Coding 1: Story Games with Scratch
Description:
This class is the perfect first step into coding. Students will design and build interactive games using Scratch, a block-based programming language developed by MIT. They’ll create original characters, develop animated stories, and add game logic like scoring and winning. Along the way, they’ll learn foundational coding concepts: loops, conditionals, variables, and event handling — all through creative projects.
AI Tie-In:
Students use AI tools to brainstorm story ideas, design game challenges, and generate dialogue or game names. This helps them turn their imagination into structured game specs — and learn how AI can support the creative process.
Progression Notes:
There are 5 levels in Coding 1. Each level goes deeper by introducing new coding concepts and new projects. While there are students who move to Python (Coding 2) after one session, most students stay in Coding 1 for 5 sessions until they have a strong foundation before transitioning.
Recommended for: Ages 8–12 (no prior coding experience needed).
🕒 Duration: 6 weeks
📅 Dates: September 8 – October 20 (no class on October 13), 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
💵 Price: $180
Coding 2: Intro to Python – Build Your First Games
Description:
Students shift from visual to text-based coding in this beginner Python course. We’ll use simple tools like turtle graphics and interactive text games to introduce Python syntax, logic, and structure. By the end, students will build a few basic games and understand core programming concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and lists.
AI Tie-In:
Students use ChatGPT to ask questions, get code examples, and troubleshoot errors. They learn how to phrase prompts, verify outputs, and use AI as a helpful assistant — not a crutch.
Progression Notes:
Students who complete this class can either repeat with new projects or move to Coding 3, where they begin working with AI-generated game frameworks.
Recommended for: Ages 9–14 (best for those who have completed Coding 1 or have some prior coding experience).
🕒 Duration: 6 weeks (often repeated once for mastery)
📅 Dates: September 8 – October 20 (no class on October 13), 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
💵 Price: $180
Coding 3: Python Game Projects with AI
Description:
In this class, students bring their dream game ideas to life. They’ll learn to collaborate with AI tools (like ChatGPT) to generate starter code for simple 2D games using Pygame Zero or similar platforms. Then, they refine and debug that code with the instructor’s guidance — learning new concepts as needed. Students build a custom project from scratch with support — while strengthening their Python fluency, problem-solving, and logic skills.
AI Tie-In:
AI becomes a co-pilot: students write prompts like “Make a Python game where a cat jumps over spikes,” then analyze and improve the AI-generated code. The instructor scaffolds learning based on project complexity.
Progression Notes:
Projects become more complex in Coding 4. Students must show comfort with functions, loops, and basic game flow.
Recommended for: Ages 10–15 (must be comfortable with Python basics — typically after Coding 2).
🕒 Duration: 6 weeks
📅 Dates: October 27 – December 1, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
💵 Price: $180
Coding 4: Game Mechanics & Algorithms
Description:
Students deepen their understanding of game logic, physics, and algorithms. They build platformers, puzzle games, and action games by combining code structures they’ve already seen with more complex patterns: arrays, multi-level scoring, timers, collisions, and animations.
AI Tie-In:
Students use AI to brainstorm challenges, design level layouts, or modify game behaviors — all while testing and debugging advanced AI-assisted code.
Progression Notes:
This level focuses on both problem-solving and clean code writing — preparing students for portfolio work in Coding 5.
Recommended for: Ages 11–16 (must be confident in Python and able to work independently on coding challenges).
🕒 Duration: 6 weeks
📅 Dates: tba
💵 Price: $180
Coding 5: Advanced Projects & Portfolio Games
Description:
In this capstone course, students work independently on one major game or app project. The focus is on planning, documentation, collaboration with AI tools, and producing a polished, playable game. This is excellent preparation for a high school or college portfolio.
AI Tie-In:
Students use AI at all stages: planning, prototyping, testing, and even commenting code. They’ll also reflect on AI’s limitations and practice responsible use.
Progression Notes:
Graduates of this level may pursue electives (Unity, Roblox, JS/Web Dev) or join special project teams.
Recommended for: Ages 12–17 (must have completed Coding 4 or have equivalent experience).
🕒 Duration: 8 weeks (longer final project)
📅 Dates: tba
💵 Price: $240