10 Best Scratch Coding Classes for Kids in 2026 (Ranked & Reviewed)

If you've started searching for "Scratch coding classes for kids," you already know the problem: there are dozens of platforms, all claiming to be the best, and it's genuinely hard to tell which ones actually teach coding versus which ones just keep kids entertained for an hour.

Scratch, the free block-based programming language developed by MIT, is where most kids get their first real taste of coding logic — sequencing, loops, conditionals, and event handling — without needing to type a single line of syntax. It's designed for ages 5 to 16, and it's become the de facto starting point for children's coding education worldwide.

But not all Scratch classes are built the same. Some are live and personalized. Others are pre-recorded video libraries. Some have a real curriculum with clear learning milestones; others are closer to a loosely structured coding club. To help you cut through the noise, we researched and compared the top Scratch programs available today, looking at teaching format, curriculum depth, instructor quality, pricing, and parent reviews.

Here's our ranked list of the best Scratch coding classes for kids in 2026.

Comparison at a Glance

Pricing and offerings change frequently — always confirm current details directly on each provider's website before enrolling.

How We Picked These Scratch Classes

Before ranking anything, we looked at each platform through the same lens a parent would:

• Curriculum depth and structure — Is there a clear progression from basic blocks to more advanced logic, or is it a random grab-bag of projects?
• Live instruction vs. self-paced — Does a real instructor guide the child, or are they learning from pre-recorded videos alone?
• Instructor and mentor quality — Are teachers vetted, trained, and experienced working with kids specifically?
• Age-appropriateness — Is the pacing and content suitable for the child's age and skill level?
• Price transparency — Are costs clear upfront, with no confusing packages or hidden fees?
• Accreditation — Does the program carry any recognized educational accreditation?
• Free trial availability — Can a family try before they commit?

With that framework in mind, here's how the top platforms stack up — starting with our top overall pick.

1. Codeyoung — Best Overall Scratch Coding Classes 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 takes the top spot on this list, and for good reason. Instead of group classes or generic pre-recorded lessons, Codeyoung pairs every child with a dedicated 1:1 mentor for live, personalized Scratch instruction. This isn't a small detail — research on the "2 Sigma Problem" has long shown that 1:1 tutoring produces significantly better learning outcomes than group instruction, and Codeyoung has built its entire teaching model around that principle.

What makes Codeyoung stand out:

• A real curriculum, not just projects. Codeyoung's Scratch program spans 144 structured sessions, taking kids from basic block-based logic all the way through control flow, variables, and interactive game design — not just "follow along and build this one game" tutorials.
• 1:1 live mentorship. Every session is one-on-one with a real instructor, meaning the pace adjusts to the child instead of the child adjusting to a class.
• Project-based learning kids actually enjoy. Students build real, shareable projects along the way — things like interactive chatbots, a space shooter game, and even a dance-battle animation — which keeps motivation high while reinforcing coding concepts.
• STEM.org accreditation, giving parents third-party validation that the curriculum meets recognized education standards.
• Strong track record. Codeyoung has built a reputation with over 50,000 parents and holds a 4.5+ star rating across 2,800+ reviews.
• Extra practice tools included. Students get access to a coding sandbox and the CodeyoungAfterSchool app to keep practicing between sessions.

Best for: Parents who want their child to get real, personalized attention rather than sitting in a group class — and who care about a structured curriculum with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

See the 1:1 teaching model in action with Codeyoung.

2. Create & Learn

Format: Live, small group classes Ages: 7–18 Price: Varies by course package Best for: Families who like a classroom-style feel with peer interaction

Create & Learn offers live small-group Scratch classes taught by instructors with backgrounds from top universities and tech companies. The group format means kids get some social interaction while coding, though instruction is naturally less individualized than a 1:1 model. Their course library extends well beyond Scratch into Python, Minecraft, and AI topics, making it a good option for families planning a longer coding journey.

3. JetLearn

Format: Live 1:1 online classes Ages: 6–17 Price: Custom pricing based on package Best for: Parents wanting 1:1 instruction with flexible scheduling

JetLearn also offers live one-on-one classes, with Scratch typically positioned as an entry point before moving into Python or AI-focused tracks. Scheduling flexibility is a strong point, and the platform emphasizes a project-based approach similar to Codeyoung, though it has a shorter track record and fewer published reviews.

4. CodaKid

Format: Self-paced video courses with live class options Ages: 8–16 Price: Subscription-based Best for: Kids who like learning independently at their own pace

CodaKid leans more toward self-paced, video-based learning, which works well for independent learners but requires more parental oversight to keep kids on track. It covers Scratch alongside more advanced languages, making it a reasonable option for families who want one platform to grow with their child over several years.

5. 98th Percentile

Format: Live online classes (group and 1:1 options) Ages: 5–18 Price: Varies by program Best for: Families looking for coding bundled with broader academic enrichment

98th Percentile positions its coding classes as part of a larger academic enrichment platform that also covers math, English, and public speaking. This makes it appealing to parents looking for a one-stop enrichment provider rather than a coding-only specialist.

6. Coding with Kids

Format: Live online and in-person classes, camps Ages: 5–18 Price: Varies by course/camp Best for: Families who want in-person camp options in addition to online classes

Coding with Kids stands out for offering in-person camps and school programs alongside its online classes, which is a strong option for families who prefer some hands-on, in-person learning during school breaks.

7. Juni Learning

Format: Live 1:1 and small group classes Ages: 7–18 Price: Subscription-based Best for: Parents wanting a long-term coding "pathway" beyond Scratch

Juni Learning offers Scratch as part of a broader, structured pathway that eventually leads into Python, web development, and AP Computer Science prep. It's a solid choice for parents thinking several years ahead, though the Scratch-specific curriculum is less of a standalone focus compared to platforms built specifically around it.

8. Code.org (Free Option)

Format: Free, self-paced online courses Ages: 4–18 Price: Free Best for: Families wanting to test interest before paying for classes

Code.org's free, self-guided courses (including Scratch-based activities for younger learners) are an excellent zero-cost way to see whether a child enjoys coding before investing in a paid program. There's no live instructor and no personalized feedback, but as a starting point or supplement, it's hard to beat the price.

Scratch vs. Other Coding Languages: Why Start Here?

Parents sometimes wonder if it's worth spending time on Scratch when languages like Python or JavaScript are what's used "in the real world." Here's why Scratch is still the recommended starting point for most kids:

• No syntax barriers. Kids build programs by snapping visual blocks together, so they focus on logic and problem-solving instead of getting stuck on missing semicolons or typos.
• Immediate visual feedback. Every block of code produces an on-screen result instantly, which keeps younger learners engaged and helps them understand cause and effect in programming.
• It teaches real computational thinking. Concepts like loops, conditionals, variables, and events translate directly into text-based languages later on — kids aren't learning "toy" skills, they're learning transferable ones.
• A natural bridge to Python and beyond. Most structured coding pathways (including Codeyoung's) use Scratch as the foundation before transitioning kids into text-based languages once they're ready, typically around ages 10–12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should my child start Scratch? Most programs recommend starting between ages 5 and 7, though Scratch is flexible enough to work well for kids up to age 12 or so before moving to text-based languages.

Does learning Scratch actually lead to "real" coding skills? Yes. Scratch teaches the same core logic used in every programming language — sequencing, loops, conditionals, and variables. Kids who learn these concepts in Scratch pick up text-based languages like Python noticeably faster later on.

How much do Scratch classes typically cost? Pricing varies widely, from free (Code.org) to per-class rates for live 1:1 instruction, which typically range from about $20–$40 per session depending on the provider.

Are live classes better than free apps or self-paced courses? It depends on the goal. Free tools are great for testing interest with no commitment. Live classes, especially 1:1 formats, tend to produce faster progress and better retention because a real instructor can adjust to the child's pace and answer questions in real time.

How long does it typically take to complete a Scratch curriculum? This varies by provider and how often a child takes classes, but structured programs (like Codeyoung's 144-session curriculum) are generally designed to be completed over one to two years of consistent, weekly sessions.

Final Thoughts

There's no single "right" way to teach a child to code, but the data is pretty clear on one thing: personalized, live instruction tends to produce better outcomes than group classes or self-paced videos alone. That's what puts Codeyoung at the top of this list — a structured curriculum, real 1:1 mentorship, and a track record of tens of thousands of happy families.

If you're not sure where to start, the lowest-risk move is to book a free trial class and see how your child responds to live, personalized instruction before committing to a longer program.

Book a Scratch coding class for kids and get the first session free.