• Written By
    Renan França
  • Last Updated
    January 04, 2021

CodaKid reviews: Are CodaKid courses worth it?

While coding for kids may seem complicated and far-fetched, there are reputable learning platforms whose sole mission is to simplify and enliven the process.

One of such platforms is CodaKid.

As the name suggests, CodaKid is a coding platform that teaches kids the valued art of coding in a fun and interactive way.

CodaKid banks on immersive video tutorials to teach courses such as Minecraft Coding, Game Programming, Roblox Coding, and Specialty Coding using HTML/CSS and Arduino.

The coding platform for kids offers online classes, camps, and private online lessons. Their private online classes accommodate kids of all ages, highschoolers inclusive. Plus, their lessons are taught by seasoned instructors in real-time.

CodaKid courses appear to be the next best thing since sliced bread with its unique approach. But are they worth their salt, or are they all hype and no substance?

This review scouts and highlights the nooks and crannies of the celebrated e-coding platform for kids.

All you know, need to know, and don’t know about CodaKid is about to be uncovered!

Check it out!

Table of Content

What is CodaKid?

CodaKid is an award-winning online kids software programming and game development school, whose specialty is teaching kids how to code. The school utilizes real programming languages and professional tools to convey lessons and instructions.

Headquartered in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, CodaKids' mission is to birth a generation of young programmers, entrepreneurs, and designers who can develop and invent useful apps, games and et cetera.

The online classes are self-paced and are backed by live support from a dedicated team of engineers. The academy's approach is its unique course structure, which besides teaching kids how to code, gives an in-depth and detailed understanding of the concepts so that they can apply them without input from their instructors.

CodaKid offers 58 computer coding courses, 220 online coding quests, and 600 computer coding challenges.

The courses span across Game design in scratch, Game programming, and Web development.

All courses are integrated into fun activities that kids enjoy, such as robotics, video games, and apps. Also, they are designed for beginners and intermediate learners alike. Students can access the courses for a monthly or yearly subscription, at $25 and $150 respectively.

The actual employee count on Linkedin is 16. This lean company is led by a dedicated team of professionals including the founder and CEO, David Dodge.

Dodge is an elite game designer and architect with an impeccable résumé. He has worked with and developed over 30 games for Sony, PC, and several SEGA platforms. He is also a professional software architect who designed Tutorware, a business management software for company tutoring.

From 2016 to this moment, the CodaKid has taught about 10,000 students the Coding art in 15 countries and counting.

What age group is CodaKid designed for?

CodaKid typically caters to kids aged 8-15. Although several consumer reviews have reported 6-year olds taking CodaKid courses and excelling at it, it will appear there isn't a specific curriculum for the younger demographic. This calls for a revision on the part of CodaKid, as an earlier introduction into the world of Coding can yield incredible results.

CodaKid's coding courses aren't in any way child-like. The course curriculum incorporates real programming techniques that are equally meant for adults.

But by incorporating a kid-friendly approach, kids can easily comprehend them. Topics being taught include; Game design in scratch, Minecraft Modding, Fortnite, JavaScript Coding, Python Coding, Typing Coding Foundations, and Game design in Roblox.

Why should my child learn to code?

In the not-so-distant-past, coding for kids was a novel concept that was strictly considered "hype". Today, more and more people are beginning to realize their inestimable virtues.

Hence coding for kids is the cool and in-thing at the moment. Besides, getting your kid enrolled for coding classes is immensely beneficial to you and your child.

Contrary to what you might think, learning to code is beyond giving instructions to a computer. With coding, your child will pick up academic and soft skills crucial to career actualization and development.

And when it comes to career building or jobs that pay well, coding is a minefield of opportunities. And this opportunity can yield significant financial returns for your child in the future.

And beyond its numerous financial prospects and "super coolness", kids are exposed to life skills that enhance the character and cognitive development.

Think problem-solving, communication, creativity, expression, teamwork, and a host of other personal and cognitive development skills. So when you enroll your child in a coding school like CodaKid, you are doing them a world of good.

My child has no experience. Are these courses good for beginners?

Worry not. CodaKid's course curriculum is well thought out and all-inclusive. The level 1 courses are specially curated for beginners and intermediate students.

These courses start at a slow pace and progress steadily, so students with little to no experience can learn and catch up at their own pace. Video tutorials have re-watch and re-wound elements, so students can easily revise lessons that may be difficult to comprehend.

The videos have a speed button for accelerating or decelerating the speed of the classes being taught to suit individual learning pace. Also, an online instructional team is on standby for additional help when and where necessary.

The price of CodaKid courses

As expected, CodaKid opens the doors to its classroom for a fee. Interested clients can choose either a monthly $25 subscription or a yearly $149.99 subscription.

Both subscription types offer unlimited access to all CodaKid courses for the validity period (all through the duration that payment is made).

You also get unlimited access to friendly teachers and the free rein to retain all software projects forever. The best thing about the CodaKid pricing model is the free 14-day trial.

Each subscription plan comes with a cancel-at-anytime free 14-day trial, so you can gauge if CodaKid is the right fit for your child.

CodaKid isn't selfish in this regard, as it allows you to pull out of the system at no extra cost if their coding platter does not meet your satisfaction. And you don't have to pay for your kid.

It is also worth mentioning that the subscription plan is per child. But if you have about five kids or more, you can contact the CodaKid Groups Manager for special volume pricing.

Besides that, you can gift a CodaKid subscription to just about any child of your liking.

CodaKid Free Trial: how does it work?

As aforementioned, all CodaKid subscription plans come with a free 14-day trial. This enables clients to weigh the coding school's learning suitability for free; what may work for the goose may not work for the gander.

For starters, you will be required to link your payment card to activate the free 14-day trial. If you like the courses and services being offered, you can stay put for 14 days, and your card will be automatically billed on the 14th day. Subsequently, your card will be billed every 30 days until you cancel the subscription.

On the other hand, if you happen to dislike the courses or services offered on the kids' coding platform or if your child isn't enjoying the courses, you can cancel the free trial with a click of a button.

This will automatically disconnect your card from the platform, making automatic billing impossible. It is imperative to cancel the free trial (if uninterested) to prevent evitable deductions from your account.

What plan will be best for my child or teen?

This largely depends on your child's competency level. If your child has no prior coding experience or is a beginner, the CodaKid private plan will be the most fitting for him or her.

With this plan, your child will get a personalized introduction to computer programming and will learn the ropes in no time.

If, on the other hand, your child is tech-savvy or an enthusiast who wants to become an independent game developer, game designer, or web programmer, the CodaKid Private Accelerated Plan is your best bet.

This plan will help your child actualize their coding goals in record time.

How do I cancel or get a refund if I am not satisfied?

In the event you are not satisfied with the CodaKid courses after following through with the 14 days trial and making payment ─ the platform offers a full money-back guarantee for the first two sessions.

This offer becomes void once the validity period has elapsed, so you will have to cancel your plan to avoid getting billed.

What programming languages does CodaKid teach?

CodaKid academy teaches code in several computer languages, including JavaScript, Java, Lua, and the Unreal Blueprints Scripting Language. The coding school is poised to introduce more languages with time.

The caliber of programming languages being taught at the academy is a refreshing change of pace from what we are used to ─ Python and JavaScript.

And we love this "refreshing" versatility. As such, students are tutored to write code like professionals. Scratch that, with the versatile programming languages, students are guaranteed to be as good as expert coders.

How does CodaKid teach coding for kids?

CodaKid's teaching methodology is nothing short of unique and exciting. The teaching blueprint aims to bring the fun out of Coding with maximum performance output. It is also self-paced so that students can learn per their mental strength.

Coding lessons are transmitted via videos from the company's servers. The video tutorials mimic YouTube delivery, thereby breeding familiarity and promoting productivity; most kids find YouTube videos engaging.

The coding instructor is a high-energy host who strategically occupies the bottom of the screen, just like YouTube vloggers. Each topic is taught at a steady pace, with corresponding actions.

As the host introduces codes for a particular topic, actions are displayed on the screen in real-time. The instructors are so detailed and entertaining that even kids below the stipulated age rank can grasp what is being taught.

While entering codes are somewhat complicated, the instructors break the complicated code language down into simple English, which the kids find more relatable than the whole code "gibberish".

CodaKid integrates popular kids' games like Minecraft and Roblox into coding activities to simplify and vivify the learning process. Included are courses that allow kids to build their generic games such as minor 2D fighting games, tower defense, and some considerably high-quality 3D games.

Learning on CodaKid is not only fun but supportive as well. A team of support engineers is always ready to help kids who get stuck in a complex topic or coding process.

Kids can contact the support team by clicking on the chat button, and depending on how complicated the problem is, a screen share option is also provided. All-in-all, CodaKid's teaching methodology is near-perfect.

What is the CodaKid course structure?

CodaKid’s course structure revolves around computer programming and software development on an online platform. Topics cover the basics and the complexities of Coding.

The online courses are self-paced and flexible; students can attend and complete classes at their own time and schedule. Learners are expected to watch high-definition video coding tutorials, press pause, code, and design and test their recently acquired knowledge.

The coding concept encompasses:

  • 1. booleans
  • 2. conditionals,
  • 3. loops,
  • 4. variables,
  • 5. methods,
  • 6. arrays,
  • 7. switch statements,
  • 8. functions

The classes are designed to boost students' proficiency in mathematics, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

A friendly instructional support team is made available to help kids solve complicated problems. Depending on course complexity and the child's learning capacity, each course can take between 30-60 hours to complete.

CodaKid's courses are structured for children aged 7-15. Children below this may take these courses with additional support from a parent or CodaKid instructors.

To suit the mental fortitude and proficiency level of different children courses are categorized into level 1 and 2:

A) Level 1 - courses target beginner and intermediate learners.

B) Level 2 - improves upon the foundation acquired in level 1 courses. Students are advised to always take level 1 courses in each course path before taking level 2 courses.

What do you need to run the CodaKid System?

Naturally, you will need all the resources required for online learning: a good internet connection, and a computer or mobile device.

While the video tutorials aren’t that power-intensive, a computer will better accommodate the workload than a mobile device.

1 - Minecraft Coding Courses

This has got to be the most famous CodaKid series of courses! Designed for kids aged 8 and above, the award-winning CodaKid Minecraft coding courses is a selection of topics that detail the perfect way to learn Java programming using the professional text editor, Eclipse. Some of the courses include:

  • a) Mod Creation Essentials- This is a beginner's class that teaches kids real Java while making a fireball-shooting ax and a repulsion shield that projects enemies into the air. Students also learn conditional loops, booleans, methods, and lots more.
  • b) Mod Creation 1- Forge Your Sword- As the name implies, students design a customized sword and integrate special powers into it using Java programming. They also gain a deeper understanding of methods, and variables.
  • c) Mod Creation 1: Create a Creature- This is a coding course that optimizes creative thinking. In this course, students will create and code a custom mob in Minecraft. They are also exposed to variables, methods and parameters.

See all Minecraft Coding Courses at Codakid.

2) Roblox Coding Courses

Packed with 11 courses, 160 quests, and 130 challenges, CodaKid's Roblox coding courses are centered on Lua programming and game design with Roblox studio.

At the end of these courses, kids will design high-tech games they can play with their friends and family or sell on the Roblox marketplace. Some courses include:

a) Roblox Game Development: Obbies - Specially designed for beginners, this Roblox coding course aims to teach students the rudiments of the Roblox Studio editor, such that they can develop a professional-quality obstacle game using real Lua programming. They also gain mastery of variables, functions, and events.

b) Roblox Game Development: Adventure Maps - Students use the Roblox Studio editor and Lua programming to build a customized adventure map. Concepts covered in this course include variables and conditionals.

c) Roblox Game Development: Advanced Obbies - kids take Obbies to the next level in this advanced Roblox coding course. They also gain more insight into functions, events, and more.

See all Roblox Coding Courses at Codakid.

3- Game Programming Courses

This is an award-winning Codakid series of courses, designed for 8+ kids. In these courses, kids gain a fresh and professional insight into game creation using JavaScript and Python programming languages with IDLE and Atom text editors. Courses include but are not limited to:

a) Game Programming 1 with Python: this is the perfect course for kids who want to create a fun 2D game from scratch. It is ideal for beginners. Concepts covered in this course include functions, collision detection, game logic, loops, and lots more!

b) Game Programming 2 with Python: a step up from the level 1 course, this is also a beginners course that teaches students how to build a fun 2D attack of the Robots style game from scratch with python code. Students will become more familiar with loops, functions, game logic, and so on.

c) Game Programming 1 with JavaScript: JavaScript programming takes center stage in this beginner's CodaKid course. Students will learn how to build a 2D infinite runner style game from the ground up. Concepts covered include; variables, conditionals, loops, and a ton of others.

See all Game Programming Courses at Codakid.

4 - Scratch Coding Courses

The Codakid Scratch Coding Courses are tailored to meet the coding requirements of younger, inexperienced children. Kids who are new to coding create fun-filled games using Scratch's visual block coding language while gaining the skills they need for the more advanced text-based coding. Here are some of the included courses:

a) Scratch Catch the Cat: In this course, coding beginners learn how to design a fun game where the players score points by clicking on an ultra-fast, sneaky cat that gives a tricky chase. Students will also learn concepts like loops, and conditionals.

b) Scratch Infinite Jumper: This is similar to the first course, but in this case, students create an infinite runner game where the player scores points by jumping over fast-moving objects. Students also gain a better understanding of X and Y coordinates, loops, and conditionals.

c) Scratch Archery: Kids are taught how to build archery games where they score points for shooting moving targets. Functions, loops, and conditionals are the key concepts that are covered in this course.

See all Scratch Coding Courses at Codakid.

5 - Specialty Coding Courses

CodaKid's specialty coding courses add a dash of variety to the coding curriculum by incorporating coding languages like HTML/CSS and Arduino. With these courses, kids are promised coding skills with languages that rival those used by professional engineers globally. The courses include:

a) Web Development 1 with HTML and CSS: Students learn how to create and publish a professional web page from scratch in this beginner-level course. They are introduced to various aspects of web development, including links, lists, containers, and more.

b) Drone Programming 1 with Arduino: This is another beginner-level course where kids learn how to program their drone using Arduino and use codes to give the special drone commands and run custom flight patterns.

See all Specialty Coding Courses at Codakid.

Udemy vs. CodaKid

Udemy needs no introduction as the world's largest education platform. The online academic platform is used to cater to adult learners only, but they recently introduced coding courses for kids.

CodaKid, on the other hand, focuses primarily on teaching Coding to kids and teens. While Udemy prides itself on an excellent and extensive library of coding courses for adults (mostly) and kids, CodaKid designs courses specifically tailored to meet kids and teens' coding demands.

With an impressive catalog of coding courses, Udemy is miles ahead of its competitors in terms of the quantity of courses. However, as Udemy is more of a generalist platform, these courses may not be targeted at kids or teens.

Conversely, CodaKid has an all-inclusive and detailed course structure tailored for kids and built to match different levels of learning such as beginners, intermediate and gifted learners alike.

The courses and teaching style are structured to help kids learn at their own pace, equipping them with essential skills they need to jump to the next level while shaping them to be professional-quality coders, programmers, and web-developers.

In terms of course delivery for children and teens, CodaKid is a step ahead of Udemy. The former uses a YouTuber-style-approach with young, humorous, and friendly energetic instructors.

Thus, CodaKid video tutorials are more engaging, interactive, and productive.

Another big difference between the two platforms is "course support". While CodaKid goes to great lengths to provide instant support for kids who need help, Udemy provides zero to no support for its students.

When it comes to affordability and course versatility, Udemy wins on both counts. The platform charges about $10-$20 for individual courses and even offers free classes. On the flip side, CodaKid charges a monthly and yearly all-access subscription plan for $25 and $149.99, respectively.

It is worth noting that just about anybody can upload coding lessons on Udemy, but CodaKid's course instructors are trained and recognized coding professionals from various fields.

Tynker vs CodaKid: which one is better?

Tynker and CodaKid are big shots when it comes to coding for kids. Both are finalists for Best Coding and Computational Thinking Solution, and they are also Parents' Choice Gold Award Winners.

So comparing these two kids coding educational giants may present a bit of a challenge. However, they have a few similarities and dissimilarities.

Tynker and Codakid share a similar course structure, such as:

A) Both are self-paced system

B) Kids start with the basics and work their way to coding's complexities.

C) Both pricing models are subscription-based. Tynker offers monthly, annual, and lifetime subscription plans while CodaKid provides monthly and all-access yearly subscriptions with an included 14-day trial.

However, both platforms' teaching methodology varies: Tynker’s teaching approach is very academic with written instructions, teaser videos, and intro modules.

On the whole, Tynker courses start with simple visual block coding exercises that graduate to text-based JavaScript and Python courses.

CodaKid, on the other hand, teaches real coding with professional tools. While Tynker’s courses are solely web-based, CodaKid’s courses are equal parts web-based and client-based. This means students can also download and retain the software, tools, and projects for a lifetime.

CodaKid still offers exceptional support for its students with an at-hand friendly team of engineers. Contrariwise, Tynker does not make a support team available but provides access to helpful guides, screenshots and answer keys that offer solutions to often-run-into problems, and issues.

CodaKid reviews

With glowing reviews to its name, CodaKid has earned an outstanding reputation. There is hardly any disparaging or dissatisfactory feedback about the coding platform.

The vast majority of customers are pleased with the academy's fun and results-oriented teaching style, particularly the Youtuber-type videos and the energetic hosts.

Some parents report that their kids have never been more delighted to "learn" and they could always hear them laughing in the middle of a lesson.

A good number of customers have also testified to the academy's efficacy. In their words, their kids have taken to and learned voiding like actual professionals.

Even the kids /students can't help but commend the serviceability of the platform. This is what some customers have to say about the platform.

For transparency's sake, these reviews below were culled from Homeschool Buyers Co-op, Trustpilot and the Codakid website.

1 - Reviewer: Brooke - Homeschool Buyers co-op

“CodaKid has been perfect for my ten-year-old boy. He has thrived with this program and has easily been learning Coding through it. He is enthusiastic about it, and it is a great motivator for him to finish his school work so he can code. I am confident that Coding will be a major part of the future workforce and that this playful, academic experience will serve him for life."

2 - Reviewer: Anonymous - Trustpilot

“My oldest has been using CodaKid for a couple of months now, it’s incredible to see how quick he’s taken to it, great site, thank you.”

3 - Reviewer: Ronan - Codakid.com

"CodaKid is really fun! I've learned functions, loops, conditionals, and I've built cool projects. I am also learning how Coding for kids is helping my future!"

Pros of CodaKid

  • Offers a well-structured, detailed, and broad coding curriculum
  • Videos are deeply engaging, playful, and efficient.
  • Integrates fun elements into coding courses for easy assimilation
  • Caters to beginners, intermediate and gifted learners
  • Students can learn at their own pace with absolutely no pressure.
  • Offers tremendous course support with screen share, chat buttons, and a dedicated support team
  • Has an affiliation with popular brands such as Roblox and Minecraft
  • It teaches coding with real professional tools

Cons of Codakid

  • Mobile learning is somewhat limited.
  • Some kids may get carried away by the fun activities and lose focus.

CodaKid Prizes

It is no longer news that CodaKid is an award-winning platform with multiple awards and recognition from notable organizations, including:

  • Parents Choice Gold Award (2017)
  • Tillywig Parents Favorite Product (2018)
  • Codie (finalist) - Best Coding and Computational Thinking Solution (2017)
  • ActivityHero’s Best Camps, Classes, and Kids’ Activities award. (2016/2017 )

They have also gained press recognition from media outlets like CBS News, TechCo, Inc., Parents, and Fox News Channel.

Conclusion: Are CodaKid courses worth it?

In a world where technology is prevalent and coders are in high demand, CodaKid is all shades of “worthy”.

CodaKid works as a gift to both tech and non-tech-savvy kids, and its use of real programming languages and professional tools is nothing short of amazing.

It is pleasantly surprising how this incredible coding academy merges complexity with fun, giving kids the privilege to use the most complicated codes and programming tools simplistically and playfully.

When it comes to training kids to become independent coders who can build software and use complicated programming languages, it’s hard to find a coding platform that can beat CodaKid.

FAQ

Is CodaKid legit?

Yes, CodaKid is a legitimate and licensed Coding company located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. And they live up to their reputation, promises, mission, and vision.

Is CodaKid worth it?

Absolutely! If you have the financial capacity to afford their services, then, by all means, it is worth it. You are sure to get the best value for your money.

How much does CodaKid cost?

They offer two subscription plans: a monthly $25 subscription plan and an annual $149.99 subscription plan. Both plans give customers access to all their available courses. Plus, they tend to offer periodic discounts and promotional offers.

How does CodaKid teach Coding for Kids?

Kids take coding instructions via HD videos that are anchored by high-energy hosts in a You-tuber format. Coding lessons are self-paced with re-watch, rewound, decrease, and increase buttons on the video. At the end of each class, students are expected to test what they have learned.

Where else can kids learn?

Besides CodaKid, you can use Classpert’s search engine to browse more coding courses for kids.

Interested in learning more about other platforms? Check out these reviews:

Renan França

I am a journalist responsible for SEO and Content strategies at Classpert. I usually write about entrepreneurship, marketing, SEO, programming and e-learning platforms.