Python is a popular computer programming language that is used by major companies like Google, IBM, and NASA. It is concise and the syntax is primarily simple English words, making it easy to understand. In fact, Python is generally thought to be an ideal language for beginners. Python also has many versatile applications. It is used in areas like data science, graphic design, game development, and artificial intelligence development. Those who have experience with Python are afforded many lucrative career opportunities across almost every industry.
Let’s dive in to learn about different programs to help high school students learn Python skills over the summer.
Why Learn Python During the Summer?
At first glance, it might seem like high school students are too young to learn something as complex as computer programming. On the contrary, high school is an ideal time to learn to program with Python. The language is relatively simple to learn and can be a great foundation for those who want to learn multiple programming languages to pursue a career in computer science. Like learning any other language, younger people often have an easier time absorbing new information at a faster pace.
Taking Python courses in high school will ensure that students are well-prepared for college courses. Python is one of the most commonly used languages in university computer science classes. These skills also practically guarantee that students will have a tremendous amount of careers to choose from once they are ready to enter the workforce. The US Department of Labor estimates that over 600,000 new jobs related to computer science will be created in the next ten years. Students who are trained in Python will be able to pursue exciting careers in data science, web development, or machine learning.
Types of Python Summer Programs for High School Students
Deciding which Python summer program to attend can be overwhelming when there are so many different choices. Luckily, the available options can accommodate a variety of scheduling needs and learning styles. While many schools offer a virtual learning environment through teleconferencing platforms like Zoom, others have in-person classes available. The programs also range in length; some are one week and others are several weeks.
There are also options for a range of comfort levels with Python. Beginner students have several options to choose from, but there are also some schools that cater to advanced learners who have already learned the fundamentals of Python and are ready for more challenging work. Another key difference between these programs is who provides them. Some are offered through private institutions while others are provided through colleges or universities. Students who select this option might be especially interested in learning more about what life is like on a college campus.
Here, we’ll discuss several different options for Python summer programs for high school students to help you make an informed decision about this important topic.
#1: NextGen Bootcamp—Python Data Science Summer Program
What is Taught in This Program?
The Python Data Science Summer Program teaches fundamental Python programming skills with an emphasis on data science. The curriculum helps students learn to clean and organize data, create visually appealing illustrations of complex datasets, and use machine learning algorithms when working with data. All of these skills culminate in a final project that students present to their instructors and fellow classmates.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
The course at NextGen is designed for beginner students with little or no prior experience with Python. However, students are expected to possess some general knowledge about basic computer skills.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
NextGen Bootcamp offers their summer Python programming in both in-person and live online formats. The campus is located in New York City. It is near Grand Central Station, making commuting more convenient for students traveling from nearby areas like New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Students who enroll in the virtual program will use Zoom to interact with their instructor and classmates.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The in-person version of NextGen’s Python program lasts for two weeks with classes taking place Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The virtual version lasts for three weeks. Here, sessions are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
NextGen courses are designed for students in high school or college.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The cost of NextGen’s program differs depending on whether you take the class virtually or in-person. The live online version is $1,999 and the in-person class costs $2,495. These amounts are due in full before the course begins and includes a certificate of completion at the end of the program. Remote students are required to have their own Mac or PC as well. NextGen does not offer any financial support for these particular courses. To get the most out of your educational experience, you can look into combining the Python courses with others to get the best deal. For example, these materials are also taught in the Computer Science Summer Certificate Program which also teaches the fundamentals of coding with Java.
#2: Columbia University Pre-College - Introduction to Programming with Python
What is Taught in This Program?
Columbia University offers an Introduction to Programming with Python as part of their pre-college programming. Throughout the class, students learn how to use library functions, control flow statements, and other foundational computer science concepts. The material is taught through a combination of logic games, collaborative exercises with other students, and hands-on logic puzzles.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Columbia’s introductory program is designed for students who do not have any previous experience with Python.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This class is taught on campus at Columbia University. Virtual options are not provided by the school at this time.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program is one week long from Monday through Friday. Sessions take place from 9:10 am to 11:00 am. Students then have a couple of hours to break for lunch and independent study before class resumes from 1:10 pm to 3:00 pm.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Columbia’s pre-college courses are meant for high school students who are interested in learning more about what college life is like.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $2,825 per student. Please be aware that this price does not include a computer; students are responsible for bringing their own laptops to class. In addition to the course fee, students must also pay a non-refundable application fee of $80. Additionally, a $1,000 deposit is required to secure their place in the program. This amount goes towards the final bill and is not an additional fee.
In terms of financial aid, Columbia offers a small number of need-based scholarships for students which will cover half of the tuition.
#3: iD Tech - Intro to Python Coding for Machine Learning
What is Taught in This Program?
iD Tech’s Intro to Python Coding for Machine Learning uses take-home projects and logic games to teach students the fundamentals of coding with Python. Students will also learn about neural networks and strengthen their problem-solving skills through more advanced machine learning techniques.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This introductory course is geared towards beginners, but students who already have some experience with Python are encouraged to sign up as well. Instructors at iD Tech are prepared to work with students at various skill levels to ensure they have a positive experience.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
iD Tech has dozens of locations in more than 20 states across the country. If any of these locations are not convenient for you, students can take courses remotely instead. iD Tech utilizes Zoom to teach virtual classes so it’s important that you have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a microphone and a camera.
How Long Does This Program Last?
iD Tech’s Python program lasts for one week in the summer.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
iD Tech accepts students who are ages 13-17; students who are 12 years of age must turn 13 by the end of the calendar year to register for a class.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The program starts at $1,099. In addition to the course curriculum, students will also receive an iD Tech t-shirt, a diploma, and a transcript which can be added to any college application packet. In terms of financial aid, iD Tech offers a handful of scholarships that students can apply for before enrolling. There are also a few promotional discounts on the school’s website, but be aware that these are subject to change at any time.
#4: Stem4Kids - Python Programming Summer Camps
What is Taught in This Program?
Stem4Kids Python Summer Camp begins with some fundamental computer science concepts like scripting. Students will learn to problem solve and delve deeper into the many features that Python offers. In more advanced units, students will learn to build games and other applications.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
One unique aspect of this program is its progressive curriculum. The school welcomes beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Stem4Kids has three locations in the state of California. All of their programs are also available virtually.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program can last anywhere from two to six weeks. There are sections for beginner, intermediate, and advanced with each section being two weeks long.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Stem4Kids has designed its courses for children between the ages of nine and seventeen.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The cost of this course varies depending on whether you take the in-person session or the online session. In-person camps are $489 per session while the online sessions are $439. Students are responsible for having their own laptop before the beginning of the class.
#5: CodeWizardsHQ - Python Language Track
What is Taught in This Program?
The CodeWizardsHQ Beginner Python program is a project-based environment that teaches students foundational programming skills like functions, loops, and conditional logic. By the end of the class, students will be able to build interactive applications and games. This course is designed to teach transferable skills to students who want to learn multiple programming languages.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This specific course is meant for beginners, but CodeWizardsHQ does have more advanced Python courses available. Students with more experience in Python can take their placement test to determine which level is the best fit for them.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
All courses offered by CodeWizardsHQ are online only.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The summer program at CodeWizardsHQ lasts for three weeks. Classes are one hour per day Monday through Thursday.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This program is geared toward students ages 14 to 18.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $447. Students can pay their tuition in weekly installments of $149 per week if this is more convenient.
#6: Stem4Kids - Python Programming Summer Camps
What is Taught in This Program?
Stem4Kids Python Summer Camp begins with some fundamental computer science concepts like scripting. Students will learn to problem solve and delve deeper into the many features that Python offers. In more advanced units, students will learn to build games and other applications.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
One unique aspect of this program is its progressive curriculum. The school welcomes beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Stem4Kids has three locations in the state of California. All of their programs are also available virtually.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program can last anywhere from two to six weeks. There are sections for beginner, intermediate, and advanced with each section being two weeks long.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Stem4Kids has designed its courses for children between the ages of nine and seventeen.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The cost of this course varies depending on whether you take the in-person session or the online session. In-person camps are $489 per session while the online sessions are $439. Students are responsible for having their own laptop before the beginning of the class.
#7: CodeWizardsHQ - Python Language Track
What is Taught in This Program?
The CodeWizardsHQ Beginner Python program is a project-based environment that teaches students foundational programming skills like functions, loops, and conditional logic. By the end of the class, students will be able to build interactive applications and games. This course is designed to teach transferable skills to students who want to learn multiple programming languages.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This specific course is meant for beginners, but CodeWizardsHQ does have more advanced Python courses available. Students with more experience in Python can take their placement test to determine which level is the best fit for them.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
All courses offered by CodeWizardsHQ are online only.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The summer program at CodeWizardsHQ lasts for three weeks. Classes are one hour per day Monday through Thursday.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
This program is geared toward students ages 14 to 18.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $447. Students can pay their tuition in weekly installments of $149 per week if this is more convenient.
#8: Digital Media Academy– Coding & Data Analysis with Python
What is Taught in This Program?
In the Coding & Data Analysis with Python course from Digital Media Academy, students learn the basics of Python and its multiple applications. Participants are exposed to concepts like game development, machine learning, automation, and data harvesting from websites.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
There is no difficulty level stated on the course website.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This program is exclusively online, meaning students can access the material from anywhere with an internet connection.
How Long Does This Program Last?
Digital Media Academy’s program is unique because it is self-paced; students can review the material as often as they want and take breaks to accommodate their other summer commitments. Although an instructor does not teach them directly, they have access to staff members for support should they have questions or concerns.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students are required to be 13 or older to purchase a course through Digital Media Academy.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
Students can purchase this course alone for $99. Digital Media Academy also offers an annual subscription to all of their self-paced courses for $199/year.
Which Python Summer Program is Right for Me?
Now that you’ve learned more about the various options available for Python summer programs, the thought of deciding which one is right for you might seem overwhelming. There are a few important factors to consider that can help you narrow your search and find the perfect program for your needs.
Your learning style is very important to take into consideration when selecting a summer program. While virtual learning is a convenient (and sometimes more affordable) option, some students prefer in-person learning as it eliminates the distractions that sometimes come from studying at home. If you prefer a classroom environment, consider checking out iD Tech’s courses since they have locations in dozens of cities across the United States. If you’re in the Northeast, NextGen Bootcamp is located in New York City and can be accessed through public transportation fairly easily.
When enrolling in a summer program, finances are another component to be aware of. Learning to code with Python can almost certainly lead to a high-paying career later in life, but spending at least a thousand dollars on a relatively short summer program can be too much of a strain for some families. If this is a worry for you, try and limit your search to programs that offer scholarships or payment plans. The programs through Stem4Kids and CodeWizardsHQ are less than $1,000 as well. The Digital Media Academy course is only $99, but it is self-paced. Many students may struggle with this method of learning, especially beginners who have no experience with Python.
If you already have worked with Python before, make sure you’re looking at a program that will continue to challenge you rather than teaching you concepts you are already familiar with. Most of the programs discussed in this article are designed for beginners, but both Stem4Kids and iD Tech have options for more advanced learners as well.
There are clearly a wide variety of summer Python programs that can accommodate a range of financial and academic preferences. While narrowing down your choices can be a time-consuming process, it’s important to spend some time thinking about your individual needs so that you can set yourself up for success as you invest in your future by learning more about programming with Python.