Learn to Code on Your Own
There are so many resources online that students can learn to teach themselves coding or grow their programming skills. We’ve created a collection of resources that you and your child can explore together.
(* indicates websites of special interest to teachers.)
Our Favorite Picks
| Resource | Descriptions | Need an Account | Free | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackbird Code | Learn JavaScript fundamentals by creating games and animations through fun tutorials. | Yes | Yes (can pay for more advanced lessons) | |
| CargoBot | Program games on your iPad (only compatible with iPads) | No | Yes | |
| Code.org* | Learn to code on your own, or in your classroom or club. Play the individual games for free and without an account, or create a free account to access the Code.org labs. | No (will need one to access labs (Sprite Lab, App Lab, etc. | Yes | |
| Codecademy* | For older kids, teens, and advance learners, a website with courses on learning to code in a wide selection of programming languages. | Yes | Yes (can pay for more advanced lessons) | |
| Code Avengers | Offers lesson plans to learn various programming languages for ages 5 - 14, 15+, and Teachers. | No, but we recommend it to save your progress | Yes | |
| Code Kingdoms | Lessons focus game development programming — perfect for Minecraft and Roblox fans! | Yes | No | |
| Code Monkey | A playful way to learn to code with code blocks. | Yes | Yes | |
| Code with Google | Various tools and resouces for students and teachers to learn to code. | Yes, need a Google account | Depends on the resource | |
| Glitch | Learn to build websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as contribute to a design community | Yes | Yes, a free account comes with 1000 of dev time a month | |
| Hopscotch Programming for Kids | Download the app, and learn to code with blocks on your Apple device | Yes | Free to download; need a subscription to use | |
| jsdares | Make games while learning javascript | No | Yes | Khan Academy: Computer Programming | In addition to helping students with science and math, Khan Academy offers lessons on computer programming for a variety of languages. | Optional | Yes |
| Kids Ruby | Downloadable program to learn Ruby programming | Yes | Free to download; need a subscription to use | |
| Kodable* | Programming tutorials for K-5 students | Yes | No | |
| Kodu Game Lab | Create games on PC or Xbox | No, but check download requirements | Yes | |
| MIT App Inventor | Tutorials for designing your own apps. Recommended for older students. | Yes, you need a Google account | Yes | |
| Overview of popular programming languages | Useful resource list for beginner tutorials for different text-based programming languages. Recommended by the Lyndhurst Girls' STEM club. Thanks! | No | Guides are free | |
| Pluralsight + Code School | For advanced learners and adults, assess skills and follow the plan to improve your skills | Yes | Yes | |
| Scratch* | Create games, stories, and animations to share. | Optional; will need an account to save projects and share them. | Yes | |
| Tynker's Hour of Code | Hosted by a website dedicated to teaching kids to code (for a fee), these sample tutorials are free | Optional | Mix of free and paid for content | |
| W3Schools Online Web Tutorials | Learn HTML, CSS, and many more languages by working through a comprehensive reference site. | No | Yes |