My 10yo is really into building games and mods in Minecraft, so I was thinking about enrolling him in a coding class. There's a place in Boulder that does Python courses for kids but it's like $300/session which seems insane. Has anyone done Code.org or similar free/cheap options? Is it worth trying the paid classes or would he get the same stuff online?
If he's already modding in Minecraft he's basically already learning the logic, so Python class would actually translate what he's doing intuitively into real code. Worth it if he's genuinely interested, not if you're trying to push him.
We did a coding class for our 9yo and honestly the best part wasn't the coding - it was being around other kids who were into the same weird stuff. Community of geeks. Might be worth it for that alone.
There's also free/cheap options like Code.org, Codecademy, or even YouTube tutorials that are actually really good. Maybe start there? See if he sticks with it before dropping $300. Some kids love it, some get bored after week 2.
$300/semester is a lot but if he's really into it, check if the class offers a free trial lesson first. Also see if the Boulder place has sliding scale or scholarships - a lot of coding places do.
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Before you sign up, ask him directly: "Do YOU want to learn Python or are you asking because you think I want you to?" Because 10yos will say yes to stuff they think you want even if they're not actually interested. Make sure this is his thing.