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Hello Coders and Coders-to-be! The #1 after-school coding program for ages 7-18 in Silicon Valley is now in the Los Angeles area. With Caltech and JPL just down the street, Pasadena is where the next generation of thinkers, innovators and coders are all gathering.

Whether your coder is brand new to Scratch, already programming distributed code in Python or preparing for the CS AP exam, we can help your coder get to the next level. Unlike other programs, our experienced coaches are trained to tap your student's interest in a fun and innovative way. This unique approach fosters a lifelong passion for building and technology. Our unique program will equip your student with life skills of creativity, critical thinking (logic, breaking complex problems into manageable chunks), and confidence which are valuable for school and any future career. Contact us today to learn more.

theCoderSchool may contact me via text

Watch our video on Who We Are

Code Coaching®

Name: theCoderSchool
Address: 319 S Arroyo Pkwy Suite 5, Pasadena, CA, 91105, US
Telephone: (626)345-5875
Price range: $$$

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!

Coding Lessons for Kids in Pasadena, CA

Coding takes practice, and we believe getting kids to code consistently throughout the year is the only way they'll really learn to code. theCoderSchool has a staff of hundreds of Code Coaches all around the country, so we know a thing or two about mentoring students in computer science. That's why our after-school coding classes for kids revolve around this relationship, providing a long-term mentor in a Code Coach to teach kids to code, from someone who's an expert coder themselves.

Programs at theCoderSchool

Code Coaching®

Our core program for all levels.
Find out more here.

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 most. While Code Coaching is our premium program, we also offer a more traditional Code Class for those looking for either software-driven or static-curriculum teaching in a larger ratio. And during summer and holiday breaks, we offer Coding Camps. When available, programs are offered in both in-person and virtual formats. Contact us 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®. 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

Find Out 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 our students' learning options as they grow and a sampling of some of the topics we teach. Find more details about what kids are learning by checking out our Coder Tree®.

Tracking Progress

See Sample
Student Portal

Our suite of proprietary tools* chart weekly progress by tracking concepts and apps, and longer term progress by identifying skills to build their individual Coder Tree®. Get an idea of our progress tools by clicking through a Sample Student's Student Portal to see for yourself.

* Used by participating locations, check your location for availability

Apps We Build

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!

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

Coding Camps

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

Our Testimonials

"Just awesome! Great program and great ownership! It was a pleasure working with Nicole. She has a heart for the kids and is making an amazing impact!"
Eugene H, Los Angeles
"When I met Nicole and heard what she did and her passion for it, I could hardly wait to sign up. It's been years since I had anything to do with coding, but it's always something that appealed to me. And I found out my granddaughters and my son were equally interested. So, now the four of us--all living in different parts of the country--happily look forward to our weekly sessions and sometimes have some lively discussions between classes going over what we did the previous week! Nicole is always quick to respond when I send questions and totally receptive to input about anything that would make the sessions more relevant to all of us. I am so glad to have found out about this!"
Barbara R, Pasadena
"This is a cool way of learning coding. The teacher makes It is fun and easy to learn while helping everyone stay focused. Learning online is really working for us."
Brian C, Pasadena
"Awesome program. Great way to learn real programming. Our daughter really enjoys it. Good combination of games, physical exercise, and computer training. The online format works well."
Matt T, Los Angeles
"The Coder School is the best kept secret in Pasadena! The Coder School brings new technology and innovation to the children in our community. We attended the Grand Opening and were completely impressed and booked then on the spot. They provide a wide range of programs that cater to a child's individual needs. Since this new crisis they have been able to shift into an online version to continue running their programs. My 11 year-old looks forward to his weekly lessons and is quickly broadening his creativity. The coaches are gentle and caring of the learning of each child. They provide a summary of what was covered after each class, this keeps us parents in the loop of our child's progress!"
Silvia A, Pasadena
"This is a cool way of learning coding. The teacher makes It is fun and easy to learn while helping everyone stay focused. Learning online is really working for us."
Brian C, Pasadena
"Our son had an amazing experience doing one of the Coder School Pasadena's remote game design summer camps this year. He was able to do it from home and we were very impressed with the level of engagement the teachers had with the kids. Everyone was having such a good time! Our son kept working on his games even when camp was over for the day. We overheard him say to his little brother, "
Eden M, Los Angeles
"Our son had an amazing experience doing one of the Coder School Pasadena's remote game design summer camps this year. He was able to do it from home and we were very impressed with the level of engagement the teachers had with the kids. Everyone was having such a good time! Our son kept working on his games even when camp was over for the day. We overheard him say to his little brother, "
Eden M, Los Angeles
"I honestly cannot say enough about the Coder School of Pasadena. The owner, Nicole, is unbelievable. She has gone ABOVE AND BEYOND to create a virtual coding camp that my son (10) finds so incredibly fun, it flies by. He cannot wait to do it. (He does a half-day version.) With Covid-19 we now have something that challenges his mind and entertains him--and we don't have to feel awful that he's watching TV or just playing video games when we need to get work done. Someday we hope he can do the camp in person, but in the meantime the instructors are amazing and my son just loves it so so much. Best money we have spent all summer for SURE! "
Amy D, Los Angeles
"My son is having a wonderful experience at The Coder School Pasadena. The instructors are exceptional. I was skeptical whether an online class could be engaging for him, but he is having a blast and learning a lot. It's a quarantine lifesaver!"
Karin K, Pasadena
"Despite the difficulty of schooling during this time, The Coder School in Pasadena has done an excellent job of reorganizing lessons from on site to online. I like that the lessons are one-on-one and build towards a project geared for the individual student."
Jennifer W, Pasadena
"I honestly cannot say enough about the Coder School of Pasadena. The owner, Nicole, is unbelievable. She has gone ABOVE AND BEYOND to create a virtual coding camp that my son (10) finds so incredibly fun, it flies by. He cannot wait to do it. (He does a half-day version.) With Covid-19 we now have something that challenges his mind and entertains him--and we don't have to feel awful that he's watching TV or just playing video games when we need to get work done. Someday we hope he can do the camp in person, but in the meantime the instructors are amazing and my son just loves it so so much. Best money we have spent all summer for SURE! "
Amy D, Los Angeles
"My 11th grader has loved working with his Coder School Pasadena coach. The staff and coach have been so professional, patient, accommodating, resourceful and, more than anything, inspirational. My son has always been interested in technology, but, thanks to these classes, he has been so motivated. He is interested in pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, and the training with The Coder School is helping him build a strong foundation towards this pursuit. Thank you!"
Evelyn S, Sunland
"Awesome program. Great way to learn real programming. Our daughter really enjoys it. Good combination of games, physical exercise, and computer training. The online format works well."
Matt T, Los Angeles
"When I met Nicole and heard what she did and her passion for it, I could hardly wait to sign up. It's been years since I had anything to do with coding, but it's always something that appealed to me. And I found out my granddaughters and my son were equally interested. So, now the four of us--all living in different parts of the country--happily look forward to our weekly sessions and sometimes have some lively discussions between classes going over what we did the previous week! Nicole is always quick to respond when I send questions and totally receptive to input about anything that would make the sessions more relevant to all of us. I am so glad to have found out about this!"
Barbara R, Pasadena
"I can't speak highly enough about The Coder School. My 10-year-old niece was indicating some interest and aptitude in computer technology. Being technology Luddites, her parents and I were totally clueless on what to do to support her. That's when I found The Coder School. She just loves it! Every week, she looks forward to her class (now remote) with her coach. The classes are tailored just for her and coach Cindy is super encouraging. She's learning computer programming in a fun and supportive environment, but she is also learning other important life skills that she will serve her well in the future. The school is super responsive to our needs - we were once late to class and they contacted us and then tacked time on at the end. Thank you Coder School Pasadena!"
Melissa W, Pasadena
"Despite the difficulty of schooling during this time, The Coder School in Pasadena has done an excellent job of reorganizing lessons from on site to online. I like that the lessons are one-on-one and build towards a project geared for the individual student."
Jennifer W, Pasadena
"Nicole is absolutely wonderful. She's on top of any issue that may arise and is just delightful to communicate with. Cindy (Instructor) has all the patients in the world. Pushes you to use your brain. If you're stuck, she knows how to nudge you in the right direction to get you to the correct answer. Lovely to work with and learn from. Strongly recommend them, if you or your child are interested in learning Python."
Briyona D, Pasadena
"Nicole is absolutely wonderful. She's on top of any issue that may arise and is just delightful to communicate with. Cindy (Instructor) has all the patients in the world. Pushes you to use your brain. If you're stuck, she knows how to nudge you in the right direction to get you to the correct answer. Lovely to work with and learn from. Strongly recommend them, if you or your child are interested in learning Python."
Briyona D, Pasadena
"My son is having a wonderful experience at The Coder School Pasadena. The instructors are exceptional. I was skeptical whether an online class could be engaging for him, but he is having a blast and learning a lot. It's a quarantine lifesaver!"
Karin K, Pasadena
"My 11th grader has loved working with his Coder School Pasadena coach. The staff and coach have been so professional, patient, accommodating, resourceful and, more than anything, inspirational. My son has always been interested in technology, but, thanks to these classes, he has been so motivated. He is interested in pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, and the training with The Coder School is helping him build a strong foundation towards this pursuit. Thank you!"
Evelyn S, Sunland
"Just awesome! Great program and great ownership! It was a pleasure working with Nicole. She has a heart for the kids and is making an amazing impact!"
Eugene H, Los Angeles
"I can't speak highly enough about The Coder School. My 10-year-old niece was indicating some interest and aptitude in computer technology. Being technology Luddites, her parents and I were totally clueless on what to do to support her. That's when I found The Coder School. She just loves it! Every week, she looks forward to her class (now remote) with her coach. The classes are tailored just for her and coach Cindy is super encouraging. She's learning computer programming in a fun and supportive environment, but she is also learning other important life skills that she will serve her well in the future. The school is super responsive to our needs - we were once late to class and they contacted us and then tacked time on at the end. Thank you Coder School Pasadena!"
Melissa W, Pasadena
"The Coder School is the best kept secret in Pasadena! The Coder School brings new technology and innovation to the children in our community. We attended the Grand Opening and were completely impressed and booked then on the spot. They provide a wide range of programs that cater to a child's individual needs. Since this new crisis they have been able to shift into an online version to continue running their programs. My 11 year-old looks forward to his weekly lessons and is quickly broadening his creativity. The coaches are gentle and caring of the learning of each child. They provide a summary of what was covered after each class, this keeps us parents in the loop of our child's progress!"
Silvia A, Pasadena

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

Our Upcoming Events

FREE INTRODUCTORY CODING CLASS

Sign Up for a FREE Introductory Class!

Fill out the form on our homepage and reserve your time! If you have any questions or need a special day and time, call (626) 345-5875 or email: pasadena@thecoderschool.com

CODING PARTIES

Come and celebrate your special day with theCoderSchool Pasadena!

You can join us online or use our space located in downtown Pasadena for a coding party! You supply the cake and we will supply the fun.

The theme can be anything from Dinosaurs to Spider-Man to Encanto, and we can create games, animations, or even an escape room with some coding magic. Great fun for kids ages 7-14.

Pricing: Our 90 minute online or in-person party can have up to 10 guests for a flat rate of $300.

Join us for a memorable time, book your party today! Call (626) 345-5875 or email:pasadena@thecoderschool.com

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS FOR GIRL SCOUTS

Have your Troop earn their "STEM", "Coding For Good", or other Badges by attending a Computer Technology Workshop in-person or on-line over the Internet, from the safety of their own home!

Our 60 to 90-minute coding workshops are designed to help Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes or Seniors earn each their badges. Each workshop (min 8 students) are at a very affordable cost, starting at only $25 per girl.

Our Code Coaches® will introduce the girls in your troop to the world of coding using a variety of online tools, such as Scratch, a graphical, drag-and-drop coding language that was developed by MIT (for younger girls) or Python and HTML (for older girls). Additionally, we will have the girls read, discuss and sign the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge.

Contact our school for more information and schedule availability for this unique educational opportunity for your troop.

School Info

319 S Arroyo Pkwy Suite 5, Pasadena, CA 91105
At E Del Mar and S Arroyo
(626)345-5875
pasadena@thecoderschool.com
Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Or Choose a Nearby Location

Meet Our Family

Welcome to our school, welcome to your community! We hope you will think of this as your second home -- a place to learn and have fun in a caring and supportive environment! We are Nicole Chang and Denis Fasquelle, wife-husband co-owner team. We are so excited to bring theCoderSchool to the Los Angeles area! We are joined by our two young adult children and two dogs - Chuck the Chihuahua and Pebbles the Pooch. Our son Cyprien studies Product Design and Computer Science at Stanford and our daughter Cybèle studies East Asian Studies at Harvard. A little about us – we come from a family of educators. Nicole grew up in New Haven, CT where her father was a Professor at Yale, and Mom an educator for the talented and gifted. Denis hails from Paris, France where his mother taught music at the Conservatory of Lyon. We have lived abroad much of our lives in Europe and Asia where we were senior business executives and entrepreneurs in the finance, retail, hospitality, and media industries. As parents, we believe in the importance of equipping today’s youth (and yesterday’s youth - we teach adults too!) with the tools they need not only for their personal success and careers, but to change the world and make it a better place for the generations to come. Success involves developing a creative mindset, the ability to think critically, and having confidence — what we call the 3C's. We believe in theCoderSchool philosophy of teaching to code through a personalized entrepreneurial approach, learning in a fun and supportive environment, encouraging self-expression, and fostering a family-oriented community. We hope you will join our community and we look forward to working with you and your children to create an amazing learning environment. If you have any questions, please contact us anytime at pasadena@thecoderschool.com.

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

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.

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!

Does coding require reading?

It definitely requires a little bit of reading and comprehension. Even coding with blocks requires some reading, albeit not as much. More importantly when kids move on to typed languages like Python or Javascript - they have to know how to type! If they can't type, coding typed languages is more than frustrating, often causing kids to quit.

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

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 pasadena@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.

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena, CA

Watch our video on Who We Are

Code Coaching®

Coding Lessons for Kids in Pasadena, CA

Programs at theCoderSchool

Code Coaching®

theCoderSchool System