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!
OUR PROGRAMS
Our core business is our weekly after-school programs, run throughout the year. Coding takes practice, and we believe getting kids to code consistently throughout the year is the only way they’ll really learn to code! Our programs are for students at all skill levels, ages 7-18, and progress through a broad array of languages from Scratch to Python, Javascript, Java and much more. Our pricing is monthly and varies depending on the program. We have no equipment charges, no initial fees, and no commitments – we just want you to code! Contact us to set up a free trial and learn more!
Don't forget we run Coding Camps  too, during certain school breaks!
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. Like real trees, our students’ coding journeys are unique from each other, but all require strong foundations and trunks to support their higher, advanced branches. Click on a branch to find out more about some of the focus areas we teach (subject to staff availability).
Spring & Summer Camps
Let's get ready for summer camps! Our camps are run in our school from 9am-3pm Mon-Fri. During lunch we escort them to the close by Trinta park to get outdoors and some exercise. Kids bring their own lunches and water bottles and we'll take care of the rest! Kids code throughout the week then demo their week's creations Friday afternoon along with a FREE Friday Pizza Party lunch for all our camps. What better way to get your kids out of your hair in the summer? And don't forget to take advantage of our EARLY BIRD special $100 OFF by using the code: GET100 at checkout.
(Looking for more details? You can also read more about our main camps.)
Week
Camp
Ages
Price
4/1-4/5 (Spring)
Rise of the Machines Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the bigger buzzwords today, and we're ready to help you tackle it. What is AI? Why is it taking over the world? When will the Terminator come back and take down John Connor?? We'll start out talking about AI use cases and dive into some fundamental algorithms and create some basic AI apps as well.
Ages 9+
$599 $499 (Only 6 Spots left!)
6/24-6/28
Games Are Awesome We'll be using cool drag n' drop languages like Scratch or Snap to create us some cool new and classic games! Aimed at our newbie and novice coders (if you're looking to sign up for two Gaming camps, pls contact us first!).
Ages 8-10
$599 $499 (Only 8 Spots left!)
7/8-7/12
Python Startup We don't have a pet snake for our schools, so we'll settle for introducing you to Python, one of the most popular coding languages today. Start slowly or code fast, this camp is for our intermediate coders – no Python experience necessary!
Ages 10+
$599 $499 (Only 7 Spots left!)
7/15-7/19
WebRox Everything's about the web these days, and that's why Web Rocks! Code with all the base web technologies like HTML/CSS and Javascript, learn how the internet and file transfers work, and get your pages uploaded to our servers for public viewing! Novice or intermediate coders.
Ages 10+
$599 $499
7/22-7/26
Games Are Awesome We'll be using cool drag n' drop languages like Scratch or Snap to create us some cool new and classic games! Aimed at our newbie and novice coders (if you're looking to sign up for two Gaming camps, pls contact us first!).
Ages 8-10
$599 $499
7/29-8/2
Python SUPER Camp This is our Python camp, but we gave it super-powers! On Wednesday, we'll take a field trip using UBERs to the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. We'll talk about how the Uber app works and get to check out ancient to modern computers. Wednesday lunch is included!
Ages 10+
$649 $549
8/5-8/9
Mobile Madness From the day Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone in 2007, smart phones have been slowly taking over all of our worlds. Our Mobile Madness camps gets our intermediate coders introduced to the world of mobile app development by coding mobile apps loaded on an Android-based mobile phone.
Ages 9+
$599 $499 (Only 7 Spots left!)
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." - Parent, 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." - Parent, 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." - Parent, San Mateo
Our Upcoming Events
CIPRIANI Elementary @School Code Class
Description This is our @School Code Class offering for Cipriani Elementary. No need to go anywhere, just grab a snack after school and walk over to your code class. We use much of the same code class curriculum delivered at our own locations. Scratch Code Class is our standard beginner offering using drag n drop and targeted for 3rd-5th grades. Available times and dates below. NOTE: Registration is now open!
Semester 2
Dates: Feb 8th - May 31st
No Class: 2/22, 3/1, 3/15, 4/5,
Location
Room 12
Scratch/Drag n Drop Code Class Day/Time: Fridays at 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Cost: $325 per semester
FOX Elementary @School Code Class
Description This is our @School Code Class offering for Fox Elementary. No need to go anywhere, just grab a snack after school and walk over to your code class. We use much of the same code class curriculum delivered at our own locations. This year we're offering a Beginner I and Beginner II class. Beginner I is our standard beginner offering using drag n drop and targeted for 3rd-5th grades. Beginner II is perfect for those that have taken it last year or the 4th and 5th graders that already have some experience. Available times and dates below. NOTE: Registration is now open!
Semester 1
Dates: Sept. 12th - Jan. 16th
No Class: 11/14, 11/21, 12/19, 12/26, 1/2,
Semester 2
Dates: Feb. 6th - May 29th
No Class: 1/23, 1/30, 2/20, 3/13, 4/3
Location
Room 13 (all classes use the same room)
Beginner I Class (Scratch/Drag n Drop Coding) Day/Time: Wednesdays at 12:30pm - 1:30pm Beginner II Class (Intro. to Python) Day/Time: Wednesdays at 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Cost: $350 per semester
(Auto-enrolled/charged for 2nd semester unless cancelled)
Born and raised in Ukraine, I studied the English and Spanish languages. I made the decision to move to the US at a young age. Over time my passion for teaching and learning grew. I enrolled in a Web Development Coding Bootcamp. Soon after, I found my home with The Coder School for kids. As the General Manager of the San Mateo location, and as someone who understands the challenges with coding, teaching kids the skills I have learned has given me a great sense of pride. As a parent myself, I thrive on my students excitement when they succeed at something they have learned at The Coder School. That is why I am so excited to be at the forefront of teaching these skills to the next generation of tech savvy kids. Feel free to contact me at olga@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!
John Colaneri has taught with theCoderSchool since it opened about 4 years ago. He has several years of experience teaching software in adult training programs.
Amazing coder and great with kids. What a combination!
Deanna Yee has experience ranging from security software for IBM to working in Google's Code Corps helping to teach kids to code. She's also part of the Girls Who Code foundation.
Peter Farrell is our resident celebrity within the Python/Pycon world. He's an acclaimed author of two python books, "Hacking Math with Python" which was his first, and "Math Adventures with Python" due out this Fall. You can purchase them on Amazon and I'm sure he'll sign it if you bring it in. : )
Ryan is a seasoned software professional doing game development. He's been teaching with us for almost 4 years now since we opened rockin' it the whole time.
Victoria is a seasoned computer science instructor. She's been teaching with theCoderSchool for almost 4 years.
Are you a passionate coder? We're always looking for amazing Code Coaches®,
apply today!
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!
Wanna Be A Code Coach®?
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!
theCoderSchool in 3 seconds (or more =)
Summer and Holiday Programs
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!
Code Camps
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!
AP Tutor
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.
Artificial Intelligence
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.
Data Focus
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.
Mobile Development
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.
3D Programming
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.
Algorithms
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!
Bots 'n Hardware
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!
Custom Development
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.
Gaming+
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.
Web Development
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.
Tech Talks
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
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.
Foundational Coding
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.
Code Camp
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!
Code Coaching® PRO
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.
Code Coaching®
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!
Code Coaching® PLUS
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!