15 Online Programming Courses for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 19
Learning programming in middle school can give you an early start on skills that are useful both in school and in future careers. Coding builds problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity, while also letting you explore areas like game design, robotics, or web development. Starting early gives you time to figure out what interests you most before you need to make bigger academic or career choices.
Online courses make this especially accessible. They’re flexible, often free or low-cost, and can be done from home on your own schedule. This means you can fit them in alongside schoolwork and other activities, while also practicing at your own pace. Many online programs also connect you with instructors or peers outside your local area, giving you broader exposure to ideas and ways of learning.
To help you explore, we’ve put together a list of 15 online programming courses for middle school students that are both approachable and designed to build a strong foundation in computer science.
15 Online Programming Courses for Middle School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: The program typically runs for 8 weeks, including in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. Apply here.
Eligibility: Middle school students with a strong academic background are eligible to apply
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program (JEP) is an advanced research experience for middle school students interested in programming, computer science, AI, and data science, among others! You will collaborate with PhD mentors from prestigious universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale to develop independent research projects based on your interests. This program emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and independent research, preparing you for academic competitions and future research opportunities. Although this is not a typical course, it is a short, focused program in programming open to middle schoolers.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Weekend Cohort: June 8 — August 10 (Sundays) | Weekday I: June 9 — 20 | Weekday II: July 14 — 25
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines. Apply here.
Eligibility: Ambitious middle school students are eligible to apply
AI Trailblazers is a virtual summer program for middle school students designed to introduce you to artificial intelligence and machine learning through guided, project-based learning. Over 10 weeks, you will build a foundation in Python programming, explore core AI topics such as regression, classification, and image recognition. You will also learn how neural networks operate, culminating in a guided group project.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200 — $240
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 1-4 learners per class
Dates: Once a week for 12 weeks with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
This online course offers an interactive introduction to Python programming for beginners. Spanning 12 live sessions and approximately 10 hours of instruction, the course includes weekly homework and access to automatic class recordings for revision. You will engage in hands-on coding, develop practical projects, and receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing the course. The curriculum covers foundational topics such as setting up Python, variables, input/output, conditionals, loops, collections, functions, and error handling. You will code alongside the instructor, apply logical thinking to complete coding tasks, and build a functional project by the end of the course.
Location: Virtua
Cost: $120 — $140
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 3-9 learners per class
Dates: Once a week for 8 weeks with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students in grades 6 and 7 are eligible to apply
This beginner-level course introduces you to Minecraft modding through block-based coding. It offers a foundational understanding of programming concepts in a fun and engaging environment. You will learn to create custom blocks, tools, weapons, and NPCs, while developing skills that prepare you for more advanced coding in the future. The course emphasizes creativity, allowing you to share your mods and receive informal feedback. This course also integrates computational thinking, a structured problem-solving approach that involves breaking down problems, identifying patterns, using abstraction, and designing algorithms. This prepares students with future-ready skills essential for navigating more complex programming tasks.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200 — $240
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 4-8 learners per class
Dates: Once a week for 10 weeks with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
This online programming course for middle school students offers an introductory exploration of HTML and CSS. It will equip you with the foundational skills needed to design and build your own web pages. Through project-based lessons, you will gain hands-on experience in website structure, design, and formatting, with ample creative freedom to customize your projects. The course includes reinforcement quizzes and review activities to solidify key concepts. As a final project, you will design and present a personal website showcasing the skills you have learned. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $250 — $300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 1-5 learners per class
Dates: Once a week for 12 weeks with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 12—14 years are eligible to apply
This 12-week online course helps you strengthen your understanding of Java programming fundamentals through hands-on activities and project-based lessons. You will build real-world projects, apply problem-solving skills, and develop a deeper grasp of core programming concepts. The course offers an interactive learning experience, where you will actively participate in coding tasks. By the end of the course, you will have completed creative, functional projects and will receive a Certificate of Completion. Mastering Java in this course equips you with future-ready skills essential for careers in game development, app creation, and beyond.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $499. Sibling and military discounts available
Acceptance rate: Open enrollment
Dates: The course runs for 12 weeks with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
This 12-week online course introduces middle school students to core programming concepts through interactive, project-based learning in Python. The curriculum covers variables, data types, lists, loops, conditionals, functions, and user input. It helps you develop a solid foundation in coding. With instructor support available throughout the week, you will commit approximately 2–3 hours per week, including a 55-minute live class and additional practice time. By the end of the course, you will be able to build simple games and interactive programs, with skills that are transferable across languages and problem domains. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $319. Sibling discount is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 8 students
Dates: August 11 — 15
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 12 years and older are eligible to apply. Prior basic text-based coding experience is required
This introductory course offers a comprehensive overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing impact on everyday life. You will explore key milestones in AI history and gain foundational knowledge of Machine Learning (ML) concepts, including the structure of neural networks. While the course does not cover building neural networks, it provides practical experience using AI platforms to train and apply models. You will work with tools such as ChatGPT for tasks such as digital art generation and essay review. You will also write Python code to develop programs that integrate pre-trained AI models. Projects include creating a custom AI chatbot, as well as implementing image and text recognition.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $319. Sibling discount is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 8 students
Dates: August 18 — 22
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 12 years and older are eligible to apply. Completion of AI and Machine Learning: Intro course or equivalent experience is required
This advanced online course builds on foundational knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). It will guide you through more complex topics such as convolutional and recurrent neural networks, regression, classification, and Natural Language Processing. You will explore the practical use of AI tools, including coding assistants and platforms for AI-driven music generation. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with Python libraries such as Matplotlib and Pandas for data analysis, visualization, and statistical modeling. You will gain experience with industry-standard platforms such as TensorFlow and Keras to build and train custom neural networks.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $395.91
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 2-3 students
Dates: 12-day course with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply. Scratch Ninja or Accelerated Scratch class is required. Also suitable for students who have taken Python and/or Javascript classes
This online course introduces you to mobile app development using Thunkable, a professional-grade, block-based programming platform. The course guides you in building engaging apps and games while strengthening your computational thinking and coding skills. You will learn to design user interfaces and handle data inputs and events. You will also learn to integrate mobile device features such as sensors, cameras, and touchscreens. As you progress, you will build more advanced applications involving image recognition, networking, and multi-user functionality. You will also build cloud computing concepts such as cloud variables, data storage, and authentication using platforms such as Airtable and Firebase. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to create a wide range of mobile apps and games.
11. Python for AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $412.80
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 2-5 students
Dates: 16-day course with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
This project-based online course offers middle school students a comprehensive introduction to Python, with a strong focus on its applications in Artificial Intelligence. The course covers core Python concepts alongside AI-relevant topics such as data structures and essential libraries. Designed for learners ready to explore advanced computer science, the small-group format ensures personalized instruction and hands-on learning. A recent addition to the curriculum includes the integration of ChatGPT, enabling you to enhance your learning by debugging code, exploring new concepts, and generating project ideas with AI support.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $395.91
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 2-3 students
Dates: 12-day course with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
This online course offers a comprehensive introduction to Scratch coding, guiding you through beginner to advanced concepts in just 12 sessions. The block-based format helps build a solid foundation in key coding principles and prepares learners for more advanced languages like Python. With a small class size of only three students, the learning experience is highly interactive and personalized. Instructors use an inquiry-based approach, encouraging hands-on creation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. You will build games, stories, and animations while developing core computational thinking skills essential for future computer science learning.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $321.21
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 2-5 students
Dates: 12-day course with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
This beginner Roblox coding online course is ideal for students new to Roblox Studio and game development. Using a block-based approach tailored for young learners, the course introduces core programming concepts such as variables, loops, and if/then logic through engaging, project-based lessons. You will start by building and customizing an Obby game. You will then progress to adding interactivity, cloning game elements, and creating multiplayer features with leaderboards. In later sessions, you will design more advanced games, such as Infinity Run and personalized quiz games, while learning new concepts like messaging. By the end, you will have built several playable games and developed a strong foundation in Roblox coding.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $272.24
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 2-5 students
Dates: 10-day course with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply
This hands-on online course teaches you how to design and build professional-looking websites using Wix, a popular and user-friendly website builder. You will learn how to structure websites, design layouts, choose color schemes, and even create an online store. The online course covers a wide range of web design fundamentals. It is an ideal course if you are interested in showcasing personal projects, supporting school or community initiatives, or helping local businesses and nonprofits. With a project-based approach, you will build a portfolio of websites by the end of the class.
15. Build Your Web
Location: Virtual
Cost: $395.91
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; 2-3 students
Dates: 12-day course with multiple start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Middle school students are eligible to apply. Completion of Scratch Ninja level 3 or Python for AI level 2 or equivalent is required
This online course introduces you to web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while also exploring how the Internet and web technologies work. As the course progresses, you will be introduced to JavaScript and begin building interactive web applications that respond to user input. You will apply these skills to enhance your initial fan sites and create dynamic content. In the final level, you will advance to more complex JavaScript concepts, developing projects such as animations, digital drawings, and simple online games. By the end of the course, you will have built a portfolio of interactive web projects and gained a clear understanding of both web development and the broader Internet ecosystem.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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