If you’re a high school student, summer offers the ideal opportunity to develop a solid foundation in coding and gain hands-on experience while having fun. In this increasingly technical world, coding school for kids or summer bootcamps rapidly gets students up to speed in weeks. Summer coding classes are your best bet to go beyond the high school computer science curriculum. They offer a more individualized and collaborative learning approach thanks to smaller class sizes and project-based coding challenges to put theory into application.
Are you looking for the best coding bootcamps this summer? Here are some great options presented in random order. We end with questions to help you choose the right coding bootcamp for you.
No matter your level of coding experience, Tufts University’s 2-week coding school for kids will teach you sufficient basics in web development and Python coding to develop mobile apps and web pages. This full-time bootcamp includes daily lectures with guest speakers from top companies like HubSpot and Google, skill-building modules, individual assignments, small group projects, and app development workshops.
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville Campus
Requirements: Entering grades 10-12 or upcoming high school graduate
Thanks to iDTech’s virtual summer coding school for kids, students who know what specific coding skills they want to explore have the freedom. 1-12 week programs include Java, Python, Unity, Adobe, 3D modeling, and more. Through this program, you’ll develop strong STEM skills in coding, design, game development, and robotics, making you highly competitive in the future.
Location: 65+ locations/Online (if you live elsewhere)
Requirements: Grades 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
In just 2 weeks, high school students can learn everything from data science to web development, even with no prior experience at this coding school for kids. NextGen Bootcamp offers a great introduction to specific coding languages, including Java and Phyton. If you already have basic computer skills, you can easily earn a Web Development Summer Certificate. You’ll learn to build basic websites with HTML and CSS, then add more interactivity by learning JavaScript code. It’s a great prep for the AP exam.
Location: Online/In-person in New York City
Requirements: High school and college students are welcome to enroll
At CodeWizardsHQ, high schoolers can complete a year of coding school for kids in one summer, including learning HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python, all online and taught by experienced industry professionals. Just because these programs are accelerated in as little as 3 weeks doesn’t mean they aren’t comprehensive. CodeWizardsHQ provides a structured and progressive coding curriculum that builds on the student’s past learning while preparing them for the future. AP Computer Science Prep likewise prepares students for high school AP courses in the fall.
Location: Online
Requirements: Grades 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
While all the coding school for kids covered above welcome everyone, the next two programs welcome underrepresented groups in the coding industry.
Female high school students reluctant to enter a male-dominated industry now have an opportunity to develop in-demand computer science skills with Girls Who Code. Best of all, you can learn to code this summer for free, taught by industry leaders while growing your sisterhood support system for the future. Choose between a 2-week fast track program in game design or a 6-week program exploring the biggest tech topics today at your own pace.
Location: Online
Requirements: 9th-12th graders and eligible summer alumni
High school students from underrepresented groups who have a passion for technology should join Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute to gain an introduction to computer science and coding, enabling you to pursue tech careers or leadership positions in the industry. In 3 weeks, students learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Google App Engine hands-on with immersive, fun projects while interacting with Google Engineers (it is a Google program, after all). This unique coding school for kids is beneficial if you’re applying to a Historically Black College or University.
Location: Online
Requirements: Outstanding high school seniors from underrepresented groups
Bonus: IT & Technical Courses Online
To choose the coding school for kids that will be the perfect match for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- Can I afford the cost of tuition, including upfront and hidden fees?
- Do I meet the grade/experience requirements for acceptance?
- Will the program dates, times, and overall duration fit my schedule?
- Is the location accessible?
- How will what I learn advance my college and career goals?
You’ve chosen the right program. Now what? You may want additional guidance to help you navigate the college admissions process. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist to learn more.
