theCoderSchool Logo

Gilbert, AZ

⇩ Jump to Section ⇩
Contact
Programs
Camps
School Info
Client Login
Welcome to theCoderSchool

Gilbert, AZ

1435 E Warner Rd, Ste 104, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Between Target and Petco
Map(480)410-7669gilbert@thecoderschool.com
facebook logo twitter logo instagram logo

Hey super-parent! We're happy you're looking for options to get your kids learning to code. It's SUCH an amazing skill to learn and will help your kids in more ways than you can imagine! We're super excited to be bringing Silicon Valley's #1 kids coding program to the area to help your kids get going, so read on and let's get our kids coding!

At theCoderSchool, we want to do more than just teach coding. We want aspiring coders to use their new found passion as a stepping stone to thinking outside the box, as a way to channel their ideas in a creative way and most importantly, to have fun. Interested? Fill out our form and we'll be in touch shortly to tell you more!

Book a free trial now!
theCoderSchool may contact me via text

We'll use your info to contact you about us, but no way we'll give it to anyone else! Check out our privacy policies.

Watch our video on Who We Are

Who is theCoderSchool

Coding Lessons for Kids near Phoenix

We believe coding is an art and a science. Something best taught by an expert mentor sitting right next to our students. Personalized attention goes a long way when learning an advanced subject. That's why our after-school coding lessons for kids revolve around a mentoring relationship with a Code Coach who's not only an expert coder themselves, but an ongoing mentor for our students' tech ambitions even beyond app building.

Programs at theCoderSchool

Our coding school's flagship after-school program, Code Coaching®, combines a super-small 2:1 teaching ratio with individualized curriculum so kids are able to move at their own pace, doing things that interest them the most. While Code Coaching is our premium program, we also offer a Code Class for those looking for a more traditional curriculum-taught class in a larger ratio. Programs are typically in-person, but may be offered virtually as needed. Contact us using the form above to find out more and get a free trial today.

theCoderSchool System

We're part of a nationwide system of passionate owners in over 60 locations around the country, teaching over 6,500 students every week with the brainpower of 1000+ expert Code Coaches®. Headquartered and founded in Silicon Valley, we're proud of the impact theCoderSchool has had on communities everywhere since our brand was founded way back in August of 2014. In short, we know a thing or two about teaching kids to code - so let's get to it!

What Kids Learn

We believe that every student learns in his or her own way, not only in what they want to work on, but how fast and how much. Our Coder Tree® is a visualization of what kids are learning and a sampling of possibilities. We even have a suite of proprietary tools (see a sample Student Portal ) that chart our students' progress, concepts learned, and even activities beyond app-building.

The Coder Story

Every coding student has a unique journey, something we call a Coder Story. Our Coder Story structure helps guide kids along a roadmap of coding possibilities as they explore coding-related activities beyond building custom apps. For those striving to go to college as a Computer Science Major, an advanced Coder Story can help differentiate their application to college admissions boards.

Apps We Build

Congressional App Challenge

Each year, theCoderSchool partners with the Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide coding contest run by districts of the U.S. Congress. Take a look at some recent winners, or ask about our App Gallery to see more apps!

  • Interactive mental health website
    2022 Winner - Pleasanton CA
    Interactive mental health website
  • Scheduling software for busy high schoolers
    2022 Winner - Henderson NV
    Scheduling software for busy high schoolers
  • Website+game to educate on carbon footprint
    2022 Winner - Yorba Linda CA
    Website+game to educate on carbon footprint
  • Help health care workers with code blue
    2021 Winner - Sarasota FL
    Help health care workers with code blue
  • Chat room with built-in AI
    2021 Winner - Buffalo NY
    Chat room with built-in AI
  • Gem collection game in Python
    2021 Winner - Folsom CA
    Gem collection game in Python
  • Education resource for all communities
    2021 Winner - Syosset NY
    Education resource for all communities
  • Drone/AI social distance detection
    2020 Winner - Buffalo NY
    Drone/AI social distance detection
  • Teen job/volunteer matching
    2020 Winner - St Louis MO
    Teen job/volunteer matching
  • 3D Max Game in HTML
    2020 Winner - Folsom CA
    3D Max Game in HTML
  • Note taking for online learning
    2020 Winner - Las Vegas NV
    Note taking for online learning
  • Help make food decisions for health
    2020 Winner - Buffalo NY
    Help make food decisions for health
  • Distribute restaurant leftovers
    2020 Winner - Syosset NY
    Distribute restaurant leftovers

Coding Camps

Sorry, we don't have any upcoming camps listed yet. Check back soon!

Our Testimonials

  • "We love theCoderSchool! My 9 year old son started 1:1 lessons there 6 months ago (he is shy, so I thought 1:1 would be good for him to start with that). He LOVES it!"
    Allison D.
  • "My son loves to go here. He looks forward to it all week. They have great communication and make sure the kids are really engaged ."
    Kaylon P.
  • "Staff is great. They have managed to turn my son's technology obsession into a creative (instead of just observing you tube videos) outlet. Now instead of just watching videos or playing games...he is creating his games."
    Russell H.
  • "My daughter has been going to The Coder School for over five years and absolutely loves it!"
    Nathan W.
  • "Excellent staff, reasonable prices, and most important they make it fun for kids to learn coding. My son is always excited to go back and work on his game."
    Mathew J.
  • "What you have brought [here] is simply amazing! Your coaches are fantastic and I couldn't ask for a better learning environment for my son to do his thing and expand his knowledge!"
    Bonnie D.
  • "My son absolutely loves this coding school! The coaches are fabulous!"
    Lisa A.
  • "I was unsure at first but every time my daughter finishes a class she is excited and happy and looks forward to it every week! Nothing better than incorporating fun with education!"
    Sabari P.

Hey parents, love our school? Give us a review!
yelp review logo google review logo

School Info

theCoderSchool Logo
1435 E Warner Rd, Ste 104, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Between Target and Petco
(480)410-7669
gilbert@thecoderschool.com
Monday: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
theCoderSchool Coach theCoderSchool Writing theCoderSchool Code theCoderSchool Coaching theCoderSchool Fun theCoderSchool With theCoderSchool Coding theCoderSchool Girl theCoderSchool Laughing theCoderSchool Girl theCoderSchool Team theCoderSchool More theCoderSchool Code theCoderSchool Coaching theCoderSchool San theCoderSchool Mateo theCoderSchool School theCoderSchool Team theCoderSchool Coding theCoderSchool Table

Our Schools

Meet our Owner

Rob and Emily Thornock

My name is Emily Thornock, and I am the General Manager and Owner of theCoderSchool Gilbert. As an active Gilbert parent with four children, I know how important those after school hours are. As parents, we want our children to be prepared for a successful and happy future, while our kids just want to have fun in the moment. Why not accomplish both with after school coding classes?

“Learn to code. Change the world.” It isn't just a tagline – it’s the truth! I spent years at a major Public Relations firm in New York working exclusively with technology clients. As a Technology Account Executive, I saw something that connected seemingly disparate products - whether my clients were developing 3D television screens, or connecting home devices like smart fridges and thermostats, or promoting the latest in graphics technology – it all required coding.

I don’t know about you, but my children are very plugged in. Technology is a part of their lives like no generation before them- whether on their laptops in school, or using an iPad/tablet at home, to filming themselves and making movies, to playing video games or watching too much YouTube – screens abound. When my then 9 year old son told me he wanted to be a Youtuber when he grew up, I knew right then we had to change his relationship with technology. I wanted to make technology start working for him.

By learning to code, children study complex ideas using strategy and logic. Their brains are creating new neural pathways and synapses with each coding language they master! The best part is that it doesn’t feel like a class, it feels like they are just creating computer games and Apps with friends.

I am passionate about our kids here in Gilbert and could not be more excited to bring computer coding to our town. I hope you will join us!

We're always looking for great Code Coaches. Shoot us an email with resumé to see if we're a fit!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can coding help kids?

Many folks might think learning to code is so kids can actually code an app. Honestly, that's not usually the case! Coding real-life apps is tough. Despite what the media says, your kid is not writing some million dollar app by themselves in a month. Instead, coding helps kid *solve problems*. Coding is all about debugging and logically thinking through the fix. Breaking a large problem into smaller parts, logical sequencing, these are all important problem solving skills for any kid (or adult!). A second benefit is confidence and passion in technology. There's plenty of time for kids to learn the latest real tech (which changes all the time), but the time to build passion for technology (and a foundational knowledge base) is when they're young!

What is the best coding language to learn as a beginner?

The truth is, Scratch is amazing for a beginner at ANY AGE. If someone is truly a beginner, a platform like Scratch can allow them to create and engage much more quickly. Older kids (say 11 and up) can soon move to a language like Python or Javascript. Just remember that it takes a LOT MORE work to get Python/Javascript to do the same thing as Scratch - so the kids will need some patience. No matter what anyone tells you please DO NOT start learning with Java or C++! Those languages are too advanced to start with, and we've seen it too often - kids will give up because it's so hard! Definition of backfiring!

What is the best age to start coding?

It depends - we think the best age is the age they want to do it! Listen, there's plenty of time to *really* learn to code - there's a reason Comp Sci is a really tough college degree. The important thing in the younger years is to bring out the desire and passion to learn more - that's why at theCoderSchool we customize our projects based on the student's interests and really focus on engagement before learning.

How do I get accepted into a college computer science program?

These days, top colleges are incredibly selective. Learning to code by itself probably won't help you stand out enough. Instead, consider building a unique Coder Story. Can we help? Sure can!

What are the benefits of kids learning to code?

Children of all ages can benefit from learning coding skills, and students who get hands-on experience with computer programming go on to excel in other subjects Coding helps students gain computer proficiency and build real-world problem-solving skills. Exploring technology is essential for computer literacy. Building fundamental coding skills encourages creativity, promotes teamwork, and enhances spatial intelligence and logical thinking skills. Kids of all ages can learn computer science. For teenagers, learning how to code leads to the development of transferable skills that can be applied in future careers or workplaces. If your student is interested in data science or machine learning, a self-paced course in computer programming can help pave their path.

As you and your family consider coding programs, it helps to keep in mind:

  • The age of the student (we can teach kids as young as six)
  • Their individual interests (such as Lego, Roblox, robotics, video game design, or artificial intelligence)
  • Any previous hands-on experience with coding (even exposure to mobile apps or playing with Minecraft counts)
  • Preferred learning style (we offer both flexible and structured curricula and support self-paced learning)
  • Social skills (some students learn best in one-on-one lessons, while others favor teamwork)

    Whether the student wants to explore Minecraft modding in Minecraft camp, is interested in HTML, or wants to learn block-based coding like CSS, our interactive classes provide a great coding experience.

    Can a 6 year old do coding?

    Sure! Kids this young are just developing their sense of logic. While some advanced 6 year olds are ready to dive into learning Scratch, many are better off with fun learning apps like Kodable or Scratch Jr..

    How do kids learn to code?

    Same way adults do! The best way to learn something is to just DO it. It's not about all the theory and fancy words, it's about just doing it over and over again. If you're a parent with a college degree, think back. How much of that theoretical curriculum did you really use in your job? Or did you really learn your job by DOING your job? It's the same with kids, we'll mentor and guide them, but most importantly, we'll get them to code something custom that they want to code!

    Where is the best place to learn coding for kids?

    We're a little bit biased, but we think it's theCoderSchool! There's no better way to learn anything, including coding, than just doing it with a mentor to guide you. Online or in person, our Code Coaches will give you that low-ratio full attention that every kid deserves!
  • Private+Semi-Private Coaching

    Virtual Learning

    Coding Classes

    Robotics

    Python

    Scratch

    Video Game Coding



    What is theCoderSchool? We are an after-school drop-off (and virtual) program for kids learning to code - a coding school! There's after-school kung fu. There's after-school music lessons, sports, art, tutoring, Chinese, you name it, it's out there. But coding classes for kids? We're among the first of many, and the largest in Silicon Valley with more locations on the way around the country. The future will be ever more dependent on technology so let's get our young generation ready. Learn to Code, Change the World®. Check out our Carrollwood, Westerville, and Folsom location or all locations.

    Got a question? Email us at gilbert@thecoderschool.com!

    copyright 2014-2022, the Coder School San Francisco, LLC. All Rights, Alright? Don't forget our privacy policy. Find out who we are or like us on facebook.