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San Mateo, CA

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Welcome to theCoderSchool
22 17th Ave,
Across from Safeway

(650)242-1206sanmateo@thecoderschool.com
Hey San Mateo, welcome to theCoderSchool!  Located smack in the middle of some of the best engineering talent and companies in the world, our school has Code Coaches™ and programs ready and waiting to get your next generation ready.

Coder School is a new kind of after school coding program that focuses on the individuality of each student, customizing our teachings depending on their skills and the desires.From graphical languages like Snap or Scratch to more powerful stuff like Python or Javascript and even the advanced coding like Java and C++, we're ready to inspire you and amaze you.  Drop us a line or swing by to find out more!
Book a free trial now!
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Our Philosophy

Looking for coding lessons for kids in San Mateo, CA? We're here to help. We believe every kid is different, so we teach them accordingly. Our expert coders teach our students in a super-small two to one ratio, allowing our Code Coaches to personalize projects built to suit each student. Kids are able to move at their own pace and engage in things that interest them most.

Our Programs

Our coding school's flagship after-school program, Code Coaching, combines a super-small 2:1 teaching ratio with individualized curriculum. Although Code Coaching works from novice to advanced coders, we also offer entry-level classes for those looking for a more traditional class in a larger ratio, as well as @school classes and our ever popular coding camps.

Our System

We're part of a nationwide system of over 65 locations around the country, teaching over 7,000 students every week with the brainpower of 1000+ expert Code Coaches®. Headquartered and founded in Silicon Valley since 2014, we're proud of the impact theCoderSchool has had on communities everywhere. Find out more about Who We Are in our brand video .

How Students Progress

OUR CODER TREE

See our visualization of what kids are learning and a sampling of possibilities.

Learn About
Our Coder Tree

OUR CODER STORY

Find our coding roadmap that goes beyond coding custom apps to building a story for college

Our Coding Camps

From AI to bots, web development to games, we got it all. Our camps stick to a low ratio of around 6:1 and are taught by our expert Code Coaches.

Our Upcoming Events

Code Class: Python Object Oriented Programming and 2D Game Development

theCoderSchool in San Mateo is now proudly announcing code class openings for Python Object Oriented Programming and Game Development. This class is meant for intermediate level coders. We go in depth, learning object oriented programming while also learning the basics of python. Using object oriented programming through Python, students will implement game applications that are text-based as well as graphical 2D type games utilizing pixelpad and pygame.


Class schedule:
Mon 5-6pm (9/9-12/16)
Thur 5-6pm (9/5-12/19)

For questions or registration, please email us at sanmateo@thecoderschool.com or click => Course Syllabus for information about the class.

Code Class: Scratch Game Development

theCoderSchool in San Mateo is now proudly announcing code class openings for Programming Basics and Game Development with Scratch! This class is meant for beginner level coders. Here we explore the world of Scratch and develop games using block code. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of programming such as; control structures, variables, etc. They will also be exposed to key concepts such as; collision detection and basic AI behaviors.


Class schedule:
Mon 4-5pm (9/9-12/16)
Thur 4-5pm (9/5-12/19)

For questions or registration, please email us at sanmateo@thecoderschool.com or click => Course Syllabus for information about the class.

Code Class: Intro to Robotics and Microcontrollers

theCoderSchool in San Mateo is now proudly announcing code class openings for Robotics w/ Arduino and Raspberry Pi! This class welcomes intermediate level coders who are interested in Robotics. Here we use C/C++ to control micro-controllers which is one of the main components used in the field of Robotics. In this class, students will also learn the fundamentals of programming micro-controllers which make use of servos, sensors, etc.


Class schedule:
Wed 4:30-5:30pm (9/4-12/18)
Fri 4-5pm (9/6-12/20)

For questions or registration, please email us at sanmateo@thecoderschool.com or click => Course Syllabus for information about the class.

Our Testimonials

  • "My son has been taking coding lessons here since first grade and we love it. At first he was in a class, but he likes to work on his own projects, so we switched him to one-on-one lessons. He has learned an amazing amount of coding very quickly. I like the instructors he has had and I've found them to be responsive and easy to work with when I need to make schedule changes. Learning coding has helped him build confidence and independence, and I'd recommend it for any age."
    Lucy Y., San Mateo
  • "My son has been going to the Coder School San Mateo for three years and has been enjoying it. The project-based approach seems to work for him and keeps him interested in coding...We appreciate the fact that each time right after the session, we will receive a message from the coach with details about the lesson and areas of improvement my son should focus on. Messages like that are very helpful for us. We feel lucky that my son has a coach who is not only knowledgeable in coding but genuinely cares about the well-being of his students."
    Kokil C., San Mateo
  • "Both of my daughters have been taking classes at The Coder School for the past two years. They truly enjoy creating their own games and learning from Olga and Deanna. They have been particularly patient and helpful as we have been sheltered in place!"
    Carla H., San Mateo
  • "The Coder school has been such a great experience for my 9 yr old son- he started from Scratch and now doing Python and enjoys both. The staff at the San Mateo location has been super helpful in terms of flexibility and accommodating personal needs. I've noticed teachers on Zoom giving him personal attention to make sure he understands and finishes his project. Recommend without any reservation."
    Flavia D., San Mateo
  • "My son has been learning at San Mateo Coder school for a few years. They did in person group classes for 2 years and then took 1 year off. He is now doing remote codine 2:1 with his best friend once a week. He really likes the remote class and the semi- private custom class. We have been with Coder school since it opened in San Mateo and we love the services. Olga is excellent and fast with communication. The school hires really good teachers. And it has grown and adapted to the COVID changes well. I highly recommend it."
    Emily F., San Mateo
  • "Olga is a great manager, very nice, friendly, and accommodating. My son works with Deanna who is a perfect fit for him. His interest lies in hardware and electronics and it just took off with Deanna more so than any of the other coders he worked with. She could help merge his hardware interests with coding and now he really looks forward to his sessions. He also loves participating in the coder fairs where he can display his creative projects."
    Steve T., San Mateo
  • "Extremely helpful staff. We love the intimate coaching. My son is learning a lot (scratch, python) and looks forward to each week we are there. Well run and I'd highly recommend."
    Kristina K., San Mateo
  • "My son is really enjoying his class. He’s get personalize attention and sees the benefit of the program through completion of projects. In a short time, he’s already completed several games."
    Maricar P., San Mateo

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Apps We Build

Each year, theCoderSchool partners with the Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide coding contest run by districts of the U.S. Congress. Some of our students have won this prestigious prize, met their U.S. Congressperson, and even flown to DC for the winners event. Take a look at some recent CAC winners from theCoderSchool, or browse through our Live App Gallery to see custom apps our students are building!

School Info

theCoderSchool Logo
22 17th Ave
Across from Safeway
(650)242-1206
sanmateo@thecoderschool.com
Monday: 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

PROUD PARTNERS OF THECongressional App Challenge
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Meet Our Regional & General Manager

Zachary

I like to say that engineering is equal parts art and science. And like any art form, there's always more to learn, more to do, more to see, and more to make. Modern computers are nothing short of masterpieces. They put rockets on the moon and rovers on mars. They place machines in our pockets that instantly connect to the single largest collection of information in human history — the internet. They are found on our desks, and in our cars, and even in our toasters now. They are integral to our society and yet only a few ever get to know how they actually work. I have spent the last decade creating chips, writing software, designing anything and everything and not a day goes by where I regret any second of it. Engineering and computer science are the foundation of not only my career but of my life and I encourage anyone and everyone: try it. Because that was the single best decision of my life. Feel free to contact me at zach@thecoderschool.com.

Meet Our Technical Coordinator

John

Hey there everyone! My name is John and I am the Technical Coordinator of theCoderSchool in San Mateo. I hail from an educational background with experience in tutoring and instructing others from a variety of age ranges. Originally, with a Mathematics background, I achieved a B.S. in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics. I seek to inspire, empower and motivate those who seek knowledge. Initially, I was not a strong programmer or knowledgeable in computer science, so I personally understand how frustrating it is to begin a journey into Software Engineering. Eventually with enough hard work and determination, I am now able to make web applications capable of being launched into production and tell you some of the niddy-gritty details of certain data structures and algorithms, even some of the math behind them. So I make it my personal mission to assist others in their quest to become full-fledged programmers. Even hopefully; future Computer Scientist and Software Engineers. Feel free to contact me with any questions or just to chat at john.sanjose@thecoderschool.com.

Meet Our Senior Coordinator

Cinthia

Hey everyone! My name is Cinthia and I’m the Senior Coordinator at theCoderSchool San Mateo. A little about me- I speak English and Spanish fluently and attended CSM as well as a program here in San Mateo towards an AS degree to become an MRI tech. I grew up in Silicon Valley in the 2000’s so obviously technology had a huge impact on everyone’s lives- I was lucky enough to know how to edit my Myspace profile at the age of 7 with some basic copying & pasting which I later found out was a form of coding. I look forward to working with your children and hope to contribute to their success especially now that the pandemic has shown us how important technology and coding is and how it will impact your children’s futures. Feel free to contact me with any questions at cinthia@thecoderschool.com.

Meet Our Code Coaches® Too!

We've got plenty of Coaches, and tons of Comp Sci experience tucked inside! Who's the best Coach for you? I guess you'll have to come on in for a free trial to find out! Roll over a pic to see if we jotted down their background!
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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!
  • Read about Private+Semi-Private Coaching, Virtual Learning, Coding Classes, Robotics, Python, Scratch, or Video Game Coding
    or check out our general blog or our student blogs

    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? Founded in 2013, we're 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®.

    Got a question? Email us at sanmateo@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.