8 Coding Classes for Middle Schoolers
As the demand for tech skills continues to grow, coding has quickly become one of the most essential skills young learners can acquire. For middle schoolers, coding classes offer an engaging and accessible introduction to programming fundamentals, helping them gain an early advantage in a field that continues to shape our world. But the benefits of coding go beyond just technical knowledge — learning to code also encourages critical thinking, creativity, and resilience, qualities that support academic growth and prepare students for the future.
For those interested in technology, math, science, or creative problem-solving, coding classes provide a hands-on way to explore and expand your skills. Whether it’s through designing games, building apps, or tackling real-world challenges, middle school coding programs are opportunities to innovate and experiment in a supportive environment.
Below are 8 coding classes for middle schoolers, ranging from university-sponsored programs to interactive online platforms, each designed to spark curiosity and build a strong foundation in coding and digital literacy!
1. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes - Introduction to C++
Cost: $3,050 (financial aid available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Program Dates: Session 1: June 17 - June 28, 2024, and Session 2: July 8 - July 19, 2024 (2025 schedule TBA)
Eligibility: 8th–11th graders with basic algebra knowledge
Credits Awarded: No formal credits, but a certificate of completion is provided
Stanford’s Introduction to C++ offers a comprehensive introduction for middle schoolers. This course covers the core concepts of C++ programming, such as basic syntax, data types, expressions, control statements, functions, arrays, searching and sorting algorithms, recursion, file input/output, and abstract data types, as well as the relationship between the compiler and hardware. "Introduction to C++" is aimed at students with no previous programming experience who want to build their confidence in computing before pursuing further studies in computer science.
Students work on programming exercises that demonstrate how C++ is used to solve practical, real-world problems, building confidence in their ability to approach technical challenges. This introductory course prepares students for further studies in computer science and software development, helping them build foundational skills they can expand in high school and beyond.
Cost: $1,990 (need-based financial aid available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024, for the Winter Cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year, including Summer, Spring, and Winter sessions
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8)
Credits Awarded: No credits, but students receive a certificate of achievement
Veritas AI’s Trailblazers is an online program for middle school students interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Participants learn Python programming and explore key AI concepts through hands-on projects, including image recognition, data visualization, and game design. T
The curriculum also delves into complex topics like image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics, combining live instruction with individual mentoring to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Veritas AI Trailblazers provides an engaging platform for young learners to develop coding skills and gain foundational knowledge in AI, preparing them for future studies in technology and computer science.
3. Code.org - for Middle School
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Year-round sessions available
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-8
Credits Awarded: No formal credits, certificate provided upon completion
Code.org provides middle school students with a free introduction to coding through interactive lessons and projects. The program encourages students to create their own interactive stories, games, and animations, applying coding concepts in practical, engaging ways. Students can choose from various modules, including Game Lab, Turtle Programming, and Event-Driven Programming, allowing them to tailor their learning experience to their interests.
These self-paced modules provide a solid foundation in coding, encouraging middle school students to explore technology creatively and develop essential problem-solving skills. Code.org's Middle School Curriculum provides an accessible and engaging platform for young learners to develop foundational coding skills, preparing them for future studies in computer science.
4. Scratch Programming for Kids - Creative Coding for Middle School
Cost: $300
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Open enrollment with year-round availability
Program Dates: Year-round sessions available
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-8
Credits Awarded: No formal credits, certificate provided upon completion
Scratch Programming for Kids offers middle school students a fun and engaging platform to learn coding. Using Scratch, a block-based visual programming language developed by MIT, students learn the basics of programming logic, game design, and storytelling, enabling them to create animated stories, games, and interactive art.
The Scratch platform provides a user-friendly interface where students can drag and drop code blocks to build their projects, aiming to make coding more accessible and fun. Students can share their projects with the Scratch online community, receive feedback, and collaborate with peers worldwide.
5. iD Tech - Coding and Game Design for Middle Schoolers
Cost: Starting at $999 (financial aid available)
Location: Online and various U.S. campus locations
Application Deadline: Varies by session; early application is recommended
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available during the summer; specific dates to be announced for 2025
Eligibility: Students aged 11-16; no prior coding experience required
Credits Awarded: Certificate of completion
iD Tech’s JavaScript Coding & Game Design (Middle School Edition) course covers coding essentials through game creation. This 2-week program focuses on teaching JavaScript, a fundamental language used in 95% of all websites worldwide, providing a strong foundation for future studies in computer science.
Students begin by exploring coding and game design using JavaScript and HTML in p5.js, a JavaScript library that makes coding accessible and fun. The course covers essential programming concepts, including variables, loops, and functions, as well as game mechanics and design principles. The program offers small-group, online sessions with experienced instructors.
6. Tynker - Coding for Kids: Game Development
Cost: Subscription-based; pricing varies depending on the selected plan
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Open enrollment with year-round availability
Program Dates: Year-round sessions available
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 7-17
Credits Awarded: No formal credits
Tynker’s Coding for Kids program teaches middle school students how to create their own games using a blend of block-based and text-based programming languages. Through interactive lessons and projects, students learn game design principles, animation, and programming concepts, enabling them to bring their creative ideas to life. Tynker offers a range of courses, including icon-based coding for young pre-readers, block-based coding for beginners, and advanced courses in Python, JavaScript, data science, art, and image processing.
The platform features user-friendly tools such as code editors, paint editors, animation tools, physics engines, game builders, character creators, 3D modeling, Minecraft synthesizers, and turtle pen tools, making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable. Subscription options are available quarterly, yearly, and for lifetime access, with plans that include access for up to three children.
7. National Computer Camp (NCC)
Cost:
Residential Camp: $1,350 per week (limited $200 per week scholarships available)
Optional $245.00 per weekend between camp weeks
Day Camp: $1,095 per week (limited $200 per week scholarships available)
Morning Camp: $400 per week (limited $50 per week scholarships available)
Location: Varies annually; for 2025, it is Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, and Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates:
Fairfield University:
July 13 - July 18, 2025
July 20 - July 25, 2025
July 27 - August 1, 2025
Oglethorpe University:
June 15 - June 20, 2025
June 22 - June 27, 2025
Eligibility: Students aged 8-18
Credits Awarded: None
The National Computer Camp (NCC), America’s longest-running computer camp, offers a flexible curriculum. It allows middle schoolers to attend an in-person camp for one week or extend their experience across multiple sessions. Students can choose from a range of subjects such as 2D and 3D video game design, computer programming in languages like Python, Java, and C++, web page design, and software applications. The camp accommodates all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners.
NCC engages students in practical projects that enhance their problem-solving skills and creativity. Activities include designing video games, creating web pages, and developing software applications. To promote a balanced experience, NCC offers an optional sports program, allowing students to participate in recreational activities alongside their computing studies. The camp also boasts a 5:1 camper-to-staff ratio, ensuring personalized instruction and mentorship.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: None
Program Dates: Self-paced, available year-round
Eligibility: Middle school students who identify as female
Credits Awarded: None
Girls Who Code offers a range of free, self-paced Python activities designed to introduce middle school girls to programming. These activities are part of their "Code at Home" initiative, which provides accessible computer science educational resources to students worldwide. You can engage in various projects, such as creating chatbots, visualizing data with graphs, and analyzing datasets to identify trends. These projects include building line, bar, pie, histogram, and scatter plots, with one project specifically focused on analyzing Kickstarter data.
Each activity comes with detailed instructions, sample code, and explanations of key concepts, enabling students to learn independently. The materials are designed to be beginner-friendly, making them suitable for those new to coding. The self-paced nature of the program allows students to progress at their own speed, accommodating different learning styles and schedules.
Bonus Programs
1. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
Cost: $2,400
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: May 12, 2024 (Summer cohort)
Program Dates: 8 weeks starting June 3, 2024 (Summer cohort)
Eligibility: Grades 6-8
Credits Awarded: None
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week mentorship experience where middle school students work one-on-one with scholars from top universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale to explore academic interests and develop a passion project. The program is divided into three phases: weeks 1-4 introduce students to four key topics within their chosen track, weeks 5-6 allow for a focused exploration of a single topic, and weeks 7-8 are dedicated to project implementation. Students receive hands-on guidance from mentors throughout, culminating in a completed project they’re passionate about.
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts available throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Credits Awarded: None
Ladder Internships offers a selective internship program for motivated high school students interested in gaining experience with high-growth start-ups. Interns work remotely with companies across various industries, including tech, AI, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Ladder’s start-ups are dynamic, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. During the internship, participants collaborate closely with managers and a Ladder Coach, handling real-world projects and presenting their work to company leaders. The program also includes personalized one-on-one training in essential skills like communication and time management, along with group training sessions with fellow interns. Each internship lasts around 8 weeks and offers a flexible, remote work environment.
Image Source - Girls Who Code Logo