Code.org (now CodeAI)
Free, ad-free K–12 computer science and AI curriculum from the nonprofit formerly called Code.org, with self-paced express courses, Sprite Lab, Game Lab, App Lab, Python Lab and the Hour of AI.
What is Code.org?
Code.org is a nonprofit that makes free computer science lessons for kindergarten through 12th grade. Twin brothers Hadi and Ali Partovi launched it in 2013, and it grew famous for the Hour of Code. In June 2026 it renamed itself CodeAI to reflect a bigger focus on AI. The website is still code.org, sign-in still happens at studio.code.org, and the group says every existing course remains available.
Everything is free and ad-free. The organization says it has reached more than 150 million students in 190 countries.
How it works
There are two ways to use it. Self-paced courses let a child work alone: pick a course, solve short puzzles, watch quick videos, then build a small project. Teacher-led courses are full classroom curricula with lesson plans, and a parent can sign up as the teacher.
In CS Fundamentals, each lesson is designed for about 45 minutes, and each course runs about a month. Many lessons have unplugged versions that use paper instead of a screen.
What it covers
| Grades | Course or tool | Self-paced at home? |
|---|---|---|
| K–3 | CS Fundamentals Pre-reader Express | Yes |
| 3–8 | CS Fundamentals Express Course | Yes |
| K–5 | CS Fundamentals Courses A–F | Teacher-led |
| 6–12 | Self-paced Introduction to Game Lab | Yes |
| 9–12 | App Lab modules in JavaScript | Yes |
| 6–8 | AI Discoveries | Teacher-led |
| 9–12 | CS Principles, CS A in Java, AI Foundations | Teacher-led |
Open-ended labs round it out: Sprite Lab for simple games, Music Lab, Web Lab for HTML and CSS, and Python Lab for real Python.
Who it's best for
Code.org is ideal for any family that wants to try coding before spending money. It suits homeschoolers who are happy to lead a structured course, and kids who used it at school. Kids who need flashy rewards may drift, and families who want a live teacher should look at a class.
Pricing at a glance
It is free. There are no premium tiers, ads or in-app purchases.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
There is nothing to pay for. If your state has an ESA or scholarship, you may be able to use it for a paid coding class or device alongside Code.org; each program decides. Start at our scholarships hub, save the paid options you like to your wishlist, and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
Scratch is the other big free option and is better for open-ended making. Tynker adds more structure, Minecraft modding and a parent dashboard for a fee. Younger kids may like the game feel of Kodable or codeSpark. See more in coding programs for kids, or narrow to middle school coding and high school coding.
Who Code.org (now CodeAI) is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Families who want a free, ad-free introduction to coding
- Homeschoolers willing to lead a structured CS course
- Kids who already use it at school and want to keep going at home
Look elsewhere if
- Kids who need a game-like reward loop to stay motivated
- Families who want a live instructor or tutor
- Parents who want a fully hands-off, independent program for older grades
Code.org (now CodeAI) pros and cons
Pros
- Free and ad-free, run by a nonprofit
- Covers K–12, from pre-reader puzzles to AP Computer Science A
- Self-paced Express courses for K–8 work without a teacher
- Creative labs for JavaScript, Python, web and music
- Many lessons have screen-free unplugged versions
Cons
- Middle and high school courses are built for a teacher-led classroom
- Less polished and less game-like than paid apps
- The 2026 rebrand to CodeAI shifts emphasis toward AI, which may confuse returning families
- No live support or tutoring
What’s included
- CS Fundamentals Courses A–F for grades K–5, plus self-paced Express courses
- Self-paced Game Lab and App Lab modules for middle and high school
- Sprite Lab, Music Lab, Web Lab and Python Lab creative tools
- 100+ free hour-long Hour of AI activities
- Teacher-led CS Discoveries, CS Principles, CS A and AI courses
- Completely free and ad-free
How much does Code.org (now CodeAI) cost?
Code.org, renamed CodeAI in June 2026, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It says every course, tool and activity is free and ad-free, for students, teachers and parents. There are no paid tiers.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free for students, teachers and parents | Free | One-time | Free |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
Applications are not open on Edulist. Saving a product does not subscribe you or establish eligibility. Visit your wishlist to opt in for updates.
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Code.org (now CodeAI) FAQs
Is Code.org still free?
Yes. The organization, now called CodeAI, says every course, tool and activity is free to use and ad-free. Its June 2026 rebrand page lists free access for students and teachers among the things that stay the same.
Why did Code.org change its name to CodeAI?
In June 2026 the nonprofit rebranded as CodeAI to reflect a wider focus on AI science, computer science and data science. It says all existing Code.org courses remain available and old links redirect.
What age is Code.org for?
It covers kindergarten through 12th grade. The Pre-reader Express course is for grades K–3, the Express Course for grades 3–8, and labs such as App Lab and Python Lab are aimed at ages 13–18.
Can my child use Code.org at home without a teacher?
Yes, for the self-paced options. The Express courses, self-paced Game Lab and App Lab modules, and the Hour of AI activities work independently. Courses like CS Principles and CS A are designed to be teacher-led, so a parent would need to lead them.
What happened to the Hour of Code?
In October 2025 Code.org announced it was evolving the Hour of Code into the Hour of AI, run with CSforALL during Computer Science Education Week. The site lists more than 100 free hour-long activities.
Is Code.org good for homeschool?
It is one of the strongest free options. CS Fundamentals lessons run about 45 minutes and each course takes about a month, which fits a weekly elective. Parents can create a teacher account to set up a section and track progress.
Is Code.org better than Scratch?
They do different jobs. Code.org gives step-by-step lessons with a clear sequence, while Scratch is an open studio for making projects. Many families use Code.org to learn the concepts and Scratch to build freely.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: