Coding is a vital skill in today's digital world, enhancing creativity and boosting university applications. Here we have curated a list of top online coding courses for high school students. These courses will develop technical skills, and problem-solving abilities, and enrich student profiles. Explore our recommendations to kickstart a successful future.
Program focus: Harvard's CS50x, Introduction to Computer Science, is a transformative opportunity to explore the world of computer science and programming. Taught by David J. Malan, this entry-level course teaches students to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Key topics include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and web development, using languages like C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Students tackle problem sets inspired by real-world domains and can earn a certificate upon completion of assignments and a final project. This self-paced course offers a robust understanding of computer science and programming.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 14-18 years old (No prerequisite knowledge required)
Duration: 12 weeks at 6-8 hours per week.
2. Dartmouth, IMTx: C Programming: Getting Started
Program focus: Start coding in C with this beginner-friendly course. Learn the basics of C programming, including variables, loops, and computations, using an in-browser tool with instant feedback. No installation is needed. This course is the first in the C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate program, designed to build your programming skills and open doors to computer engineering careers.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 14-18 years old (No prerequisite knowledge required)
Duration: 5 weeks at 2-4 hours per week.
Program focus: If you’re new to computer science, CS101 is the perfect starting point. This self-paced course breaks down the complexities of computers into simple, interactive lessons that run right in your browser—no software installation required. Explore fundamental concepts like computer hardware, software, digital media, and internet basics. With hands-on experiments in coding and a focus on demystifying how computers work, CS101 makes learning about technology accessible and engaging for everyone. Perfect for beginners, it offers a clear introduction to the world of computer science.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 14- 18 years old
Duration: 6 weeks at 4-6 hrs per week.
Program focus: High school students can kickstart their programming journey with Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python. This beginner-friendly course introduces Python 3.5 and covers essential topics like algorithms, debugging, and data structures. It provides a solid foundation in programming, making it ideal for students who want to explore computer science or prepare for more advanced courses. Whether you’re looking to build practical coding skills or simply gain an early edge for future studies, this course offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the world of programming.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 14-18 years old
Duration: 9 weeks at 14-16 hrs per week.
Program focus: For high school students looking to add a crucial skill to their toolkit, this course on programming with Java is a fantastic choice. Based on Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach, it covers foundational programming concepts like variables, loops, and functions, and introduces object-oriented programming. Designed to give you a broad understanding of computing, this course isn’t just for future scientists or engineers; it’s valuable for anyone in the arts, social sciences, or humanities. Gain essential coding skills that will help you understand the impact of technology and prepare you for various modern computing environments.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 13-18 years old
Duration: 3 weeks at 29 hours per week.
Program focus: High school students from any field can benefit from learning computational thinking, a systematic approach to problem-solving that’s essential for tackling real-world challenges. This course introduces the core principles of computational thinking, teaching you how to develop and analyze algorithms and implement solutions using Python. You’ll learn to create simple programs and understand how computational thinking can be applied beyond computer science to solve data-centric and social impact problems. Join a community of diverse thinkers and discover how this powerful skill can enhance your problem-solving abilities and drive positive change.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 13-18 years old
Duration: 3 weeks at 6 hrs a week.
Program focus: Looking to dive into programming? Code Yourself! from the University of Edinburgh is the perfect course for high school students new to coding. This course offers a hands-on introduction to programming using Python, guiding you through creating your own simple programs and solving problems. You’ll learn fundamental coding concepts and develop practical skills that are useful across various fields. Ideal for students interested in technology or looking to enhance their problem-solving abilities, this course provides a solid foundation in programming and inspires creativity in coding.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 13-18 years old
Duration: 3 weeks at 4 hrs a week.
Program focus: This comprehensive series starts with the basics of Python and gradually introduces more advanced concepts, all designed to make coding accessible and engaging. You'll learn how to write Python programs, handle data, and solve real-world problems. Perfect for beginners, this specialization provides a strong foundation in programming and is a valuable addition to any student’s skill set, whether you're aiming for a career in tech or simply want to enhance your problem-solving abilities.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: 13-18 years old
Duration: 2 months at 10 hours a week.
Program focus: The Joy of Coding offers an engaging introduction to programming for students of all levels. This course emphasizes fun and creativity in coding, allowing you to explore fundamental programming concepts through interactive projects and real-world applications. With a focus on making coding enjoyable and accessible, you'll develop essential skills while tackling interesting challenges and discovering the excitement of creating with code.
Cost: $149 (USD)
Eligibility: 13-18 years old
Dates: June 19- July 31, 2024
Duration: Students are expected to work 6-8 hours per week.
Program focus: Explore the world of software engineering through this hands-on C++ course! You'll build various programs, from classic games like Tic-Tac-Toe to practical applications. Learn key C++ features such as object-oriented programming and memory manipulation while creating projects that apply new concepts. Each module includes interactive practice with Codecademy and real-world projects, like calculating areas or decoding playing card shorthand. Connect with peers through virtual meetings at the start and end of each semester to showcase your work and discuss key insights. The course also awards students 2 high school credits upon completion.
Cost: $1,425
Eligibility: 14-18 year olds (students must have studied Algebra I)
Duration: 6-8 hours of coursework per week; 30-34 weeks to complete the course.
To understand which of these programs is ideal for you, speak to your mentors at OnCourse who will be able to make the most effective recommendations keeping in mind your interests, your current academic standing and your resume. If you are not enrolled with OnCourse, reach out to set up a consultation meeting to understand more about our mentoring programs for students from Grade 8 to Grade 12.
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