Code Ninjas Bethany caught our attention because of their fun-first learning through gamification, which makes the whole experience more engaging.

Plus, their dojo-style progression is a nice touch. Kids move through various belt levels as they complete tasks. This gives them a clear sense of progress.

We’re pretty satisfied with their variety of programs as well. They offer year-round lessons, camps, and even robotics. This range makes it easy for students to pick the programs that fit their schedule and goals.

Aside from that, we’ve heard that they’re also a development-focused provider. This means that they also focus on problem-solving and critical thinking aside from just technical training. 

In fact, parents mentioned that their kids learned how to become creative in the process. Also, they’ve noticed improvements in the patience and confidence of their children.

Another thing that impressed us is that they have a structured internal learning system, which is the IMPACT platform. It’s a system that makes progress tracking easier. 

The only disadvantage? Their programs and approach are solely for kids. Also, they don’t offer advanced coding for serious students.

The Tech Academy is another institution that’s hard to pass by because of its job transition and career support. Their bootcamp system is designed for complete beginners, helping them transition into tech careers. 

Apart from technical coding, they also have a job placement course. It teaches and prepares students when it comes to application, interview, and technical testing to get a job. This also comes with a team that backs you up, giving advice and support. 

It’s also worth mentioning that their curriculum offers multiple programs, which students can choose from. From web development to data science, they have it. They also cover both foundational and advanced topics, such as machine learning and AI. 

We also find their self-paced learning helpful for those needing flexibility. There’s no strict class schedule where you need to attend, and no deadlines to beat as well. It’s ideal for those with work or those who have other tutor classes to attend.

However, they can be a bit salesy with some students and potential clients, noting that they keep receiving phone calls.

iD Tech deserved to be on our list because they offer a university campus experience. Unlike other providers that hold their classes in small learning centres, iD Tech hosts their program at Lewis & Clark College.

For us, this is a big plus, especially for those adult and serious learners who prefer a more conducive learning environment.

Their 25 years of experience in STEM education are also impressive. It shows how they structured and organised their curriculum. For instance, they have individual coding paired with a break and a group activity.

Kids also love their blended learning, which includes games and social activities. Students shared that they enjoyed attending their classes, which are fun and entertaining. They also said that their blended learning helped them unleash their creativity.

We’re satisfied with their program offerings as well, ranging from Python to Roblox and Minecraft development. This strong variety lets students explore multiple techs in one place.

Just a slight downside is that they can be expensive compared to other providers. 

New Horizons Computer Learning Center is a certification-focused training provider. Their training revolves around major cert bodies, including Microsoft, CompTIA, and AWS, to name a few.

We bet this is perfect for those who want to build job-ready skills and earn recognised credentials for their career.

We also found this institution to be a great fit for adults and serious learners rather than those who prefer a more exploratory, casual approach to coding.

Their flexible training formats are also worth mentioning. They offer online and in-person training, self-paced lessons, and hands-on labs. We think that this flexibility is great for career changers and corporate learners looking to upskill.

In terms of experience, we can say that they have a favourable learning environment. Many students note that their instructors have an enjoyable way of teaching, enough to motivate them.

If there’s one thing to take note of, it’s the fact that their pricing is on the higher side.

Engineering for Kids of Portland Metro touches a broader part of the STEM program, where they combine coding, engineering, and creative learning for kids. They aren’t just limited to coding.

This is ideal for younger learners who are curious about robotics and engineering concepts. It’s a great place where they can start right away and as young as possible.

Also, since they cater to kids, they made sure to focus on hands-on, play-based learning. This is a wide move to motivate and spark the students’ interest naturally. 

It’s also good to know that they offer a wide range of program formats, like after-school classes, camps, and homeschool programs. This suggests that they’re more than just a single-course business. Plus, this gives students options when it comes to their schedule.

Aside from that, we also appreciate their team. Their instructors are educators with academic backgrounds, and some are former engineers, which adds credibility that we’re looking for.

However, their programs and approach are targeted for younger learners only. They don’t cater to adults or career switchers.