7 Free Online Computer Science Courses for High School Students
Are you a high school student looking to dive into the world of computer science? Whether you’re looking to explore a potential career path or simply want to build new skills, enrolling in a computer science course can open doors to many opportunities. What’s even better? You can begin before college — there are free online courses you can access today that help you acquire practical knowledge, develop real-world experience, and strengthen your academic portfolio.
Taking an online course offers flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Free online programs make this opportunity even more accessible, removing financial barriers while providing top-tier education from renowned institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. Covering different aspects of coding, artificial intelligence, and web development, these courses not only prepare you for future academic or career pursuits but also offer valuable certifications that can strengthen your college applications.
Below, we've curated a list of 7 exciting and completely free online computer science courses designed for high school students. These courses offer a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of technology and programming, while also fueling your passion for learning.
MITES Semester is a six-month program that blends rigorous online STEM courses with college preparation. You'll dive deep into two project-based courses, covering subjects like coding, machine learning, or thermodynamics, alongside core topics such as calculus or science writing. The summer phase features synchronous classes (evenings from Monday to Thursday), team projects, and a virtual conference.
As the program transitions into the fall, the focus shifts toward college and career preparation. To fine-tune your college applications, you’ll participate in weekly webinars, mock interviews, and essay reviews. Guidance from admissions counselors and networking opportunities with STEM professionals help prepare you for college. The support continues with peer discussions and mentoring from undergraduates throughout the entire semester.
Program dates: June 16 – December 8 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Applications open in November and close in February.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
2. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week virtual course that trains high school students in essential computer science skills, regardless of prior experience. Throughout the program, you’ll dive into coding and explore fields like game design and user experience (UX) design, learning both beginner and intermediate concepts. Through live virtual classes, you’ll work on step-by-step projects that walk you through the design process, allowing you to build hands-on experience in tech. Sponsored by top companies like MetLife, Bank of America, and Logitech, the program also connects you with industry leaders who share insights about tech careers and the future of the field.
Beyond technical training, SIP emphasizes creating a supportive community where you can connect with other like-minded students. You'll benefit from networking opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to explore the vast world of tech jobs. The program also offers need-based grants and tech support to ensure that financial barriers don’t hinder your participation.
Program Dates: The Summer Immersion Program is two weeks. The 2024 dates were June 14 - 28, July 8 - 19, and July 29 - August 9.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, typically closing in March
Eligibility: Students in 9th - 11th grade who identify as a woman or non-binary.
3. Princeton University’s Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Princeton University’s "Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose" is a free, self-paced online course available through Coursera. The course focuses on teaching fundamental programming concepts using Java, but its lessons go beyond language-specific skills to build a foundation in computational problem-solving. You’ll start with core elements like variables, loops, and arrays, progressing to more advanced topics such as recursion, modular programming, and object-oriented design.
Each section emphasizes coding proficiency and a deeper understanding of how programming plays a critical role in scientific and societal contexts. The course includes video lectures, readings, and programming assignments, and participants can work independently. Participants receive feedback on assignments, but no certification is offered unless they opt for a paid upgrade, which includes graded assessments and a certificate of completion.
Program dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: None; open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all
4. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program – Computer Science Track
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program engages high school students in a fully funded, 12-week research journey under the guidance of PhD-level mentors. During this intensive program, you will work one-on-one with a mentor to explore a cutting-edge topic in computer science, diving deep into areas like algorithms, machine learning, data structures, or software engineering. The program is structured to guide you through every research phase, from selecting a topic and developing a research question to writing a detailed 15-page research paper. Over the course of the program, you’ll participate in nine individual sessions with your mentor and two sessions with a writing coach to refine your ideas and perfect your final paper.
You will also attend five workshops focused on the research process, providing you with essential skills like how to structure an academic paper, conduct literature reviews, and present your findings. The program culminates in the submission of your research paper and a presentation at the Lumiere Research Symposium, where you’ll showcase your work to peers and mentors.
Program Dates: Varies depending on cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions.
Application Deadline: Applications for the Winter session will close on November 24, 2024.
Eligibility: High school seniors from across the globe who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement despite financial hardships are encouraged to apply. There are no specific requirements for GPA, income, or test scores.
MIT's Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python is an ideal starting point for high school students new to programming. The course, part of a two-part series, teaches fundamental computer science concepts through Python 3.5, focusing on computational thinking and problem-solving. Over the course, you’ll dive into Python, learning key topics such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions. You’ll also explore algorithms, data structures, and debugging techniques, which are crucial for building efficient programs.
Throughout the course, you’ll complete hands-on problem sets and exercises that challenge you to write code to solve real-world tasks. As you progress, you'll develop the ability to write and test simple Python programs and get a taste of computational thinking that can be applied in any field. Whether you're aiming to pursue computer science further or just want to gain a new skill, this course offers a robust and flexible introduction to the world of coding.
Program dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to everyone with sufficient knowledge of high school algebra, a passion for mathematics, and prior programming experience
6. Veritas AI
Veritas AI, created and led by Harvard graduate students, offers multiple specialized programs for high school students interested in computer science and artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program provides a great starting point for beginners interested in AI, machine learning, and data science. Over 10 sessions, you'll be introduced to core concepts in AI and data science, and you'll also get hands-on experience by working on real-world projects.
The AI Fellowship offers a deeper, individualized experience for more advanced students. In this program, you'll work 1-on-1 with mentors from leading universities on a personalized research project. A unique aspect of this fellowship is the support from Veritas AI's in-house publication team, which can help you publish your research in high school journals. The fellowship encourages exploration across various fields, allowing you to integrate AI with disciplines like medicine, finance, sports, and environmental science. Financial aid, including full coverage, is available for the AI Scholars program.
Application deadline: Winter cohort: December 1, 2024
Program dates: Vary by session (Winter, Summer, and other cohorts)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. The AI Fellowship requires applicants to either have experience with AI or Python, or have completed the AI Scholars program.
7. Harvard University’s Introduction to Computer Science
Harvard University's Introduction to Computer Science, or CS50x, is a comprehensive course designed to give you a broad understanding of computer science and programming. This self-paced course will teach you key concepts such as abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, security, software engineering, and web development. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with several programming languages, including C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, as well as CSS and HTML. The course’s problem sets draw from real-world fields like biology, cryptography, and gaming, offering practical applications to deepen your understanding.
CS50x is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed while tackling nine problem sets and completing a final project. The project provides an opportunity to apply everything you’ve learned, and you’ll have the chance to present your work to your peers, simulating a real-world development environment. Completing the course with satisfactory scores on all assignments and the final project makes you eligible for a certificate, enhancing your portfolio.
Program dates: 12 weeks, self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling admissions (start anytime)
Eligibility: Open to all with sufficient computer science knowledge
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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