TOP PICKS | 37 TOOLS
Best Coding Tools for High School Students
Top Picks
RELATED
Print list
Block-Based Programming
Code.org
Popular games, big names get kids and teachers pumped to program
Bottom line: A well-planned, -produced, and -curated set of free resources bound to get kids hooked on learning to code.
Scratch
Creative sandbox opens the door to coding in any subject area
Bottom line: Scratch draws students of all types into coding and lays a foundation for future learning.
Itch
Full-featured tool makes teaching with Scratch easier than ever
Bottom line: Here you'll find resources for teaching with Scratch and a complete management tool to support student learning.
Cozmo
A little robot with big personality brings code to life
Bottom line: From Cozmo's engaging personality to endless programming possibilities, this little robot will capture your heart and spark imagination.
SAM Edu
Wireless blocks promote design, engineering, and programming skills
Bottom line: With some perseverance, SAM is a great fit for PBL and STEAM, helping students learn programming skills through invention.
Kodu Game Lab
Open-ended game design and programming tool for visual thinkers
Bottom line: The 3D game-making environment and fun, visual logic will definitely grab some students, but others will need support the game just doesn't provide.
Microsoft MakeCode
Bring code to life with circuits, robots, Minecraft, and more
Bottom line: Once you purchase the hardware, MakeCode opens doors to an incredible diversity of coding applications.
Human Resource Machine EDU
Challenging puzzles will grab the imagination of any coding enthusiast
Bottom line: For teachers with some coding background, this is a great game-based tool for learning to code.
Made with Code
Enticing projects and inspiring videos offer anyone an intro to coding
Bottom line: Solid intro to coding with diverse projects geared toward tween/teen girls; sets foundation to explore deeper level coding and logic activities.
LearnToMod
Effective springboard to coding for dedicated Minecraft fans
Bottom line: For students who already know and love Minecraft, this is a valuable way to hook students into coding.
Cargo-Bot
Challenging game helps kids learn to think like programmers
Bottom line: Cargo-Bot is a simple concept that packs a challenging punch and teaches valuable programming skills.
Algo Bot
Simple coding game a fun intro to algorithms
Bottom line: This coding game is a fun and helpful introduction to basic algorithm development, but other resources will be needed for more depth.
Lightbot : Programming Puzzles
Simple design, but challenging fun for budding programmers
Bottom line: Challenging programming game best for motivated learners.
Thunkable
Build a working iOS or Android app, even without coding experience
Bottom line: A great way to help motivated students create real apps, though others will need more support.
7 Billion Humans
Amusing puzzler challenges kids, teaches programming principles
Bottom line: This high-quality puzzle game is a fun way for students to learn effective and efficient programming skills.
GameSalad
Great interface, flexible publishing options make game-making a snap
Bottom line: Engaging interface and tutorials will empower budding game designers, but the price tag could be a deal-breaker for tight school budgets.
Text-Based Programming
Code for Life
Comprehensive coding platform has impressive resources for teachers
Bottom line: This learn-to-code program has the breadth and depth required to meet the needs of almost any teacher.
CodeCombat
Dungeon-crawling adventure where code is king
Bottom line: While not everyone loves fighting ogres, CodeCombat offers a classroom-ready platform and an authentic learning experience.
CodeMonkey
Puzzler's use of real code fills niche in crowded learn-to-code genre
Bottom line: A great intro to coding, with solid teacher support, gets kids using a real programming language and digging into some meatier concepts than other early coding tools.
CoSpaces Edu
VR design tool sparks creativity for those with the coding chops
Bottom line: This is a well-designed VR playground for experienced coders.
Mozilla Thimble
Inspiring platform teaches coding through remixing
Bottom line: Thimble is an excellent, free resource for teaching students to code through experimentation.
Swift Playgrounds
Brilliantly designed iOS coding app great for newbies or pros
Bottom line: If iPad devices are available, this is an inspired choice for learning how to create and tweak code.
Mozilla X-Ray Goggles
Remix tool reveals code, can strengthen kids' understanding of the web
Bottom line: It's a blast to use and an easy way to get experimentation and prototyping going with plenty of student choice -- kids are really in the driver's seat!
Code Avengers
Challenging puzzles teach with real code; best for more advanced kids
Bottom line: A superb programming tutor, well worth the effort to keep students going.
CodeHS
Computer science curriculum offers great feedback, fun challenges
Bottom line: Effective tools and clear lessons teach real programming, but you'll have to spend some cash to help kids master it.
Construct 3
Ideal 2D game builder supports students to create, innovate
Bottom line: Limitless game options, reasonable cost, and extensive support make this programming environment perfect for an educational setting.
Grasshopper: Learn to Code
First-class free app for learning to code with JavaScript
Bottom line: This app will no doubt help individual, motivated learners see how coding works using real code.
Hack 'n' Slash
Zelda-inspired puzzler lets players peek behind the code curtain
Bottom line: A great intro to variables and how algorithms work, this game would shine as a supplement to a larger unit on programming.
micro:bit
Code games or fun displays with mini piece of hardware
Bottom line: This versatile tool for learning how to program with blocks or text is a nice fit for STEM classes and clubs.
Codecademy
Terrific hands-on coding practice with live feedback
Bottom line: In this excellent coding application, in-game practice and real-time guidance crack open the world of programming and turn your students into whiz kids.
Codea
Well-thought-out coding platform for real game programming
Bottom line: Codea is a professional tool that has enough help features that kids can learn programming hands-on.
Roblox
Popular game development platform has classroom potential
Bottom line: Teens who love gaming can learn to be developers, too, with Roblox's tools and hosting service.
TapCoding
No games, just clear tasks for learning to code in Swift
Bottom line: Like an interactive textbook, TapCoding wastes no time to get older students programming.
Vidcode
Cool coding tool tuned to teen girls' passions aids creativity
Bottom line: Learn-to-code programs for youths often too narrowly define what can be done with code; Vidcode expands the options, helping girls see code's value in culture and express themselves.
Code School
Awesome interactive coding lessons can make anyone a programmer
Bottom line: These lessons will keep learners engaged as they grow from novice to beginning programmer, ready to tackle small projects in only a few days.
Treehouse
Fun, self-paced web development and coding lessons offer high value
Bottom line: A solid learning solution for self-starting students who want to grasp the wide array of programming topics.
