future,” you’d assume coding is boring. Let’s be honest, anytime we’re told something is “beneficial” to our future we think of work or something we must do. Coding is one of the few […]
Popular media has given audiences the perception that coders are mega geniuses, sitting in a basement, locked away from the rest of the world as they type away furiously in a stained t-shirt. For the most case, this isn’t true… In all reality, computer programmers and the other people who use coding on […]
Coding can be tiring. There are moments of unmeasurable joy mixed in between moments of confusion, and as a result, feelings of fatigue. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to what you’re eating while you code — what you put in your body could mean the difference between perfect source code or a choppy […]
Technology has always looked good on film, since the days of D.W. Griffith’s Metropolis filmmakers have showcased their vision for the future. Up until the 1980’s, the technology shown on film was from the future, but at some point, our actual technology began to catch up to what was being shown on screen. Pretty […]
Ready to be part of the movement to get kids coding? From computer science majors at top universities to industry veterans at companies like Netflix or Apple, we’re always on the lookout for great coders to coach our students. Are you looking for an amazing, rewarding experience? Do you have some coding chops? Then maybe you have a Code Coach® inside you. Check out our Job Description, then send us your info below!
Code Class is our entry level program, only for newbie coders. In our younger Code Class (ages 7-10), our Coaches use Scratch or Snap! to teach kids using our project-based game development curriculum, in a traditional class-like environment. Our newer offering for older kids, Platform Code Class (ages 10-14), allows kids to follow a curriculum of self-guided platforms at their own pace (including continuing work at home, if desired), with a roaming Code Coach® to help when they get stuck.
This program is geared towards kids who aren’t sure about coding, or parents who prefer the economy option. Static curriculums and software-driven teaching can work in short bursts, but Code Coaching® is always the more effective option.
Both Code Classes typically run one hour per week at a preset time, with a coach-to-student ratio of about 6:1. Check out our video for more!
Our Tech Talks aren’t directly related to heads down coding but instead focus on higher level topics like how the internet works, Internet Safety (required for all our students), or just understanding technology at a high level. From quantum computing to map directions, students can be exposed to these technologies, learning how they shape our lives. Tech Talks are less about the detailed coding, and more about understanding high-level concepts.
Typed languages form the “trunk” of our Coder Tree®. After building on fundamental coding concepts, students begin the journey of learning the constructs of typed languages like Python and Javascript, and later C++, Java or others. Syntax and semi-colons become important and graphical games are harder to come by, making the trunk of our tree a skill that only our more intermediate coders, proficient in typing, can tackle.
From robots to mini-computers, having a physical, tangible product is bound to engage kids at all levels. With platforms like Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey or MakeBlock’s mBot, we can teach kids how to program them and bring them to life. While we don’t typically provide the hardware, we may have some school-owned bots students can use – or students are encouraged to bring in their own!
Code Coaching PLUS is our premium program that combines our classic Code Coaching® with a Coder Fair spotlight presentation every 3-4 months. Kids come in as usual for their one (or two) hour Code Coaching® session as scheduled, but come a second time each week for a group one-hour session to work on their presentations and get together for team-oriented activities. Code Coaching PLUS is for our students aged 10 and up.
Check with your location for the group session times, and check out our explainer video for more!
Code Coaching® is our core philosophy, and what our school is all about! We believe that every student is different, and that kids should learn in the way that works best for each child. How? Our Code Coaches® – they’re the magic sauce! Unlike some coding schools, we don’t just leave the kids in front of a computer, expecting the software to teach them how to code. Nor do we force all kids to go through the same curriculum or projects, regardless of their skills and interests. Instead, our Code Coaches® customize their lessons for each child, and focus on a 2 on 1 mentee-mentor relationship with our kids so our students can get the focused attention they need.
Code Coaching® works for kids of all ages and skill levels, from novice to advanced. From game development to web apps, Python to Java, or even niche technologies like AI and beyond, our Coaches can help your kids achieve their goals.
Sessions run one or two hours a week (your choice), at the same time every week on a schedule that works for both you and our assigned Coach. Check out our video for more info!
Our Code Camps are a great way to spend a school break. Camps are typically one week long, and usually 9am-3pm (check your location for specific times). Each week has a different theme and may be aimed for a specific age group or skill set. Some locations may offer camps during other breaks such as holiday or track-out breaks. For more information, check out our Camps page or our video below!
Our Summer and Holiday Programs are a great way to spend a school break. These special programs are typically one week long, and usually 9am-3pm. Each week has a different theme and may be aimed for a specific age group or skill set. Similar in many ways to our other locations’ camps, you can find lots more about those programs on our national theCoderSchool Camps page. Or check out our national camps video below to get a sense of how our summer and holiday programs run!
In our advanced program, invited students get a chance to boost their coder portfolio by a more targeted private Code Coaching session with advanced apps, required presentations at the Coder Fair, regular opportunities to teach younger coders, and frequent posts to our technical Student Blog page. Contact us for more info about this invite-only program.
Algorithms form the basis of all coding, and in a nutshell are basically the logical processes that a computer follows to perform a task. Basic algorithms are everywhere, starting with our students’ first program that repeats a loop 10 times. More complex algorithms are like logic puzzles, and can be tough for even the most seasoned coders. While algorithms are in all projects we create, we may also use algorithm-specific tools like Coding Bat, Project Euler, and others to hone students’ logic skills. Select schools also participate in theCoderGames, a nation-wide algorithm-oriented coding contest for theCoderSchool students!
Can you believe the first iPhone was released by Steve Jobs in 2007? A few short years later, almost everyone has a smartphone. Our Mobile Branch teaches kids how to create and design apps and websites for the phone. Technologies used may include Phone Gap, App Inventor, or even XCode/Eclipse (Swift or Java) for our most advanced students. Our Mobile Branch is intended for intermediate-advanced students.
Artificial Intelligence is all the rage these days. The technology behind
autonomous cars, computer opponents, and shopping recommendations is a vast and growing field. Because AI is fundamentally based on algorithms (usually very complex ones!), we may teach AI using any language, from Python all the way to Scratch, focusing more on the algorithm than the language. Our AI branch is for our advanced students with an already strong grasp of a number of languages and basic algorithms.
While we’ve never believed that static curriculums are a good way to learn computer science, some folks just need straight tutoring help for their AP Comp Sci course. Usually reserved for high school students taking (or soon taking) AP Comp Sci, our AP Tutor branch consists of tutoring our students straight down the line with the standard AP Comp Sci curriculum, typically in Java. Our AP Tutor branch is best taught in our private 1:1 Code Coaching® program.
As many professional coders know, data is what runs the world these days. From Google to Wikipedia, from maps to shopping, it’s the data underneath that supports all this technology. Programming in data manipulation is just like it sounds – lots of numbers! Because of that, this branch tends to target more advanced kids who aren’t afraid of a lot of math, numbers, and algorithmic coding. We may teach data in any language from Python to Scratch, and for more advanced kids, we may move into SQL databases.
Ever wonder how they make those 3D platform games? Well, it ain’t easy! Our 3D Games Branch will expose kids to the basics of programming in 3D with platforms like PlayCanvas or Unity, using either Javascript or C#. We might also touch upon 3D object rendering (and potentially 3D printing) using programs like Blender. Our 3D Games Branch, while appealing and engaging for all levels, is for advanced students only.
As the name implies, in our Custom Branch, anything is game! Our philosophy is that coding covers such a wide range of topics, it’s impossible to name every one. Will students connect to an RSS feed from the NASA space station? A data website that tracks storms? A game that their friends play together? Their imagination’s the limit in our Custom Branch.
Games are for everyone! Whether we’re talking battle games, social games, or platform games, our Code Coaches® can help students create something fun and playable. Gaming+ covers a wide range of skill levels, from easy games in Scratch to harder games using platforms like PyGame or even a professional 3D gaming engine like Unity.
Everything runs on the web these days, so website development has become a crucial (and useful) skill. Our students use Javascript, HTML, and CSS to create their own webpages, which can be hosted on our servers. While our more novice students begin with straight forward web pages, our advanced Web Dev students might make dynamic websites, using databases or server-side components like PHP or node.js. Our platform of choice depends on our staff, but might range from simple tools like JSFiddle to more complex tools like repl.it.
Like any skill, coding requires a strong foundation. The roots of our Coder Tree® provide the core logic and fundamental coding skills upon which all coding is built. While much of our Foundation is taught by creating projects in Scratch or a similar language, we’ll also use Python and Javascript to continue to grow our Coder Tree® roots. Like a tree, we want our coders’ roots to always grow to support the growing skill branches (and trunk) they’re sure to learn in the future.
Our Code Camps are a great way to spend a school break. Camps are typically one week long, and usually 9am-3pm (check your location for specific times). Each week has a different theme and may be aimed for a specific age group or skill set. Some locations may offer camps during other breaks such as holiday or track-out breaks. For more information, check out our Camps page or our video below!