11 Online Computer Science Courses for High School Students
In the current digital era, computer science has emerged as a crucial subject of study, providing many chances for students to investigate technology, creativity, and problem-solving. An education in computer science provides students with skills that are becoming increasingly valuable in various areas, from coding and app development to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. In addition to gaining technical information, high school students who enroll in these courses develop their critical thinking and creative skills, which will help them in college and their future employment.
There are several advantages to taking computer science courses online. Because of their flexibility, they let students study from the comfort of their homes at their own speed. To keep students interested and motivated, many programs also incorporate interactive elements like peer discussions, coding challenges, and teacher feedback. Online courses are a great method to seek high-quality education without being limited by geography for people with hectic schedules or limited access to in-person programs.
In this blog, we'll look at 11 online computer science courses for high school students, several connected to prestigious colleges. These courses allow students to advance their knowledge of computer science concepts, obtain college credits, and enhance their resumes.
1. Veritas AI
Cost: Starts at $2,290
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Winter cohort: December 1, 2024
Program Dates: Vary by session (Winter, Summer, and other cohorts)
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 (Middle school students with a coding background can apply)
The Veritas AI Fellowship is a prestigious 1:1 mentorship program where high school students work directly with AI and machine learning experts to build a personalized AI project. Guided by researchers and practitioners from top institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Princeton, participants gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technologies while developing projects that reflect their unique interests and goals.
This fellowship is ideal for ambitious students who are serious about advancing their skills in AI. Whether you aim to apply AI to a real-world problem, deepen your understanding of machine learning, or explore AI's potential in fields like healthcare, finance, or environmental science, this program offers the perfect platform.
With 1:1 mentorship, students receive personalized feedback and guidance, ensuring their project development aligns with professional standards and goals. The experience culminates in a comprehensive AI project that demonstrates both technical prowess and creativity—making it an excellent addition to a student’s portfolio or college application.
The Veritas AI Fellowship is highly selective and designed for students ready to challenge themselves and take their AI skills to the next level.
2. Harvard University's CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science
Cost: Free to audit; $219 for a verified certificate
Location: Online (self-paced via edX)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (start anytime)
Program Dates: 11 weeks long (self-paced)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
CS50x is Harvard’s largest course and is an introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming. Designed for students with or without prior programming experience, it is taught by David J. Malan and aims to teach students how to think algorithmically and solve complex problems efficiently. The course covers many topics, including abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. The programming languages include C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
Students engage with problem sets inspired by real-world domains such as biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming, making the course both practical and intellectually stimulating. The course is structured to be self-paced, meaning students can move through the material at their own speed. To earn a certificate, students must complete 9 problem sets and a final project, demonstrating their ability to apply the skills they've learned. CS50x is known for its rigorous curriculum, but the flexibility of the course allows students to fit it into their schedules, making it an ideal option for high school students looking to deepen their understanding of computer science.
3. MIT's 6.0001: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python
Cost: Free to audit; $75 for a verified certificate
Location: Online (via MIT OpenCourseWare or edX)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (start anytime)
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to high school students and beyond
MIT’s 6.0001 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python is designed for students with little or no programming experience. The course aims to give students a strong foundation in computational thinking and problem-solving using Python 3.5. It helps learners, regardless of their major or background, gain confidence in writing simple programs to achieve practical solutions to real-world problems.
The course covers programming fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and abstraction, through a hands-on approach with Python as the primary language. Whether you plan to pursue computer science or just want to acquire a critical skill for other fields, this course offers a solid starting point. The flexibility of the online format allows students to learn at their own pace, making it a great choice for high school students eager to develop coding skills in one of the most widely used languages today.
4. The Coding School: Code Connects - Artificial Intelligence & Big Data
Cost: One-semester course: $995; Two-semester course: $1,195
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (check website for details)
Program Dates:
Semester 1: September 29 - December 14, 2024 (same expected for 2025)
Semester 2: January 12 - April 13, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school students (ages 14-18)
Code Connects: Artificial Intelligence & Big Data at The Coding School offers an immersive experience in the technologies reshaping our world, including Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence. This course is structured around weekly live lectures and interactive labs, allowing students to engage directly with the material.
Each week, students will attend a live lecture led by experienced teaching assistants, and while attendance is mandatory for lab sessions, lectures can be accessed as recordings if needed. Labs are held from Tuesday to Saturday, allowing students to choose a section that fits their schedule.
Homework assignments reinforce weekly concepts, ensuring students have a solid grasp of the material. The course also includes special events, such as guest lectures and research lab tours, enhancing the learning experience with real-world insights. All instruction is conducted live in English, requiring students to have reliable internet access on audio and video-capable devices.
This course not only equips students with foundational knowledge in AI and big data but also fosters a deeper understanding of the future implications of these technologies.
5. Girls Who Code: Summer Programs
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: The Summer Immersion Program is two weeks (June 14-28, July 8-19, and July 29-August 9), while the self-placed program gives you six weeks to complete your course projects.
Eligibility: Students who identify as a woman or non-binary. The SIP is open to 9th - 11th grades, while the self-paced program is open to 9th - 12th graders.
Girls Who Code offers two exciting summer programs to empower high school students, especially those who identify as female, non-binary, or gender nonconforming, to develop vital computer science skills while gaining exposure to the tech industry. These free programs are designed to be accessible and impactful, regardless of previous experience.
In the 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP), participants attend live virtual classes sponsored by major tech companies like MetLife, Bank of America, Logitech, and Synchrony. SIP dives deep into game design, covering beginner to intermediate computer science concepts, UX design fundamentals, and the design process. Students gain hands-on coding experience and interact with professionals in the tech industry. Eligible U.S. students may receive a $300 needs-based grant.
For those seeking more flexibility, the 6-week Self-Paced Program allows students to explore topics such as web development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Participants work independently, learning coding languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. Additionally, they have opportunities to connect with others through live events, creating a sense of community.
Both programs provide an immersive learning environment and the chance to build lasting professional connections, all while preparing students for future careers in tech.
6. Horizon Academic – Data Science and Machine Learning
Cost: Varies by program type, with financial aid available.
Location: Online
Program Dates:
Winter 2024: Starts December 2, 2024
Spring 2025: Starts March 3, 2025
(Lab dates are flexible, but students must apply 4 weeks in advance)
Application Deadline: November 10, 2024, for winter; February 9, 2025, for spring.
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in data science and machine learning
Credits Awarded: No college credits
Horizon Academic's Data Science and Machine Learning course introduces high school students to the powerful tools and concepts driving data science in the modern world. With the growing availability of computational power and large datasets, this field is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to finance, environmental science, and beyond.
In this trimester-long course, students will dive into machine learning techniques, explore the mathematics that underpins them, and gain hands-on experience using Python to apply these techniques to real-world data. Throughout the course, students work on a project where they can either analyze an actual dataset or investigate the mathematical aspects of machine learning algorithms.
This program offers personalized, 1:1 guidance from university professors, ensuring that students receive individualized attention as they develop a college-level research project. It’s a great choice for students passionate about data science who want to refine their academic skills in a structured, research-focused environment.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling basis. Priority applications are typically due by March.
Program Dates: 2-week sessions during Summer 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
Eligibility: Open to girls, gender nonconforming, and trans students between ages 13 and 18.
Credits Awarded: No college credits
Kode With Klossy Camps are free, 2-week coding bootcamps designed to empower students from traditionally underrepresented genders in STEM. The program offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where young women and gender-expansive teens can learn the fundamentals of coding while building a strong community of peers and mentors.
Scholars in the program will dive into one of four exclusive curricula, each focused on a critical aspect of technology:
Web Development
Machine Learning & AI
Mobile App Development
Data Science & Visualization
In addition to technical skills, the camp fosters a sense of community, sparking curiosity, passion, and enthusiasm for the tech world. The program emphasizes inclusivity, and no prior coding experience is required. Participants finish the program with new coding skills and an extensive alumni network to continue their learning journey.
8. NextGen Bootcamp: High School Coding Bootcamps
Cost: $3,695
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (early applications encouraged)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions from June 30 to August 21, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school students; no prior programming experience required
Credits Awarded: Certificate of completion
NextGen Bootcamp offers a Computer Science Summer Certificate Program that offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to programming and data science through live online classes. The program, taught by expert instructors, focuses on mastering programming fundamentals using two popular languages, Java and Python, which are widely taught at schools and universities worldwide.
Students will be guided through beginner and advanced programming concepts over either 6 weeks (with classes running from 10 AM to 1 PM ET) or 4 weeks (with a more intensive schedule from 10 AM to 4 PM ET). The course will also introduce data science and machine learning, providing a solid foundation for students pursuing tech-related college majors or careers.
In addition to programming, students will get a head start on the AP Computer Science Exam and develop skills essential for today's workforce. The program's hands-on approach ensures students actively engage with the material, asking questions and interacting with instructors in real-time during live sessions.
This course is open to beginners, making it ideal for high school students who want to explore programming and data science for the first time. Participants must have access to a Mac or PC, and the program will assist with software setup before classes begin. Upon completion, students will earn a certificate, signaling their proficiency in Java and Python programming.
Cost: $4,000. Financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Typically close around March
Program Dates: 2024 program ran July 8 - 26, 2024
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders
Credits Awarded: Certificate of completion
Stanford AI4ALL is a prestigious three-week summer program that strives to increase diversity in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The program is designed for high school students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, and offers participants the opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of AI through engaging lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities led by professionals in the field.
During the program, students will explore cutting-edge applications of AI in areas like medicine, disaster response, and poverty alleviation. Participants are mentored by AI researchers and engage in stimulating discussions, all while developing practical AI skills through project-based learning.
The program is entirely online, so participants need a computer that supports modern web browsers and software, along with a stable, high-speed internet connection for interactive sessions. A webcam is required for daily classes, and using a USB headset with a microphone is recommended for clear communication during live discussions. Participants should set up a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free workspace to enhance focus and engagement.
10. Beaver Works Summer Institute: Cyber Operations
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Typically close by March
Program Dates: Self-paced; from February to June
Eligibility: High school students with familiarity with Linux and command line interface
Credits Awarded: Certificate of completion
The Beaver Works Summer Institute offers a four-week Computer Security course that provides a comprehensive overview of computing systems and the evolving threats they face. The curriculum starts by exploring the history of computing, from early vacuum tubes to modern systems, and introduces a range of essential cybersecurity topics, including cryptography, networking, software reverse-engineering, and side channels. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on activities to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
The course also examines the application of cybersecurity concepts to nontraditional environments, such as industrial control systems and satellite networks, preparing students for real-world challenges in diverse sectors. A capstone project, which takes place in the final week, allows participants to apply their learning to a complex, practical cybersecurity challenge.
Students must have a working knowledge of the Linux operating system, command-line interface, and a deep interest in cybersecurity. To thrive in this intensive program, curiosity and readiness to explore various security topics are essential.
11. Coursera: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization
Cost: Free to audit; paid certificate option available
Location: Online (University of London via Coursera)
Application Deadline: Open enrollment (self-paced)
Program Dates: Flexible, estimated completion in 13 weeks
Eligibility: High school students and beginners interested in computer science
Credits Awarded: Certificate upon completion (optional, with fee)
The Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization by the University of London, offered through Coursera, covers foundational computer science concepts and programming skills. This specialization consists of three courses: How Computers Work, Introduction to Computer Programming, and Mathematics for Computer Science.
In this course, students go over key topics such as 2D graphics, interactive programming, number bases, sequences, and functions. The specialization also covers mathematical foundations essential for solving problems and developing computational models in computer science.
Students will apply their programming skills in engaging activities, including solving mathematical puzzles, investigating interactive crime-solving applications, and addressing real-world computer science problems. This self-paced program is suitable for high school students interested in exploring computer science at a university level, serving as a strong preparation for advanced studies in the field.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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