Code.org is a free nonprofit platform offering complete K-12 computer science curriculum, from elementary block coding through AP Computer Science, with self-paced courses that homeschool families can use without any cost.
What is Code.org?
Code.org is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by brothers Hadi and Ali Partovi with a mission to expand computer science education access for every student. The platform offers comprehensive, completely free K-12 curriculum that homeschool families can use for self-directed computer science instruction. Courses range from CS Fundamentals for elementary students through AP Computer Science for high schoolers. Code.org is best known for the Hour of Code initiative, but their full curriculum provides year-long courses that can serve as complete computer science education. All materials are available at no cost and licensed under Creative Commons for educational use.
Key Takeaways
- 100% free—all curriculum, courses, and platform access at no cost
- Complete K-12 pathway from kindergarten through AP Computer Science
- Self-paced courses work well for independent homeschool learning
- AP Computer Science Principles course is College Board endorsed
Curriculum Overview
How Homeschoolers Can Use It
Getting started is straightforward. Create a free teacher account at code.org to track student progress, assign work, and view completed projects. For younger children without email addresses, you can create student accounts using your own email. Courses are self-paced, allowing students to work through lessons independently at their own speed. The elementary courses blend online activities with "unplugged" lessons that teach computing concepts without a computer—helpful for managing screen time. CS Fundamentals courses can be taught consecutively as a unit or spread across the year, like one session weekly for 18 weeks.
College Credit Opportunities
For high schoolers, Code.org offers genuine college preparation value. Their Computer Science Principles course is endorsed by the College Board as an official AP CSP curriculum. Students who complete the course can take the AP exam for potential college credit. The platform also offers AP Computer Science A, teaching Java programming at a college level. These aren't watered-down introductions—they're rigorous courses that align with College Board standards. For homeschoolers looking to demonstrate academic preparation, AP credit in computer science is increasingly valuable given tech's role in nearly every field.
Parent Preparation Tips
You don't need programming experience to supervise Code.org learning. The curriculum assumes no prior computer science knowledge from parents or students. That said, some homeschool parents find it helpful to work through lessons ahead of their children, particularly for younger students who may need troubleshooting help. The teacher dashboard lets you monitor progress and view your student's code. For self-motivated older students, minimal supervision may be needed—the courses are designed for classroom use but work equally well for independent learners following the structured progression.
The Bottom Line
Code.org solves the "how do I teach computer science when I don't know programming" problem that many homeschool parents face. The complete K-12 pathway means students can progress from elementary drag-and-drop coding through AP-level coursework within a single, coherent system. Being completely free removes financial barriers, and the self-paced format fits homeschool flexibility. The curriculum is genuinely excellent—designed by education experts and used by millions of students in traditional schools. For any homeschool family wanting to add computer science, Code.org is the obvious starting point.
