Parents' Guide to CodeHS

Website https://www.codehs.com/
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Common Sense Media Review

Erin Brereton By Erin Brereton , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Cool, accessible coding lessons come with a hefty price tag.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 10 parent reviews

Parents say that the platform generally provides a beneficial learning experience for independent learners, particularly in a classroom setting, but it struggles with adequate support and remedial resources for students who need extra help. While some educators praise its organization and ease of use, others criticize the repetitive and unengaging nature of many exercises, pointing out the site’s limitations in fostering creative coding skills and its insufficient customer support when problems arise.

  • great for independent learners
  • lacks remedial support
  • repetitive exercises
  • insufficient customer support
  • well organized
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age 10+

Based on 8 kid reviews

 

 

See all 8 kid reviews

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What's It About?

CodeHS was developed by two former Stanford computer science teaching assistants to help kids learn to write code. Self-guided modules with narrated videos and examples provide instruction. Kids can also try to code in exercises and challenges. The first learning section on the site is free. To access other sections, kids will need to purchase a $25 monthly membership. A $75 premium monthly membership offers access to all sections and unlimited help from Stanford-trained tutors, who will also grade kids' coding assignments.
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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 10 ):
Kids say ( 8 ):

CODEHS offers 10 sections with multiple programming lessons, puzzles, practices, and challenges to help kids learn to write and use code. The informational videos are each less than five minutes but provide thorough instruction. Because each section is broken down into individual lessons, students can learn at their own pace and track their progress on the site, helping them set and complete educational goals. Using Karel the dog as a way to teach commands makes things accessible for beginners; you'll move him around and set down a bunch of tennis balls on a grid using code. Kids'll also have fun with the first results of their coding: retro games and simple art programs. The only real detriment is that parents need to purchase a hefty $75-a-month premium subscription for kids to access one of the site's coolest features, personalized help from its on-hand Stanford-educated tutors.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how what kids are learning on the site relates to real life. Coding involves a series of commands. What other actions, like completing a homework assignment, are easier to do if you split it into tasks?

  • CodeHS is broken up into sections to teach kids different principles. How can your child track progress and use the site's structure to work toward setting and achieving goals?

  • Discuss different learning methods. Does your child find it easier to understand new concepts when they're presented in writing, or visually in a video?

Website Details

  • Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , reading comprehension , Math : functions , sequences
  • Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , strategy , Tech Skills : digital creation , using and applying technology
  • Genre : Educational
  • Topics : STEM
  • Pricing structure : Free to try, Paid (Free to try. Plans vary by course. Details at https://codehs.com/info/individuals.)
  • Last updated : October 9, 2025

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