15 Online Programming Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 7
- 9 min read
Online programming programs for middle school students are great avenues for those who are eager to dive into advanced academics and gain real-world skills in coding and technology. These programs often blend hands-on learning with mentorship from professionals, giving you early exposure to industry tools and practices.
Unlike one-size-fits-all classes, these programs cater to you if you’re ready to tackle rigorous content beyond the typical middle school curriculum. Online programming programs for middle school students are a pretty smart and accessible way for students passionate about programming to test their interests and build a foundation for future STEM opportunities.
With this in mind, we’ve narrowed down our list of the top online programming programs for middle schoolers. Each was selected based on its rigor, networking opportunities, acceptance rate, cost, and affiliation with a highly respected organization.
Here are 15 online programming programs for middle school students!
15 Online Programming Programs for Middle School Students
1. Lumiere Junior Explorer Program — Data Science Tracks
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year; Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort;; Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program offers middle school students in grades 6–8 a chance to take part in a guided online research experience. In this eight-week program, you’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor from a university such as Harvard, MIT, or Oxford. Together, you’ll begin by exploring a broad subject area from fields like artificial intelligence, engineering, psychology, or data science before narrowing your focus to a specific research topic.. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills such as critical thinking, academic writing, and basic research methods. The one-on-one format allows for consistent support as you move through each stage of your project.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts available each year, deadlines vary accordingly
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort type: Summer II cohort - June 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no prior coding experience required
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is an online learning opportunity for middle school students passionate about artificial intelligence. In this program, you’ll learn about key concepts such as AI basics, machine learning, and data science through a combination of lessons and hands-on projects. You’ll have the chance to build simple AI models and look at how AI is applied in everyday contexts. The program also includes group work, giving you experience in collaboration and problem-solving. At the program's end, you’ll present your work in a final showcase. The program also offers financial aid to all accepted students.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,080; purchase of additional materials such as course readers or textbooks may cost $100 extra (scholarships available)
Dates: Session One: June 16–27 | Session Two: July 7–18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
Stanford University’s Online Pre-Collegiate Computer Science programs offer a selection of courses suitable for advanced middle school students, especially those in 8th grade. They allow you to choose topics that match your interests, such as Game Design, Introduction to C++, and Introduction to Java Programming. Other options include courses like Art, Design, and Technology, which focus on how creative thinking can be applied in digital spaces. Each course is structured to help you explore computer science through both academic study and practical projects. Instructors guide you in developing problem-solving skills while encouraging thoughtful engagement with the subject matter.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting from $2,699; Limited scholarships are available
Dates: July 14 — August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Middle school students aged 12–14 years or 15–18 years | Prior knowledge of Python at the level of writing your own functions and accessing libraries via dot-notation
In this three-week virtual program, you’ll work with real-world datasets and build projects such as image classifiers, recommendation systems, and tools for detecting deepfakes, while learning to code in Python. The program is divided into beginner and advanced levels, so you can join a group that matches your experience. Advanced participants explore more complex topics, including convolutional and recurrent neural networks, generative models, and large language models. Throughout the program, you’ll complete several small projects and create a final project based on your interests. You’ll also receive long-term access to video lessons and resources, along with a ‘Data Science Scholar Certificate.’
Location: Virtual
Cost: $575. Need-based financial aid is available.
Dates: October 8 — November 19 (fall), January 28 — March 11 (winter), April 8 — May 20 (spring), or June 24 — August 5
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–8 may qualify by scoring in the 90th percentile or higher on a nationally normed test in the relevant subject OR completing a CTD course in that subject within the past two years OR submitting a report card and teacher recommendation
Northwestern offers online enrichment courses in coding and programming for students interested in exploring advanced topics. The courses offered for grades 6-8 include Aircraft Engineering: The Mechanics of Flight & Aerospace, Machine Learning: Algorithms & Data Science, Programming C++ Honors, and Smart, Smarter, Smartest: Exploring the Future of Artificial Intelligence. They focus on problem-solving and allow you to work at a flexible pace while meeting weekly expectations. You’ll attend two live online sessions and receive regular guidance throughout the course. After completing the program, you’ll get personalized feedback and a final evaluation of your work. The curriculum is flexible with pacing guidance from instructors, where you can explore advanced content in a supportive environment.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,990; partial need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 23 — August 1
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: 8th — 12th grade students who are 13–18 years old
This machine learning bootcamp introduces students to college-level topics in computer science, including programming, artificial intelligence, and data visualization. These areas are explored through real-world applications in fields like medicine, economics, linguistics, and the digital humanities. Early in the program, you’ll study the math behind machine learning, learn how to prepare data, and build your own AI models. You’ll collaborate in groups on midterm and final projects that involve conducting research in machine learning. Your work will lead to a written research paper and a poster presentation at the MehtA+ Machine Learning conference. After completing the bootcamp, you’ll receive a certificate.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by course
Dates: Depending on the course
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Check details here
Eligibility: Students from grades 2 to 12 are eligible; every course has its own grade requirement
If you’re interested in areas like computer science, game design, or web development, CTY provides structured courses that support different experience levels. The Computer Science and Technology offerings include everything from Coding and Creating with Arduino, Creative Coding: Drawing with Python, to Roving Robots: Engineering for Space Missions on Mars for students in grades 6 to 8. Courses are available throughout the year and come in flexible formats, allowing you to learn at a pace that fits your schedule. You’ll also be part of an international group of students with similar academic interests, and you’ll complete hands-on projects designed to build practical skills over time.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None ($299 for certification)
Dates: Self-paced. 5 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Any middle school student interested in computer science can join
Harvard University’s Fundamentals of TinyML is designed for middle and high school students interested in the field of Tiny Machine Learning, which involves running machine learning models on small devices such as sensors and smartphones. In this course, you’ll learn about data collection, deep learning, and training models, as well as how software and hardware work together in AI applications. The program covers both coding skills and systems thinking to help you understand how smart devices process information and make decisions. This course serves as an introduction to Harvard’s TinyML certificate series and is suitable for beginners interested in computer science, engineering, or artificial intelligence.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $399
Dates: Multiple week-long sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Students aged 10–12
iD Tech’s Python Coding 101 course helps you develop fundamental programming and computational thinking skills. During the course, you’ll work on creating logic-based programs and games such as number guessing, mad-libs, or a randomized fortune teller. You will also design an arcade-style game and use Python libraries to add custom graphics. You’ll also import custom sprites and program movement. The program includes live classes, opportunities to collaborate with other students, and time for you to work on projects at your own pace. Upon completion, you’ll receive a transcript that summarizes the skills and topics you covered. Learning Python provides a strong foundation for further study in areas like machine learning.
Location: Virtual | In-person
Cost: None
Dates: Each club has its own academic year timeline
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
GirlsWhoCode Clubs offer free, flexible programs where middle school students can learn programming basics such as loops, conditionals, variables, and functions. Whether the club meets online or in person, you’ll have the chance to work on coding projects alongside mentors and other students. Guided by trained facilitators, you’ll engage with interactive lessons and activities that focus on computer science concepts and community involvement. Clubs are available during the school year and summer, allowing you to participate regardless of your schedule. The curriculum is designed to support a range of skill levels, so you can join whether you’re just starting or want to build on existing knowledge.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $399 + $79 registration fee
Dates: Multiple sessions (June 23–27, July 7–11, or August 25–29)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 8–12
Lavner Education offers week-long camps on a variety of topics, including an App Development Camp that combines live online sessions with collaborative work. In this beginner-level course, you’ll develop programming skills and familiarise yourself with the app creation process. You will learn how to plan, design, code, and publish your own app, which could be a game, photo editor, GPS tool, to-do list, or another type of app. The program focuses on teaching coding skills, logical thinking, and creativity. Throughout the week, you’ll complete several small projects and 1–2 larger projects such as developing a mini golf game, a whack-a-mole game, or a magic 8 ball app.
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Dates: Year-long course
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–10
This program introduces middle school students to basic computer science concepts. The sub-units of the course involve problem solving and computing, web development, interactive animation and games, programming with Music Lab, the design process, data and society, creating apps with devices using Circuit Playground and micro: bit, and AI and machine learning. You’ll learn how to create websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing projects over a year. Lessons include a mix of slides, videos, and assessments to support your learning. By working on practical assignments, you’ll develop problem-solving skills in a hands-on way. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing you to work at your own pace.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $262.80 for 6 sessions
Dates: Multiple upcoming sessions in June, July and August
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–12 who have completed Python for AI Part III or equivalent.
This course introduces you to data science fundamentals using Python and the Pandas library, a tool for data analysis and manipulation. Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to clean, process, and analyze data. ChatGPT is integrated to assist you with debugging, understanding key concepts, and discovering new Pandas features using the AI search engine, which will help you learn faster and deliver more efficient code. The program includes practical exercises that give you hands-on experience. At the end, you’ll complete a capstone project where you apply the skills you’ve developed to a dataset of your choice. You will build a strong foundation for Data Science while learning the exciting combination of Python and Pandas.
Location: Online
Cost: Courses vary in pricing, ranging from $499-$799, depending on the program
Dates: Depending on the course. Check details here
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to all middle school students; course specific eligibility (prior completion of some courses) may apply
CodeWizardsHQ offers live, instructor-led coding classes tailored for middle school students. The program covers programming languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript, progressing through a series of levels called ‘Wizard Levels I, II, and III.’ You’ll start with Python to establish a foundation, then move on to web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and later explore working with databases and APIs. Each course builds on the previous one, allowing you to develop skills through projects that apply what you’ve learned. By completing the series, you’ll be able to create interactive websites and functional applications. The first course requires no prior experience, making it accessible for beginners.
Location: Online
Cost: $995
Dates: Self-paced, but students must complete the course within 180 days upon enrolment
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to everyone with basic computer literacy
UC Berkeley’s Introduction to Computers and Programming offers middle school students a practical introduction to coding and computer systems. Using a Raspberry Pi, you’ll learn how computers use binary to process information, write basic Python programs, and create circuits controlled through GPIO pins. The course covers fundamental topics such as operating systems, computer logic, software development, and the interaction between hardware and software. You’ll also explore areas like AI, robotics, and data communication. The program includes reading materials, discussions, quizzes, and a final exam to help solidify your understanding. This course is designed for students interested in both programming and how computers internally represent information.
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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