Even when booking an online class, shopping locally is a smart idea. It means post-pandemic your child can make a seamless transition to in-person learning and it supports the awesome community of diverse classes and programs here in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
It doesn’t hurt that we’re spoiled for choice here: with plenty of options to get your child started with coding or dive into a specific area of game design, animation, advanced programming, or even coding applied to other subjects, like sports, music, and art.
The Cube School
The Cube School offers virtual, live after-school programs as well as tech camps for kids starting as young as Grade 1. Kids learn a broad range of skills based on STEAM principles. From learning programming languages to designing video games, building with EV3 Lego robotics, circuits, and electronics, kids will be immersed in the world of tech and coding.
CAGIS
If you’ve never heard of the Canadian Association for Girls In Science (CAGIS), it is an award-winning club for girls and gender minority youth ages 7 to 16. Its goal is to support those who are interested in science, technology, trades, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Their CAGIS Virtual program brings STEM into your home with weekly, hands-on, live sessions led by real experts!
Code Ninjas
Kids learn to code by building their own video games at Code Ninjas, which is an international franchise with multiple locations in the GTA. The at-home program, Remote CREATE, allows kids to log on at their convenience and have a blast building games under the guidance and tutelage of Code Senseis. As they progress, kids “level-up”—earning coloured bracelets, much like a martial arts belt system. The curriculum includes JavaScript, LUA, C#, and more.
Techy Kids
TechyKids teaches kids “real” coding—Python, HTML, Java, and Javascript—to set the stage for app building, game creation, web development, and virtual reality. Beginner and advanced level programs, with the option for unlimited access to individual online support.
Kids Code Jeunesse
This bilingual organization works with kids ages 6 to 12 and has a strong focus on teaching kids about artificial intelligence, code, and digital citizenship. They offer online coding workshops, virtual Code Clubs, code-along videos, and coding projects and activities you can try at home.
MakerKids
Weekly virtual classes, daily classes, and private and semi-private classes for Grades 1–8 are offered in three core topics: Minecraft, robotics, and coding.
Brick Works Academy
Lego Mindstorm, Minecraft, and animation are the focus of classes and camps at Brick Works Academy. This fall and winter, Tinkercad, Roblox, and video editing camps are on the schedule, too.
Codezilla
In their live online classes, Codezilla teaches kids aged 8-14 to create a cool video game or dynamic animation each class using the popular and kid-friendly software, Scratch. Kids get the chance to collaborate with other kids and learn code at the same time!
Canada Learning Code
Offering a variety of workshops for teens and kids, Canada Learning Code helps kids learn to use Scratch by making games, creating programs, and even building websites. The classes usually have no prerequisites meaning they are great for all levels of experience.
Steamlabs
At Steamlabs, students are the instigators of their own learning, and seek out knowledge and skills (with the guidance of mentors) in order to imagine, design, and create projects that interest them. They offer camps over the summer, winter, and March Break as well as weekly programs and workshops—all from the comfort of your own home.
IdeaLab Kids
IDEA Lab Kids specializes in programs that merge the principles of STEM and the Arts to create STEAM programming. They cover everything from engineering, coding, science, robotics, and more. They offer camps and class programming.
Alpha Coding
With courses covering JavaScript, Python, Scratch, Minecraft, and even App Invention, Alpha Coding has a wide variety of options when it comes to learning how to code. Their project- and interest-based curriculum keeps kids interested and engaged in lessons.
Exceed Robotics
Robotics, Python and Gaming, and Web Development courses are all available online through Exceed Robotics. For kids starting at 9 years old, Exceed Robotics helps kids build essential skills for their development and work through new learning challenges.
Free DIY Programs
These are free, self-guided activities. Kids may need some parental help getting starting or problem-solving along the way, but did we mention they’re free???
Girls Who Code – Code @ Home
A new themed coding activity is released each week. At this writing, the newest is a code-your-own series where kids work with the free p5.js web editor (JavaScript library) to design a meteor-collecting game.
Scratch
Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively—essential skills for life in the 21st century. It is a free online program that was developed in the MIT Media Lab.
Code.org
Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. You can start a project for free and use their platform to walk through the coding on their platform.
