As technology continues to shape our world, learning computer science has become an essential skill, even for younger students. Online computer science courses and programs for middle school students provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills in coding, problem-solving, and logical thinking. These programs often come with interactive content, expert instruction, and hands-on projects, making learning engaging and effective.

Participating in an online computer science program gives you the chance to develop a strong foundation in computational thinking, which can benefit your future academic and career paths. It also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, which are all vital skills in today's digital age. The flexibility of online courses makes it easier to learn at your own pace and fit classes into your busy schedules.

In this post, we will explore 8 online computer science opportunities for middle school students. These courses and programs are a mix of free and paid options, including some affiliated with top universities. 

1. CodeWizardsHQ Coding Classes

Cost: $447 (3 payments of $149 per course)

Location: Online

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Year-round enrollment

Eligibility: Open to middle school students (grades 6-8) with clear basics of Python

Credits Awarded: Progress report cards and skill certificates

CodeWizardsHQ provides live, instructor-led coding classes tailored specifically for middle school students. The courses cover multiple programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript. 

As you advance through the program's Wizard Levels, you will learn Python programming, web development skills, databases & APIs. Each course in the program builds upon the skills taught in previous courses, guiding you on a path of continuous development, retention, and mastery in coding. You will also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, enhancing your coding skills progressively.

2. Harvard University CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

Cost: Free 

Location: Online

Application Deadline: Rolling 

Program Dates: 11 weeks | Self-paced 

Eligibility: Open to middle school students

Credits Awarded: Audit for free or get a verified certificate for $219

Harvard’s CS50: Introduction to Computer Science program is a comprehensive program that’s open to anyone, including middle school students. During the program, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of computer science, including topics like data structures, algorithms, software engineering, and web development. 

As a participant, you will be able to participate in engaging lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and challenging problem sets and cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Toward the end of the program, you will work on a project where you will develop your own software application. However, keep in mind that while it is free to audit the program, you will have to pay a sum to receive a verified certificate.

3. Scratch Online Programming Classes (MIT)

Cost: Free

Location: Online

Application Deadline: None

Program Dates: Self-paced

Eligibility: Open to all students, ideally those in middle school

Credits Awarded: None

MIT's Scratch programming platform is an excellent introduction to computer science for middle school students. It provides a fun, interactive environment where students can create animations, games, and stories using visual coding blocks. 

Scratch is the largest coding community for children, featuring a user-friendly visual programming language that enables young creators to build digital stories, games, and animations. The platform encourages computational thinking and problem-solving skills, promotes creative teaching and learning, and supports self-expression and collaboration.

4. Codecademy – Computer Science Path

Cost: Free for Basic | Pro starts at $19.99/month

Location: Online

Application Deadline: None

Program Dates: Self-paced

Eligibility: Open to middle school students and above

Credits Awarded: Certification upon completion (Pro version)

Codecademy’s Computer Science Path offers a structured curriculum that includes topics like Python programming, data structures, and algorithms. As a middle school student, you can progress through interactive lessons at your own pace and build a strong foundation in coding. 

This program is ideal for you if you’re a beginner interested in the fundamentals of computer science. With a total of 75 hours to complete and 36 projects included, it offers a flexible and accessible approach to learning. There are no prerequisites, making it perfect for middle school students looking to study computer science or enhance their theoretical knowledge.

5. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Girls Who Code

Cost: Free 

Location: Online 

Application Deadline: TBA 

Program Dates: 6 weeks (tentatively)

Eligibility: Open to female and non-binary students in grades 7 to 11 

Credits Awarded: None

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Girls Who Code program is open to female and non-binary students interested in learning the foundations of computer science from positive female industry professionals and role models. 

As a participant, you will participate in a series of after-school workshops (online or in-person) that encourage collaboration. You will get to participate in hands-on projects that address real-world issues, develop problem-solving skills, and improve your coding knowledge. During the beginner class, you will learn about coding (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) by learning about web development and will even get to create your own website as a project. 

6. Carnegie Mellon University Gelfand Centre’s Middle School Programs

Cost: Varies (scholarships available)

Location: Online

Application Deadline: March (tentatively)

Program Dates: Happens during the summer

Eligibility: Must be middle school students

Credits Awarded: Have to contact the resource person for the respective course

Carnegie Mellon's Gelfand Centre offers several computer and AI-based programs for middle school students and their parents. 

These include the Computer Science STEM Network, which focuses on integrating computer science with various STEM disciplines, and CS Academy, which is designed to introduce students to foundational computer science concepts. The Robotics Academy provides opportunities for hands-on learning through robotics camps, clubs, and competitions, while Girls of Steel Robotics aims to engage young girls in robotics and engineering. Additionally, picoCTF is a cybersecurity competition that challenges students to solve problems using computer science principles, promoting critical thinking and technical skills. 

Each program provides valuable experiences that encourage interest in computer science and artificial intelligence.

7. Khan Academy Computer Programming

Cost: Free

Location: Online

Application Deadline: None

Program Dates: Self-paced

Eligibility: Open to middle school students and above

Credits Awarded: None

Khan Academy's Computer Programming course offers interactive tutorials on JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL, making it an excellent option for middle school students who want to get started with coding. 

By participating in this course, you will learn how to make interactive webpages, be introduced to games & visualization concepts, and more. The platform's self-paced approach allows students to learn and practice at their own speed.

8. Stanford University's Online Pre-Collegiate Computer Science Program

Cost: Varies by course (scholarships available)

Location: Online

Application Deadline: March (tentatively)

Program Dates: This is a summer program; dates vary per course.

Eligibility: Middle and high school students with a strong interest in computer science

Credits Awarded: Not for credit | Certification upon completion

Stanford's pre-collegiate program provides high-quality, advanced-level courses in computer science designed for 8th and 9th-grade middle school students. 

In the Game Design course, you will explore the booming field of interactive entertainment, which generates more revenue than the music and movie industries combined, and build a foundation for a career in gaming. The Introduction to Data Science course will teach you how to leverage technology to understand and analyze data, while the Art, Design, and Technology course will provide hands-on experience in digital and interactive art. The Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence course encourages students to critically examine AI’s role in today's world. If you’re interested in learning about UX/UI, The Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) explores the multidisciplinary field of designing user-friendly technology. 

Each course is tailored for various grade levels, offering a comprehensive introduction to these exciting fields.

Are you looking to start a project or research paper in the field of AI and ML? Consider applying to Veritas AI!

Veritas AI is an AI program designed for high schoolers. It’s founded and run by Harvard graduate students. The program aims to allow students to create unique projects in the field of AI. Participants will get to learn more about AI from researchers and experts and work 1-on-1 with mentors from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more. In just the past year, we’ve had over a thousand students learn with us! You too can apply!

Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!

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