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 the form and we will be in touch shortly to tell you more!
Code Coaching®
Code Coaching® is our core philosophy, and what our school is about! We believe that every student is different, and that kids should learn the things they're most interested in, at the speed that works best for them. From game development to Python or Java and beyond, Code Coaching® works for all kids of all ages and skills. Code Coaching® uses a super-small 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio so our students can get the focused attention and customization they need. These 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 Coach. Check out our video for more!App Team
App Team is our premium program that combines our classic Code Coaching® with a Coder Fair 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. App Team 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 Class
Code Class is our entry level program for the novice and younger (ages 8-10) coder. Our Coaches use Scratch or Snap! to teach kids using our project-based game development curriculum. Code Class runs one hour per week at a preset time. Check out our video for more!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!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. Click on our programs below, and be sure to check with us for more details! |
Code Coaching®Our core program teaches a broad array of languages in a customized way, with a 2:1 instructor ratio. |
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App TeamOur premium program combines Code Coaching® with group sessions, and a presentation at our Coder Fairs. |
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Code ClassWe also offer traditional classes in Scratch for our novice, younger coders looking to start more slowly. |
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Coding CampsDuring the summer (and other breaks), we offer weekly camps with a different theme for different ages. |
Foundation
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.
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. Typical platforms we might use to teach some of the languages include CodePen , Trinket, repl.it, and many others.
AI Focus Branch
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 this Coder Branch using any language, from Python all the way to Scratch, focusing more on the algorithm than the language. Our AI Focus Branch is for our advanced students with an already strong grasp of a number of languages and basic algorithms.
Mobile Branch
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 for our most advanced students. Our Mobile Branch is intended for intermediate-advanced students.
Data Focus Branch
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.
Algorithms Branch
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.
3D Games Branch
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.
Custom Branch
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 build a utility app for their community? A data website that tracks storms? A game that their friends play together? Their imagination's the limit in our Custom Branch.
Bots 'n Hardware Branch
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!
Gaming+ 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 PlayCanvas.
Web Dev Branch
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 Cloud 9.
AP Tutor Branch
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.
Tech Talk
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.Our Coder Tree™ Progression
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).
Contact Us
Meet the General Manager
Hi there! My name is Allen and I’m the General Manager of the Coder School San Francisco. I am excited to bring the Coder School to the San Francisco bay area when I was born and raised. My Bachelor’s degree is in Finance and I am a proud alum of San Francisco State University. I remember my first experience with a computer: arguing with my older brother over who could play the original Starcraft game first. It took a week to finally get a chance to play, but I was instantly obsessed with gaming, computers, and technology. Making technology more accessible to children is the biggest reason why we’re opening the Coder School San Francisco. I can’t wait to meet all of you and to help shape the future of your little technologist.
And the Owners
Hi! My name is Jim Shen and I’m the owner at the Coder School San Francisco. My first experience with a computer was learning how to play games on an Apple IIe personal computer. I had to load the games using a cassette tape :) This early passion for gaming matured into a love for all things 3D graphics. After studying at UC San Diego as an Electrical Computer Engineering major, I was fortunate a get a job in the 3D graphics industry during the exciting dot-com era. I started out as a software engineer for Dynamic Pictures and 3Dlabs, then to ATI where I worked on nearly every generation of the Radeon family graphic chips. Most recently, I was a development manager for Advanced Micro Devices where we designed and delivered the memory subsystem on the 3D graphics chips for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360. Now as a parent, I want to share my passion for technology with the next generation. Together, we can build an environment that nurtures curiosity and encourages each child build their passion.
Hello! My name is Lee Hsu, and I’m a co-owner at the Coder School San Francisco. As an edtech teacher and consultant, I’ve taught computer and technology skills to over 700 elementary school students in our San Francisco public schools. It’s been a blast! I love seeing the excitement in a child’s face when she’s completed a slideshow, published a blog to classmates, or created a new animation or computer game from “scratch.” Enrichment programs are a critical part of a child’s overall education. I’ve seen firsthand that computer science education is one of the most pressing needs in our K-12 education system. It’s important not just for STEM careers, but in all areas of our children’s future careers: medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, and government. I’m excited to be part of a dynamic team that will offer next generation coding instruction to the next generation.