Code Ninjas

Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

Code Ninjas was founded by David Graham in 2016, a software developer and entrepreneur with a passion for coding and education. The origin of Code Ninjas is deeply rooted in Graham’s desire to fill a significant gap in the educational system: the lack of coding education for children. With a background in software development and a clear understanding of the growing importance of coding skills in the modern world, Graham sought to create an engaging and effective way to teach kids how to code. His efforts culminated in the establishment of Code Ninjas, a coding center designed specifically for kids. Code Ninjas operates as an in-person, franchise-based program. Since its inception, Code Ninjas has rapidly expanded, boasting numerous locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The program has garnered significant acclaim, earning several awards and accolades for its innovative approach to coding education. Notably, Code Ninjas has been recognized for its contribution to STEM education, receiving praise from educational institutions and tech organizations alike.

Differentiation

What sets Code Ninjas apart from other coding programs is its unique dojo-inspired learning environment. At Code Ninjas, students, referred to as “ninjas,” progress through a belt system similar to martial arts. This gamified learning structure not only makes the learning process fun and engaging but also helps students track their progress and stay motivated. Additionally, Code Ninjas emphasizes project-based learning, where students build real games and apps, ensuring that they gain practical, hands-on experience with coding. Another key differentiator is its in-person instruction, which provides numerous benefits over online-only programs.

How to Get Started

To begin your journey with Code Ninjas, visit their website to find a nearby location and schedule a free trial session for your child. The initial trial session allows both parents and the child to experience the environment and the curriculum firsthand. After the trial, parents can enroll their child in a program that fits their schedule, with various options available, including after-school programs, camps, and weekend sessions.

How It Works

Using Code Ninjas as a homeschooling program involves integrating their structured coding curriculum into your child’s daily learning routine. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing for customization to fit different schedules and learning paces. Typically, it is recommended that students spend about 1-2 hours per week at a Code Ninjas center. Activities include building games, learning coding concepts through fun exercises, and collaborating with peers on projects. The program is largely self-paced and student-led, but Code Senseis (instructors) are always available to guide and assist.

Educational Concepts Taught

  • Basic programming principles

  • Game development

  • App creation

  • Logical thinking and problem-solving

  • Mathematics and computational thinking

  • Teamwork and collaboration

  • User interface design

  • Debugging and troubleshooting

Coding Languages Taught

  • JavaScript

  • Python

  • HTML/CSS

  • Scratch

  • Lua

  • C#

  • Swift

  • Ruby

  • Java

  • C++

Benefits of In-Person Learning

One of the standout features of Code Ninjas is its in-person learning environment. This setting offers several distinct advantages:

  • Direct Interaction with Instructors: Code Senseis provide immediate feedback and personalized guidance, enhancing the learning experience.

  • Social Engagement: Students interact with peers, fostering teamwork and collaboration skills that are crucial in real-world coding projects.

  • Hands-On Experience: The physical presence allows for a more tactile learning approach, where students can engage with coding activities and projects more effectively.

  • Structured Learning Environment: The dojo-inspired setup offers a distraction-free zone dedicated to learning, which can be more challenging to achieve at home.

Teacher Vetting and Training

Code Ninjas places a high emphasis on the quality and consistency of its instructors, known as Code Senseis. Here’s how they ensure their instructors meet high standards:

  • Hiring Process: Prospective Code Senseis undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes background checks, technical assessments, and interviews to evaluate their coding knowledge and teaching abilities.

  • Training: Once hired, instructors participate in an extensive training program that covers both coding content and teaching methodologies. This training ensures they are well-equipped to provide effective and engaging instruction.

  • Ongoing Professional Development: Code Ninjas provides continuous professional development opportunities to keep instructors up-to-date with the latest coding languages, tools, and educational techniques.

  • Types of Instructors: Code Ninjas hires a diverse range of instructors, including software developers, computer science graduates, and educators with a strong background in STEM. This mix of technical expertise and educational experience helps create a rich learning environment for students.

What’s Good About It

Users love Code Ninjas for its engaging and interactive learning environment. The dojo-inspired setup and the belt system provide a clear structure and a sense of achievement, which keeps children motivated and excited about learning. Parents appreciate the project-based approach, which allows their children to create tangible projects, such as games and apps, that showcase their skills. The program’s flexibility in scheduling and its ability to cater to different learning speeds are also highly praised. Moreover, the supportive and knowledgeable Code Senseis are a significant highlight, as they provide excellent guidance and make learning fun.

What Could Be Improved

Despite its many strengths, Code Ninjas could benefit from more personalized learning tracks to cater to different skill levels and interests. Some parents have noted that the program can be somewhat repetitive for advanced students, suggesting that a more tailored approach could enhance the learning experience. Additionally, expanding the curriculum to include more advanced topics and integrating other STEM subjects could provide a more comprehensive educational experience. There have also been occasional concerns about the consistency of instruction quality across different locations, highlighting the need for more standardized training for instructors.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend being actively involved in your child’s coding journey to maximize the benefits of the program. Regularly reviewing your child’s progress and discussing the projects they are working on can enhance their learning experience. Additionally, encouraging your child to explore coding outside of the sessions at Code Ninjas, through online resources and coding games, can further their skills and interest. Many parents also suggest taking advantage of the various workshops and camps offered by Code Ninjas to supplement the regular curriculum.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

Code Ninjas is an excellent fit for children who have an interest in technology and enjoy hands-on learning. It is particularly well-suited for kids who thrive in structured yet flexible learning environments. The program is ideal for parents looking for an engaging and comprehensive coding education for their children that can be easily integrated into a homeschooling routine. Additionally, children who enjoy gaming and wish to learn how to create their own games will find Code Ninjas highly appealing. The in-person interaction makes it especially beneficial for kids who need a more social and interactive learning environment.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

Code Ninjas might not be the best fit for children who prefer traditional classroom settings with a more rigid structure. Additionally, if a child is not particularly interested in technology or coding, they might not find the program as engaging. Parents looking for a comprehensive STEM curriculum that covers a broader range of subjects beyond coding might need to supplement Code Ninjas with additional resources. Moreover, families who prefer or require a completely online learning setup might not find the in-person nature of Code Ninjas as convenient.

Grades

Code Ninjas is designed for children ages 5-14 (Kindergarten-8th Grade), covering a broad range of elementary and middle school grades. The curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate beginners as well as more advanced students within this age range.

Cost

The cost of Code Ninjas varies by location, but generally, it ranges from $100 to $250 per month, depending on the specific program and frequency of sessions. Additional costs may apply for workshops, camps, and other special events.

Ways to Get It

Code Ninjas programs are available at numerous centers across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Parents can find and enroll in a nearby center through the Code Ninjas website. Additionally, some locations offer virtual coding sessions, making it accessible to families who prefer or require remote learning options.

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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