One enduring favorite in K-12 classes is coding. Why? For educators, it’s because learning to code teaches essential problem-solving, logical thinking, and computational skills that are difficult to learn in any other class. For students, it’s often the game approach to the lessons as they learn to stretch their brains. The coding program accepted by many as the most student-friendly is Scratch. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has a list of great choices for how to teach students Scratch in creative, fresh ways: 

Best Scratch Coding Classes for Kids: A Teacher’s Guide to the Top Programs

Scratch has become the standard entry point for teaching kids to code, and it’s easy to see why. Developed by MIT, this block-based programming language lets students build games, animations, and interactive stories without getting tripped up by syntax errors. For classroom teachers, tech coordinators, and homeschool parents alike, it’s often the first real introduction students get to computational thinking.

The challenge isn’t whether to teach Scratch — it’s figuring out which program actually delivers a structured, age-appropriate learning experience. Between live instruction, self-paced platforms, and free tools, the options can be overwhelming. Below, we’ve compared the leading Scratch coding programs for kids based on curriculum quality, instructional format, and outcomes, so you can make an informed choice for your students or your own children.

Comparison at a Glance

Pricing and program details change frequently. Confirm current specifics on each provider’s site before enrolling or recommending to families.

What We Looked At

For educators evaluating any coding program, the same core questions apply whether it’s for a classroom, an after-school club, or a homeschool curriculum:

• Curriculum structure — Is there a defined scope and sequence, or does the program jump between unrelated projects?
• Instructional format — Live instruction, self-paced video, or a hybrid?
• Teacher/mentor qualifications — Are instructors trained specifically to work with children?
• Developmental appropriateness — Does the pacing match the student’s age and prior experience?
• Cost clarity — Is pricing straightforward, without confusing tiers or hidden add-ons?
• Accreditation — Does the program meet any recognized educational standard?
• Trial access — Can students try a class before committing to a full program?

With that framework, here’s how the top Scratch programs compare.

1. Codeyoung — Best Overall Scratch Program for Kids

Format: Live, 1:1 online classes Ages: 5–16 (KG to Grade 12) Price: Starting around $22/class Accreditation: STEM.org Accredited Free Trial: Yes

Codeyoung earns the top spot on this list because it addresses the biggest weakness of most coding programs: lack of individualized instruction. Rather than placing students in group classes or handing them a video library, Codeyoung pairs each child with a dedicated 1:1 mentor. This design reflects long-standing research on the “2 Sigma Problem,” which found that one-on-one tutoring produces significantly stronger learning outcomes than group instruction — a principle that translates directly to coding education.

Why it stands out for educators and parents:

• A defined scope and sequence. Codeyoung’s Scratch curriculum spans 144 structured sessions, progressing from basic block-based logic through control flow, variables, and interactive game design — a genuine curriculum, not a series of disconnected tutorials.
• True 1:1 instruction. Every session pairs one student with one live instructor, so pacing adapts to the child instead of forcing the child to keep up with a group.
• Motivating, project-based work. Students build real projects — an interactive chatbot, a space shooter game, a dance-battle animation — that reinforce concepts while keeping engagement high.
• Third-party accreditation. Codeyoung’s curriculum is STEM.org Accredited, giving educators and parents an external quality benchmark.
• A proven track record. The program has worked with over 50,000 parents and maintains a 4.5+ star rating across more than 2,800 reviews.
• Built-in practice tools. Students get access to a coding sandbox and the Codeyoung AfterSchool app to reinforce skills between live sessions.

Best for: Teachers recommending an at-home supplement, or parents who want a structured, individualized alternative to group classes or self-paced apps.

Educators and parents can preview the Codeyoung 1:1 teaching model directly with a trial session.

2. Create & Learn

Format: Live, small group classes Ages: 7–18 Price: Varies by course package

Create & Learn runs live small-group Scratch classes with instructors from top universities and tech companies. The group setting adds a social, classroom-like dynamic, though instruction is naturally less individualized than a 1:1 model. Its catalog extends into Python, Minecraft, and AI, making it a reasonable option for schools or families planning a multi-year coding path.

3. JetLearn

Format: Live 1:1 online classes Ages: 6–17 Price: Custom pricing based on package

JetLearn also offers live one-on-one instruction, typically using Scratch as a stepping stone before moving students into Python or AI-related tracks. Scheduling flexibility is a strong point. As a newer platform, it has a shorter track record and fewer published reviews than more established programs.

4. CodaKid

Format: Self-paced video courses with live class options Ages: 8–16 Price: Subscription-based

CodaKid leans toward self-paced, video-based learning, which can work well for independent students but requires more oversight from a teacher or parent to keep progress on track. It covers Scratch alongside more advanced languages, making it a viable option for students expected to progress over several years.

5. 98thPercentile

Format: Live online classes (group and 1:1 options) Ages: 5–18 Price: Varies by program

98thPercentile bundles coding instruction into a broader academic enrichment platform that also covers math, English, and public speaking. This makes it a convenient choice for families or schools looking for a single provider across multiple subjects rather than a coding specialist.

6. Coding with Kids

Format: Live online and in-person classes, camps Ages: 5–18 Price: Varies by course/camp

Coding with Kids offers in-person camps and school programs alongside online classes, which is useful for schools or families who want hands-on, in-person options during breaks or as part of an enrichment program.

7. Juni Learning

Format: Live 1:1 and small group classes Ages: 7–18 Price: Subscription-based

Juni Learning positions Scratch as the entry point in a longer pathway that eventually leads to Python, web development, and AP Computer Science preparation. It suits students and schools planning several years ahead, though the Scratch curriculum itself is less of a standalone focus compared to programs built specifically around it.

8. Code.org (Free Option)

Format: Free, self-paced online courses Ages: 4–18 Price: Free

Code.org’s free, self-guided courses — including Scratch-based activities for younger students — remain one of the best zero-cost ways for a classroom or family to gauge interest before investing in a paid program. There’s no live instructor or personalized feedback, but as an introductory resource or classroom supplement, it’s an excellent starting point.

Why Scratch Belongs in the Curriculum

Some educators wonder whether Scratch is worth classroom time when languages like Python or JavaScript are what students will eventually need. A few reasons Scratch remains the right starting point:

• No syntax barriers. Students build programs by snapping blocks together, so early lessons focus on logic and problem-solving rather than debugging typos.
• Immediate feedback. Every block produces a visible, on-screen result, reinforcing cause-and-effect thinking — especially valuable for younger or visual learners.
• Transferable computational thinking. Loops, conditionals, variables, and event handling in Scratch map directly onto concepts students will use in text-based languages later.
• A natural bridge to advanced coding. Most structured coding pathways, including Codeyoung’s, use Scratch as the foundation before transitioning students into Python or similar languages, typically around ages 10–12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should students start learning Scratch? Most programs recommend starting between ages 5 and 7. Scratch remains useful through about age 12, at which point many students are ready to transition to text-based languages.

Does Scratch actually prepare students for “real” programming? Yes. Scratch teaches the same core logic used across every programming language — sequencing, loops, conditionals, and variables. Students who build this foundation in Scratch typically pick up Python or similar languages faster later on.

How much do Scratch programs typically cost? Costs range from free (Code.org) to roughly $20–$40 per session for live 1:1 instruction, depending on the provider.

Is live instruction worth the extra cost compared to free apps? It depends on the goal. Free tools are useful for gauging interest with no commitment. Live instruction, especially 1:1, tends to produce faster progress because a real instructor can adjust to the student’s pace and address misconceptions in real time — something self-paced tools can’t do.

How long does a full Scratch curriculum typically take to complete? This varies by provider and session frequency, but structured programs — like Codeyoung’s 144-session curriculum — are generally designed to be completed over one to two years of consistent, weekly instruction.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single correct way to introduce students to coding, but the evidence consistently favors personalized, live instruction over group classes or self-paced video alone. That’s the main reason Codeyoung tops this list: a structured curriculum, genuine 1:1 mentorship, and a track record with tens of thousands of families.

For teachers evaluating a supplemental resource, or parents deciding where to start, a low-risk first step is booking a trial Scratch class to see how a student responds to live, individualized instruction before committing to a full program.

–-image credit Deposit Photos

Copyright ©2026 askatechteacher.com – All rights reserved.

Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:

https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

---

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.