Eleanor may be only nine, but she already brings a remarkable mix of focus, curiosity, and creativity to everything she does. As a CodeWizardsHQ student, she is just as happy building a Python game as she is stepping onto the karate mat or picking up a fencing blade. Her instructor calls her a standout in class, and it is easy to see why she was chosen for a Student Spotlight.

In just three courses, including Intro to Python, Eleanor has embraced each new challenge and is eager to keep going. She shows up ready to learn, shares her projects with confidence, and treats every lesson as a chance to create something new.

Discovering Coding

Eleanor’s coding journey began as a family conversation. Her dad, who works in finance and accounting, had been exploring how useful coding could be in his own career. Hearing him talk about it made her mom think seriously about how valuable coding might be for both of her children. Even without a programming background herself, her mom felt strongly that learning to code could help Eleanor no matter what path she chose in the future.

“I feel like if she has the skills, no matter what she is going to do, she will be able to find a job,” her mom shared.

Her mom started researching programs online, comparing options and watching videos. She kept returning to CodeWizardsHQ because the website was clear and easy to understand. She liked the detailed explanations about how classes work and appreciated that the program eventually leads to a high school internship opportunity.

Eleanor’s older brother enrolled first and dove into Python. Watching him code sparked her interest. She began with Scratch, then counted the days until she could start Python as well.

“She could not wait to start Python,” her mom said. “She was so happy when she finally got there.”

Eleanor also has a natural love of building things. Whether she is working with Legos or writing code, she enjoys creating something new from simple pieces. That curiosity and creativity helped her feel right at home in her early coding lessons.

Diving Into Projects

Once Eleanor reached Intro to Python, her imagination took off. She has already created several memorable projects, each one showing new skills and creativity.

One of her favorite early projects was a space-themed game where the player travels through the galaxy to reach a “Pizza Planet.” Eleanor enjoyed bringing that tiny universe to life on the screen and guiding her character through a fun, interstellar challenge.

She also loved working on a puzzle where players had to enter the correct guesses to unlock a secret gate. She liked making the game react to each attempt and finding ways to make the challenge feel exciting and rewarding.

Another memorable project was a space maze she created. The player weaves through obstacles, reaches a door, and then faces a final showdown by battling a ship. It is a great example of her growing technical skills and her creativity in designing interactive worlds.

Looking ahead, she already knows what she wants to do with what she is learning. “I want to make fun games so people can try them,” she said. The idea of creating experiences that others can enjoy motivates her as she moves forward in Python.

Learning and Growing

Behind each project is a growing set of skills. Eleanor enjoys seeing how different pieces of code work together and how small adjustments can transform what happens on the screen. She likes the feeling of progress as she learns new concepts and brings her ideas to life.

Her mom has noticed that coding has become something Eleanor takes ownership of. She follows along confidently, asks questions when she needs to, and enjoys the rhythm of learning a little more each week. Staying with the same instructor has helped her feel steady and supported, and it shows in how willing she is to share her work.

With each lesson, Eleanor is building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that carry into the rest of her life, from her hobbies to the way she approaches challenges.

Learning In and Out of the Classroom

At school, Eleanor’s favorite subject is social studies. “I like social studies because I get to read stories about the past,” she explained. She enjoys learning, writing, and discovering new pieces of history through the stories she reads.

She also likes reading for fun, especially Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man. Her love of stories connects naturally to her interest in game creation, where she builds her own adventures on the screen.

Strength, Skill, and Creativity

Outside of school and coding, Eleanor leads an active life. She trains in karate twice a week and has already earned her black belt, an impressive accomplishment at her age. She began karate when she was three, and from the start she listened attentively, focused well, and impressed her instructors.

Eleanor also practices fencing and has been doing it for about two years. She trains with a club, wears the full gear, and competes within the program. “I have a first-place medal and two third-place medals,” she said proudly.

Karate and fencing complement each other well. Both require speed, discipline, and awareness. Eleanor has noticed how the movement and control she learns in karate help her defend and react quickly during fencing matches.

She also dances, starting about a year ago. She enjoys hip-hop classes and even chose dance as part of her summer activities. Her schedule stays full of movement, practice, and creativity.

Music is another important part of her life. Eleanor has been playing piano for about five years, beginning when she was four. She comes from a musical family, and her mom encouraged both children to explore music early.

At home, Eleanor helps care for three pets: a German Shepherd named Gunther, a relaxed cat named Mickey, and an energetic hamster.

Looking Ahead

When Eleanor imagines her future, she sees herself caring for animals as a veterinarian. Coding may or may not be central to that career, but she already understands it can support almost anything she chooses to pursue. Her mom agrees and believes giving her children coding skills now will help them stay prepared in a world shaped by technology.

Between her discipline in karate, her precision in fencing, her creativity in dance and music, and her growing skills in coding, Eleanor has built a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

It seems her instructor, Justin, agrees:

Eleanor always goes above and beyond in class. She consistently answers questions, participates, and presents her project to the class. She is always engaged and learning.

Justin Broussard, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Eleanor’s Standout Projects

The Pizza Galaxy

Find the Diamond Game

Transformers

The post Student Spotlight: Eleanor appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

CodeWizardsHQ student Connor is a curious and motivated learner who enjoys challenges that let him think creatively and solve problems. Whether he’s swimming laps, caring for his family’s many pets, or working on a new project, he approaches each activity with focus and enthusiasm.

At 13, he is several classes into the CodeWizardsHQ middle school curriculum and has discovered a real passion for programming—especially Python. He likes seeing how code comes together to create something that works, something he built himself.

A Spark in Scratch

His first experience with coding came when a friend introduced him to Scratch around age nine. The two of them spent school lunches creating projects together and experimenting with simple games, and that early curiosity quickly turned into a lasting interest. “When I saw what my friends had made, it looked really complicated,” he said. “I wanted to know more.”

Structure That Makes a Difference

Connor’s dad wanted to support his growing interest in coding but wasn’t sure where to start. He explored a few different options and ultimately chose CodeWizardsHQ because it offered the structure and consistency he was looking for.

“The structure was a big piece of it. It just looked well put together, and we’ve had a really good experience so far,” he said. He also appreciates the regular communication that keeps him informed and connected to what Connor is learning. “He’s really enjoying it,” he added. “He seems really excited after every class.”

Building Skills and Confidence

Since starting with CodeWizardsHQ, Connor has completed projects in both Python and web development and is already eager to move on to the next class. Projects that combine everything he has learned are his favorite, especially the ones he can share with his family. He even taught his dad how to code a Python game.

Diving Into Projects

Ask Connor about his favorite part of class, and he talks about the final projects. Those are the ones where everything they have learned comes together, and students can make it their own.

One of his favorites was the Python rock, paper, scissors game. This one stands out because he took what he learned in class and retaught it at home. He set up a mini coding session for his dad and walked him through building the game. His dad said, “He learned it well enough that he could teach me how to do it, so there’s something to it.”

Another memorable project was his HTML fortune cookie page. In his web course, he built a page where you click to get a fortune. Simple, visual, and interactive, it’s the kind of project that perfectly fits his curiosity and sense of fun.

He also remembers one of his earliest Python projects, Galactic Explorer. Even though it was one of the first, it made him feel like a real coder. “It made me feel like I’m starting to learn,” he said. “Like a lot more is going to be done in the future.”

Connor also said he likes to customize his projects. That small detail matters. Students who add features are the ones starting to think like developers, not just completing assignments.

Learning and Growing

Of the languages he has tried so far, Python is the one that clicks the most. “I really like the structuredness of it,” he said. HTML felt organized too, but Python, in his words, “has all this stuff, but it all makes sense when you figure it all out.”

He has already completed three classes, including HTML and CSS, and is enrolled in his capstone. After that, he is looking forward to JavaScript. Being able to add more interaction to websites is something he is interested in, especially because he already spends time in games and on the web.

From his dad’s perspective, the biggest win has been seeing Connor come out of class energized and being able to explain what he built. “We always ask him what he learned,” his dad said. “I think it’s a great program.”

Inside and Outside the Classroom

Connor approaches his schoolwork with the same curiosity he brings to coding. Math is his favorite subject, followed by science and Spanish. Each one challenges him to think logically and build on what he’s already learned, just like programming. He especially enjoys science experiments and projects that let him see results firsthand.

Outside of class, he stays active through swimming. He has been part of a club team and even participated in charity swims. Breaststroke is his favorite event, a good fit for someone who enjoys both precision and perseverance.

Hobbies, Pets, and Play

When he’s not coding or studying, Connor likes to unwind with video games. His current favorites are Battlefield 6 and Roblox. That interest in gaming connects naturally to his future goals, since he hopes to make games of his own and explore areas like AI and cybersecurity.

At home, Connor is surrounded by animals. His family’s love of pets, inspired by his mom’s work in animal training, keeps things lively. There’s a black cat named Calypso (or “Kipsy”), a green-cheeked conure named Tiki, several more birds, two dogs, four chickens, fish, and even a hognose snake that lives in his room. Helping care for them all gives him plenty to do and plenty of inspiration.

He also enjoys reading, especially dystopian fiction like The Fifth Wave series. It’s another way he explores big ideas and imaginative worlds, the same creative spark that drives him in coding.

Skills That Go Beyond Code

With every project, Connor is building more than technical skills. He’s learning to think creatively, solve problems with persistence, and share his knowledge with others. His curiosity and focus show in everything he does, from the pool to the classroom to his next line of code. His love of learning will take him far, both inside and outside of programming.

It seems his instructor, Christopher, agrees.

Connor is an amazing student! He always asks thoughtful questions, stays consistently engaged, and goes above and beyond on every project. It’s always a fun class when he’s in it.

Christopher Omundson, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Connor’s Standout Projects

Rock, Paper, Scissors Game

Fortune Cookie Project

Galactic Explorer Game

The post Student Spotlight: Connor appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Kayla is an imaginative and determined CodeWizardsHQ student who loves turning ideas into interactive projects. Now an eighth grader, she has already built a variety of creative games and apps, each showing her curiosity and problem-solving skills. Beyond coding, she brings the same drive to music, sports, and even running a small business with her family.

Discovering Coding

Kayla’s first interest in coding started at home. Her aunt, a software engineer, often shared games and activities that made programming feel fun and approachable. “Throughout my childhood, she’s given me games and coding things that I’ve enjoyed,” Kayla recalled. One favorite was a set of blocks that could be arranged to control a little monster on the screen. “You’d put them in an order, press play, and the monster would go around and eat strawberries.”

School offered a brief introduction, too. In elementary school Kayla took part in a Scratch unit where she created simple games. That only fueled her curiosity. She wanted to move beyond block-based coding and learn real programming languages.

Her mom had also been thinking about how important it would be for her daughters to have coding skills. “I started looking online and tried sending them to different camps and classes, but none of them were quite the whole package,” she explained. “A lot only taught one language or were very adult-oriented. CodeWizardsHQ was exactly what I was looking for because it is kid-focused and also covers different languages and skills.”

She quickly noticed how well the program engaged both girls. “Their instructor was very dynamic and inspiring,” she said. “And the fun things like tokens and badges really motivate them. Beyond the fun, they leave each lesson feeling proud of what they’ve built.”

Diving Into Projects

Kayla is now in her third CodeWizardsHQ course, Webpages with HTML & CSS, and has already built an impressive range of projects. One favorite was a modified Rock-Paper-Scissors game in Python. While learning about functions and simplifying code, she added her own twist: five choices instead of the usual three. “I made it so there were five options, like bunny and carrot,” she explained. “And if you lost, you couldn’t pick that option again.”

She also took inspiration from one of her favorite real-life games, One Night Werewolf. “I really like playing One Night Werewolf, so I wanted to code it,” Kayla said. Turning a complex, role-based party game into an interactive digital experience was challenging but fun. “It was really fun to see a game I like playing come alive with my coding.”

Another standout was a role-playing adventure where a character explores a cave, collects resources, fights monsters, and searches for treasure. These kinds of projects have shown Kayla how rewarding it can be to go beyond the basics and create something original. “I love discovering new ways to surprise the user,” she said. “It’s exciting when the code changes based on their answers and they become part of it.”

Learning and Growing

Kayla says one of the best parts of her coding journey so far has been learning how to make programs interactive. She has discovered how to take an idea and shape it into something that responds to the user in unexpected ways.

Looking ahead, Kayla wants to keep expanding her abilities and eventually bring her own app ideas to life. “I’d like to maybe start a business with my sister where we make different apps, some just for fun and others that make a difference for people,” she said. She does not know yet if she will turn coding into a career, but she is glad to have the option. For now, she is focused on building a strong foundation and experimenting with creative ideas.

Her mom has noticed the confidence that comes from this kind of learning. Each time Kayla finishes a lesson or homework assignment, she is eager to show what she made. Her mom often sits down to play the games or try the apps herself. “She really enjoys it,” she said. “And she’s proud of what she’s creating.”

Life Beyond Coding

Kayla’s talents extend far beyond the computer screen. Music is a big part of her life, and she’s been playing the flute for three years. Band gives her a chance to work with friends and create something beautiful together. “I get to work with different people and my friends to create really beautiful music. I think the flute is one of the prettiest instruments in the band.”

She is also a dedicated tennis player who trains at an intensive academy and competes in regional tournaments. Tennis has been part of her life since she was about seven years old and continues to be a favorite way to stay active. Winning tournaments has been especially rewarding.

Language learning is another interest. Kayla studies Chinese through an online course, adding an international perspective to her already wide-ranging activities.

And then there’s her entrepreneurial side. Kayla, her mom, and her sister run a small crochet business. They design and sell handmade creatures paired with positive, encouraging sayings. One of Kayla’s favorites is a crocheted toucan with the phrase “Toucan Do It.” Many customers request custom designs, and the family enjoys turning those ideas into finished products. “It’s really fun and cool to see what people come up with and add it to what we can sell,” Kayla said.

When she’s not busy coding, practicing music, or training, Kayla loves reading mystery and fantasy novels and spending time with friends.

Looking Ahead

Kayla’s journey shows what can happen when curiosity and creativity meet opportunity. She’s exploring programming step by step, building projects that challenge her thinking, and finding new ways to apply what she learns. Along the way she’s also developing persistence, problem-solving skills, and confidence, qualities that carry into everything she does, from tennis and music to running a small business.

CodeWizardsHQ is proud to celebrate students like Kayla, who combine technical skill with imagination and a love of learning. She’s showing that coding can be both fun and powerful, opening doors to future possibilities.

It seems her instructor Josh agrees:

I had the pleasure of working with Kayla last summer in our Intro to Python and Beyond Basics. She consistently went above and beyond on every project. Kayla set the tone for the class and inspired other students to push themselves as well. By the end of Beyond Basics, many students were tackling programming concepts beyond the usual level we teach at CodeWizardsHQ, and Kayla was an integral part of making that happen.

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Kayla’s Standout Projects

Rock, Paper, Scissors Game With a Twist

One Night Werewolf

Adventure Game

The post Student Spotlight: Kayla appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

At just 12 years old, Charvi is already proving that she’s a multi-talented student with a love of learning, creativity, and competition. A rising 7th grader, she has built an impressive portfolio of coding projects while also excelling in music, sports, and chess.

Her projects show both technical skill and imagination, blending logic with design, while her accomplishments outside of coding highlight her drive to succeed in many areas. Whether she’s building a game, performing on the piano, or competing in tournaments, Charvi brings the same focus and curiosity to everything she does.

Discovering Coding Early

Charvi’s interest in coding began around 3rd grade when she took a Scratch course through Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. “I was doing a Scratch course, and then I wondered, what goes on behind the scenes? How is this working? Then I got interested in writing code,” she explained.

It didn’t take long for Charvi’s curiosity to outgrow block-based coding. “After doing the class, she pretty much got bored with Scratch. She wanted to learn real coding,” her dad explained. While searching for the right program, he prioritized smaller class sizes and strong instructors. “CodeWizards pretty much matched what we wanted,” he said. “Her instructor, Josh, is an amazing teacher. Keeping a 6th grader interested in coding takes real talent, and he does that very well.”

Diving Into Projects

Charvi started her journey at CodeWizardsHQ in Middle School Introduction to Python and quickly began creating projects that stood out. One of her earliest favorites was Dinosaur Catcher, followed by a customized Rock Paper Scissors game where she added a unique charades twist.

She also built a Wizard Quest project, enhancing it with her own “battle” function, and later a JavaScript timer project where she added a stopwatch feature. Her standout creation, though, is Guards of Dragono, a project that combined AI-generated artwork, CSS design, and her growing coding skills into something truly original.

“I love CSS,” Charvi said. “I like how CSS can have design qualities, but I also like how Python has logic and can actually do cool stuff.”

She even experimented with AI tools to create her project images: “I had to have 20 tries to get the right image.” That persistence paid off, and the results are both beautiful and original.

A Passion for Learning

Beyond her projects, Charvi is motivated to keep growing her skills. She enjoys data structures and JavaScript time functions and is already looking ahead. “I want to learn data structures like trees. I don’t know them yet, but I’m excited to,” she said. She’s eager to learn more about algorithms and expand her knowledge.

Her love of coding extends to her classmates, too. “I really love my classmates. I’ve been with them since I started,” she said.

Activities Beyond Coding

Charvi’s talents don’t stop at the keyboard. She has a long list of activities she enjoys, from tennis and swimming to piano, cello, chess, and sketching. She also creates her own neighborhood newspaper, which shares world and science news. “We try to remain unbiased,” she explained.

Sports play an important role in Charvi’s routine. She has been playing tennis for 4 to 5 years and competes in club tournaments. Swimming has also been a part of her schedule, with year-round training when time allows. Her dad explained, “My philosophy is go for tennis, go for swimming, and stay healthy. You’ll need a healthy body to have a healthy mind and focus on coding, math, and science. Health is the most important piece.”

Chess has been one of her strongest competitive outlets. She plays with Beyond Chess and has traveled to tournaments in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She competes in both local and national events, including the US Chess Association’s scholastic division, and has earned a number of trophies over the years. Most recently, she won first place in her age group at the Southern California Scholastic Chess Championship, a highlight in a growing list of accomplishments.

Music is another passion. She’s been playing piano since she was six and cello since fourth grade. She competes in piano performances. “I feel more natural with piano, but I just like sitting with cello,” she shared.

And when she wants to relax, she enjoys fantasy novels like Percy Jackson, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Artemis Fowl, and Harry Potter, as well as science magazines. She also loves sketching, especially fashion designs and dragons, and spending time with her English Lab, Annie.

Looking Ahead

Charvi is excited about the future of her coding journey. “Maybe developing AI, building games, making my own website,” she said about her goals. She also wants to use coding to support her entrepreneurial projects, like boosting her neighborhood newspaper.

With her drive to explore, create, and compete, Charvi is already making her mark. From winning chess championships to designing AI-enhanced coding projects, she is showing the world what’s possible when curiosity and determination come together. Her instructor, Josh, sees that same spark in her work and shared his thoughts:

Charvi is such a pleasure to work with. She is positive and outgoing, and she makes the class an engaging and fun place for everyone. She always goes above and beyond in her projects, taking them to another level. Charvi asks insightful questions, helps her classmates both in class and in the forum, and answers with clarity and confidence. She brings out the best in those around her and raises the bar with every project.

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Charvi’s Standout Projects

Dino Catcher Game

Timer Project

Guards of Dragono

The post Student Spotlight: Charvi appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When Lucas first discovered coding, he was a fourth-grader in elementary school. “It was a unit in science with robotics and Scratch,” he recalls. “That was probably really the first time I was exposed to some actual coding… I guess I just really liked it a lot.”

That early spark didn’t fade. Now 14 and heading into his freshman year of high school, Lucas has completed 13 CodeWizardsHQ courses and is getting ready for the final leg of the program, High School Wizard Level III  and the CodeWizardsHQ Internship. 

But Lucas isn’t just ahead in coding. He’s also a dedicated athlete, balancing his love of tech with competitive wrestling, soccer, and a deep curiosity for how the mental game of sports aligns with his programming mindset.

A Pathway to Possibility

Lucas’s coding journey took a more structured turn when his dad started looking for a program that could match his son’s growing interest. A simple Google search led them to CodeWizardsHQ, and the program immediately stood out. But it wasn’t just about finding any program. “I liked that there was a pathway. It wasn’t just a couple of scattered classes; it was concepts that built on each other,” his dad shared.

Lucas’s dad, a systems engineer, recognized early on that Lucas had both the aptitude and the interest. “He had taken a lot of interest in school… things like Lego Mindstorms and Scratch coding,” he said. “So I wanted to try to build on it and give him better opportunities.”

And it worked. Over the past few years, Lucas has moved steadily through the CodeWizardsHQ curriculum, gaining not just skills but also confidence and independence.

From Scratch to Full Stack

Before joining CodeWizardsHQ, Lucas was already exploring the world of coding on his own. “Actually, it was a lot of YouTube tutorials,” he said. “I worked with Scratch because that was kind of the more beginner aspect, and it was a little easier to understand. I remember making a lot of Scratch games and other things before my dad came up to me and was like, ‘Hey, look at this program. Do you want to give it a shot?'”

He gave it a shot—and hasn’t looked back since. Now, with 13 CodeWizardsHQ classes under his belt and only a few left before the Internship Program, Lucas has grown into a capable full-stack developer with an eye for practical problem-solving and creative design.

When asked about his favorite projects, Lucas pointed to the full-stack work he’s done using Flask. “Those full-stack projects with Flask… like the meme generator, which is a whole actual application that I made,” he said. He’s also created a replica of the Xbox homepage and several other websites, showcasing his growing confidence and skill with both front-end and back-end development.

One of Lucas’s most practical projects came from a real-world need. The family’s weather display stopped working, so Lucas decided to build his own. “I made a weather app where you can get the weather from any location around the world,” he said. He programmed it to pull live data using a weather API and update every two minutes, building a live, auto-refreshing display in Python.

Originally, Lucas’s goal was to learn how to make games, but over time, his interests evolved. “Now it’s things like Flask and HTML and Python,” he said. “I’ve always found it interesting how you could communicate with the front end and back end and put it all together.”

He’s already thinking about what’s next. “There are definitely some languages I’d still like to learn,” he said. “There are still some major ones out there.”

Wrestling Toward Excellence

Lucas isn’t just pushing boundaries in the coding world. He’s also dominating on the wrestling mat. “This is my ninth year of wrestling,” he said. “I’ve been a state qualifier three times and placed fifth at state this year for the youth program.”

Lucas competes in sports year-round, splitting his time between wrestling and club soccer. But it’s clear wrestling holds a special place for him. “I think I like wrestling a little more,” he admitted. 

He’s also tuned into the mental discipline required in both sports and coding. “Patience is definitely a big thing with coding and sports,” he said. “You’re trying to learn something new in a sport, and it could take forever. I’ve had dev tools not work for way too long, given how simple some of them were. You have to have the patience on both ends.”

That mindset has helped him stay focused through years of training, competition, and coding challenges, and it’s something he’s actively studying. “I also like working on the mental part of sports,” he said. “It helps me in real-life situations to stay calm.”

With wrestling season approaching and his CodeWizardsHQ internship on the horizon, Lucas is entering high school already equipped with the persistence, resilience, and talent to take on whatever comes next.

School, Books, and Beyond

Outside of sports and coding, Lucas has a curious mind and a love for learning. “Social studies,” he said without hesitation when asked about his favorite school subject. “I’ve always been a history person,” Lucas said. He’s especially drawn to Medieval history and finds learning about the past particularly interesting.

Lucas enjoys books about mental toughness and philosophy. “One of them was called Ignorance and the other one was called Failure,” said Chris. “It was about science and how both of those attributes are used in scientific discovery.” He’s even been reading about the philosophy of performance and mental strength. “Some of those books really help me,” Lucas said.

Lucas also likes video games, especially nostalgic ones. “There’s this game I’ve played since I was like six or seven. It’s called Plants vs. Zombies,” he said.

Looking Ahead

As Lucas begins high school, he’s already looking toward a future in tech. “I’ve had an interest for the past three or four years,” he said. “So I’m looking to build a career off of it, maybe do something with computers and code in the real world… whether it’s a work environment or developing my own things.”

For now, he’s focused on finishing the CodeWizardsHQ curriculum and starting the internship. “That’s part of the reason I’ve done this all this time—it’s real-world experience at the end of all of it.”

CodeWizardsHQ is proud to have students like Lucas. He is curious, determined, and ready to take on big challenges. With his combination of technical skill, creativity, and perseverance, we can’t wait to see what he does next. 

Whether he’s building weather apps, contributing to team projects, or exploring new programming languages, Lucas consistently brings thoughtfulness and energy to everything he does. He represents the best of what young coders can achieve when given the right tools and support. It seems his instructor, Aaron Neme, agrees.

Lucas always goes above and beyond on his coding projects, testing and experimenting with what he can do to make them better. He doesn’t just complete the assignments—he pushes the limits of what’s possible within them. It really speaks to his amazing character and his genuine passion for learning.

Aaron Neme, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Lucas’s Standout Projects

Xbox Parody Website

Meme Generator

Recipe Website

The post Student Spotlight: Lucas appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When Max first discovered coding, he was only six years old. A friend showed him a coding website, and his imagination lit up. “One of my friends found a website called Scratch, and then they said, ‘Wow, you can make your own games here. It’s really cool.’ Then I wanted to know Scratch.”

That moment sparked something big. Today, Max is 11 years old, taking high school-level coding classes, and closing in on completing one of CodeWizardsHQ’s most advanced courses. He’s been coding for more than five years and loves every minute of it.

A Family Discovery

Max’s mom discovered CodeWizardsHQ while looking for a coding class for his older sister. “I was looking for a coding class, and I found CodeWizards, and then I signed my daughter up,” she said.

Later, Max became interested in coding himself. “I heard my sister was learning to code, and I thought that I’d like to code too.” That simple request kicked off what would become a long and meaningful journey. “Max loved it, and then he just kept going.” His mom saw it as a positive and productive outlet, something that would keep him engaged in learning and creativity.

From Games to Web Design

Max’s first big draw to coding was the idea of making games, but as he advanced through the program, his interests broadened. “Originally, I wanted to make games that I could play, but as I went further into the courses, web design also caught my eye.”

Now, one of his favorite coding tools is Bootstrap. “I’ve had the most fun with Bootstrap, probably because it’s mainly the visual aspect of the website. I’m also interested in art, and I draw a lot as a hobby. So finding out about this easy way to style your project that’s really customizable, I found that cool.”

Bootstrap is a popular front-end framework that helps developers build responsive, visually appealing websites more easily. It provides ready-to-use components, such as buttons, forms, and navigation bars, along with a grid system for layout. With Bootstrap, students like Max can quickly style their projects and customize the look of their websites without starting from scratch.

Max especially enjoys how CodeWizardsHQ classes encourage students to personalize their projects. “Something I always do is change the font and change the button properties. I like to change a lot of things, visual things about projects.”

A Standout Student

Max’s dedication and passion for coding show in the progress he’s made over the past five years at CodeWizardsHQ. He’s currently enrolled in Modern CSS Framework and has earned exceptional scores throughout all of his classes.

His favorite projects? That’s a long list, but Max was ready.

“One was in one of the middle school courses… We made a calculator. That was the first time I realized that you could do other stuff with coding that wasn’t making games.”

Another standout was a Bootstrap-based project. “We recently made this furniture site, where we learned about the carousel in Bootstrap.” In this project, students built the front page of a furniture e-commerce site. They used Bootstrap to add a carousel showcasing featured products and learned how to align elements for a clean, professional layout.

But his most memorable project came early on. “We made an arrow shooter game… I barely remember it, but I remember, after the course, I would just keep going back to look at the final project, because I was so proud of it… I made this fully functioning game that was actually really fun to play.”

Beyond the Screen

Max’s interests go far beyond coding. He’s active in his school’s VEX robotics team and serves as the programmer and a driver. “Last season was my first season in robotics. We made it to States last year.” Now in his second season, he’s helping lead the bot design and programming again. 

He also plays percussion in his school band and enjoys reading mystery and fantasy novels. One recent favorite? “This mystery novel that I read for school, Greenglass House.”

And then there’s birding, a quieter hobby, but one that taps into the same careful observation and curiosity that make Max a strong coder. “I like birding… I can identify stuff.” Whether he’s tracking birds in nature or troubleshooting lines of code, Max approaches each challenge with focus and enthusiasm.

A Creative Mind and a Clear Goal

With interests in robotics, design, and coding, Max is carving out a distinctive niche for himself in the tech world. He plans to keep learning and growing his skills. “Eventually, long-term, I would like to have some sort of career in software development and/or web design… I would also like to go to college and maybe major in software design.”

Ready for What’s Next

With five years of coding already under his belt, Max is a student who truly stands out. At just 11 years old, he’s not only building advanced websites and crafting games but also programming and driving competition-ready robots. His ability to think critically, collaborate with teammates, and apply what he’s learned in real-world settings shows just how far his skills have come.

Whether he’s coding, sketching, or exploring the outdoors, Max brings creativity, focus, and curiosity to everything he does. At CodeWizardsHQ, we’re proud to be part of his journey and can’t wait to see what he’ll achieve next. His instructor, Ife, has seen that same spark firsthand and shared this about Max:

It goes without saying that Max is very bright, given that he’s mastered so much of our curriculum at such an early age. Yet, besides that, I’m impressed with the enthusiasm, humor, and inquisitiveness he brings to every class. It has been a joy to have him as a student, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

Ife Blount, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Max’s Standout Projects

Calculator Project

Urban Furniture Website

Arrow Game

The post Student Spotlight: Max appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When Nico was just six, he got a gift from his dad that would spark a long-lasting interest: a small robot that he could program. “I got to code a robot, and it was really simple,” Nico recalled. “I just did it, and I liked it.”

That simple introduction to programming was all it took. Soon, Nico was exploring Scratch on his own and building projects independently. “I did a lot of Scratch on my own for almost two years,” he said. Today, Nico is eleven years old and a standout student at CodeWizardsHQ, having completed an impressive eleven classes, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Finding the Right Program

Nico’s parents have always prioritized academic enrichment for their children. “We always try to give them as much as we can and try to keep them ahead,” Nico’s mom explained. With a background in electrical engineering, Nico’s father played a key role in discovering CodeWizardsHQ, and Nico was excited to give it a try.

For Nico’s family, coding represents more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s an important skill with real-world applications. “My husband is all about science, math, and coding,” said Nico’s mom. “He thinks that programming is a good field, and it’s something that can get our children a good career down the line.”

They enrolled both Nico and his younger sister in CodeWizardsHQ. “We thought, at this age, we’ll see if she takes any interest. Now both of our kids are taking coding classes,” she added. “They enjoy it. That’s the most important thing.”

A Seasoned CodeWizardsHQ Student

With eleven classes under his belt, Nico has been a part of the CodeWizardsHQ community for a few years now. His strong dedication and quick learning have helped him steadily progress through increasingly advanced courses. Currently, he’s in the Responsive Web Development class and preparing to move into Interactive JavaScript.

When asked what first drew him to coding, his answer was simple and honest: “Because I thought it was cool. I like video games and I wanted to make them.”

Favorite Projects and Skills

Through his classes at CodeWizardsHQ, Nico has created a variety of projects. One that stands out is a Python game called Wizard Quest. Another favorite is an HTML project where he built a website about himself. “That was pretty cool,” he said. He also mentioned a project from Beyond Basics with Python called “Fifty to Win,” a dice game where different combinations of even and odd rolls affect the outcome. “If both of them are even, you get one point, and if both of them are odd, the computer does,” he explained.

When asked about his favorite coding language, Nico was quick to answer. “Probably Python,” he said. His enthusiasm for the language shows in the creative games and projects he’s developed throughout his classes. Alongside Python, he’s also gained experience with web development tools like HTML, and he’s excited to keep expanding his toolkit. He shared that learning to code has helped him improve his logical thinking and organizational skills, benefits that go far beyond the screen.

Looking ahead, Nico is eager to take on new challenges in coding. “I want to learn JavaScript too. It’s my next class,” he said. He also shared a growing interest in Roblox game development. “I did a summer class where I made a Roblox game, and I tried doing it by myself, too,” he said. “That was pretty cool. I want to learn how to do that more.”

Learning Outside the Classroom

Even outside of his CodeWizardsHQ classes, Nico keeps his interest in programming alive. “I make games on my own,” he said. “I’ve made a bunch of Scratch games, and I made one Roblox game, but I’m still working on it.”

Though he’s not entirely sure what career path he’ll take, he has some ideas. “I don’t know what I’m going to do if I have a career in coding. But I do want to make games,” he said.

A Well-Rounded Student

In addition to coding, Nico has a wide range of interests and activities. His favorite subject in school is math, though reading sometimes edges it out. He also enjoys science, especially the hands-on parts. “I like experiments and doing stuff I haven’t learned about before,” he said.

When he’s not coding or in school, Nico keeps busy with several extracurriculars. He enjoys playing video games, practices piano, trains in Taekwondo, and swims during the summer.

He’s been playing piano for about three years and participates in a recital every year. While it’s not his favorite activity, he admits that some of the pieces he learns are catchy.

Taekwondo is one of his favorite activities. Nico trains five times a week and has already reached the Senior Blue belt after just one year, a testament to his commitment and perseverance. He enjoys the physicality of the sport and thinks it’s fun to learn how to defend himself.

Hobbies and Interests

Nico is an avid reader who enjoys immersing himself in a variety of books. Some recent favorites include Spy School and The Curse of the Spider King. He gravitates toward stories with adventure, mystery, and fantasy elements that keep him turning the pages.

In the world of gaming, Nico enjoys Roblox, Marvel Rivals, Minecraft, and Brawl Stars. These games are some of his favorites to play in his free time, offering a mix of creativity, competition, and entertainment.

Looking Ahead

With years of coding experience already behind him and more classes ahead, Nico continues to impress with both his technical skills and his vibrant personality. He’s not only building advanced coding projects, he’s also building up those around him. Known for his quick thinking and great sense of humor, Nico helps make every class a fun, engaging place to learn. His natural confidence and leadership have made him a standout in the CodeWizardsHQ community. It seems his instructor, Josh, agrees.

Nico started a saying in our class, saying he is “built different.” I really admire his confidence. He’s great at answering questions, and his confident, playful personality adds to the fun of the class. I always look forward to it, and Nico is a big reason why.

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Nico’s Standout Projects

Wizard Quest

Nico’s Website

Fortune Cookie Webpage

The post Student Spotlight: Nico appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When William first discovered coding, he wasn’t in a classroom, he was playing video games. At just 7 years old, William made the connection that the games he loved were powered by something called coding. That simple realization sparked a lasting interest that has grown into a full journey of learning, exploration, and creativity.

Today, William is 11 years old and thriving in CodeWizardsHQ’s coding program. Although he’s still in elementary school, William has already completed multiple classes, tackled Python programming, and impressed his instructor with his logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and consistent progress.

Finding the Right Path

When it came time to nurture William’s early interest in coding, his mom set out to find the right program. She researched coding schools. “CodeWizards seemed to have really good reviews,” she explained. CodeWizards had organized, structured classes, so I thought it would be good.”

The structured environment turned out to be a great fit for William, who had already shown an aptitude for logical thinking. His mom shared, “He’s very good at logic, and he tried a few things like robotics and coding with Scratch online. We noticed that he liked it. I believe that in the future, coding will be one of the languages you have to know. Computer programming and AI will be dominating the future workforce.”

“So far, it’s been great,” his mom said about their experience with the program. “Teachers can explain things to the kids in a way that they can easily understand, and the courses progress slowly for the kids to learn. Sometimes I see what William has to work on for his homework. It’s been good.”

Diving Deeper into Coding

Currently, William is enrolled in Logic with Python, where he’s building on his foundation of coding skills with increasingly complex projects. One of William’s favorite projects is a mini-game where students design characters that jump over enemies to avoid them. It introduces new skills like using functions and implementing keyboard controls. Projects like these tap into William’s original interest in coding, the dream of building his own games. When asked what made him want to learn coding in the first place, William was clear: “I was thinking of building my own video games.”

As he’s progressed through his classes, William has found himself particularly drawn to functions. “I guess writing functions,” he said when asked what skills he enjoys most. “They’re the most interactive things.” His enthusiasm for coding shines through in his consistent work, and he’s looking forward to expanding his skills even further as he advances through the program.

A Love for Learning

William’s interests don’t stop at coding. He’s a bright, active student who enjoys science, math, and a variety of other activities outside the classroom.

When asked about his favorite school subject, he didn’t hesitate: “Science.”

He explained that he likes science because “it makes me interested compared to most other subjects.” It’s clear that science captures his imagination in a way that keeps him engaged.

Outside of school and coding, William has a full schedule of activities. He’s learning to swim, taking tennis lessons, and participating in outside math classes at the Russian School of Math, a program known for its challenging curriculum and strong competitive opportunities. He’s also been playing piano for four years. 

William has been participating in math competitions since third grade. His mom shared, “Depending on the competitions, sometimes they rank you regionally or nationally. They tell you what percentile you are at. Kids can earn medals at the end of the year with an awards ceremony.” William has earned medals through his math competitions, a testament to both his skills and his dedication.

William also enjoys reading, particularly fantasy books. Some of his favorites include Wings of Fire and The Phantom Tollbooth. When talking about The Phantom Tollbooth, his enthusiasm was clear, a great match for a student who loves imaginative thinking and exploring new ideas.

A Future Full of Possibilities

While William isn’t exactly sure what career he wants to pursue yet, “I’ll see,” he said. He’s laying a strong foundation that will serve him no matter where his interests take him.

Coding will certainly be part of his journey, whether it’s building video games, creating new applications, or simply strengthening the logical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any field.

Celebrating William’s Journey

As William continues his classes at CodeWizardsHQ, we’re excited to see where his skills, creativity, and curiosity take him next. His journey so far is a wonderful reminder that with the right support, encouragement, and hard work, students can achieve great things even at a young age.

Congratulations, William, on everything you’ve already accomplished and on all the exciting possibilities still ahead!

William is very gifted. He consistently completes the project by simply looking at the example and doesn’t need any steps listed. In a Python introductory class, he actually completed an exercise in a more intuitive way than the slides did, and I turned it into the curriculum team as a suggestion to update the slides to use his way, and they did!

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

William’s Standout Projects

Jumping Game

Magic Wizard Calculator

Clown Project

The post Student Spotlight: William appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

At CodeWizardsHQ, we’re always inspired by students who take the initiative, dive into coding, and grow their skills with determination and curiosity. This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Louis, an 8th-grade student from Canada, whose journey into the world of programming started with a spark of interest from an introduction to coding at school.

A Self-Started Spark

Louis’s interest in coding started all on his own. His mom remembered, “Louis asked to learn coding. We don’t have coding backgrounds.” 

Louis still remembers exactly when the coding bug bit him. “In 6th grade, there was a program called Callisto, and they came to our school, and they taught basic coding lessons. I won a competition,” he said. It wasn’t just a moment of fun; it lit a spark. He didn’t come from a tech-heavy family, but he had a feeling that this was something he was good at and more than that, something he enjoyed.

Finding CodeWizardsHQ

When Louis’s curiosity took the lead, his mom began searching for the right program. “I did a Google search and tried to find him a good program,” she shared. “I just looked at the customer reviews, and CodeWizards has quite good feedback.” So, with no background in programming themselves, Louis’s family supported him in signing up for his very first coding course—with CodeWizardsHQ.

“At the time, I was just wanting to learn how to make a game,” he said. That simple curiosity led him to request coding classes and now, just two years later, he’s advanced through four CodeWizardsHQ courses.

From Python Basics to Capstone Projects

Louis has completed Intro to Python, Beyond Basics with Python, Webpages with HTML and CSS, and even a Capstone Course. He is currently in his fifth course, Responsive Web Development. When asked which projects stood out, Louis said, “I’ve enjoyed all the projects that we’ve made.”

Louis mentioned that his Capstone Course projects were the ones that stood out most, hinting at the more advanced and creative work students accomplish in these courses. Capstone Courses solidify learning and allow students to deepen their understanding of programming concepts with cumulative, exciting projects after each Wizard Level.

When asked which language he preferred, Louis didn’t hesitate: “I prefer Python… it feels more like coding compared to HTML.” That preference makes sense. Louis is drawn to logical challenges. He has enjoyed learning the foundational elements of Python, such as printing and if-else statements.

Looking Ahead: JavaScript, Engineering, and Possibilities

Right now, Louis is looking forward to learning JavaScript. He’s excited about how JavaScript will open a whole new level of creativity and interactivity for his websites with dynamic features like pop-ups, animations, and interactive buttons.

Though he’s still figuring out what his future career might be, he’s open to the idea of engineering. “My parents are probably planning for me to become an engineer,” he said. 

Life Outside the Code

Louis isn’t all coding, all the time. He’s a regular 8th-grade student who enjoys math and science. “Math has mostly just been numbers, but I feel like algebra has been entertaining,” he said. Louis shared that he also enjoys the lab work in his science classes.

When he’s not in school or coding, you can probably find him playing video games. His favorites are first-person shooter games. Louis also likes to get outside, especially when it involves camping trips. “We normally go to Banff National Park,” he said. He also hikes with his dad.

Being based in Canada, Louis is no stranger to cold. Reflecting on the recent winter, he said, “It was minus 20 for quite a long time. It just came up to 0.” But he and his family also enjoy traveling, especially road trips to the U.S. “Las Vegas, Utah, and the West Coast,” Louis listed. When asked what feels different about crossing the border, he had a very Canadian answer: “Metric and imperial systems are very different.”

A Strong Start to a Promising Journey

There’s something impressive about the way Louis approaches coding, with focus, consistency, and a genuine drive to improve. He puts in the work, builds his skills with purpose, and continues to grow with every course he takes. His projects reflect not just what he’s learned but also how far he’s come. From winning his very first coding competition in 6th grade to progressing through four CodeWizardsHQ courses, Louis has built a strong foundation in programming, especially in Python, where he thrives with logic and problem-solving. 

As always, we’re thankful for students like Louis and families who support their interests, even when it means stepping into something completely new. Thank you, Louis, for being part of the CodeWizardsHQ community. We’re so glad you found us.

Louis is a very hardworking student with strong problem-solving and logical thinking skills. He often works ahead during class and consistently goes above and beyond on his projects. You can tell he really takes the time to understand the material, and he’s always focused and engaged.

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Louis’s Standout Projects

Wizard Quest

Louis’s Website

Wizard Game

The post Student Spotlight: Louis appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Nora is a standout student at CodeWizardsHQ with a passion for coding, a love for learning, and a competitive drive that shines both in the classroom and on the golf course. At just eleven years old, she has already developed a strong foundation in programming, tackled complex coding projects, and competed in high-level golf tournaments. Her journey into the world of technology began with a simple introduction to block coding. Still, her curiosity quickly led her to explore deeper, mastering multiple programming languages and envisioning a future where she blends her interest in robotics with coding.

Discovering Code and CodeWizardsHQ

Nora’s coding journey began in fourth grade when she was first introduced to Scratch. “I remember that in fourth grade we had a few lessons on computer science where we were using Scratch to block code,” she recalls. “That, I think, was the first time I got interested in coding in general.” Her teacher had explained that while Scratch was block-based, “under the hood, it’s like all coding languages.” That realization piqued her interest: “I was interested in using coding languages because that’s the base of everything online.”

Nora’s dad, who has a software background, recognized her growing interest and took the advice of a friend who suggested CodeWizardsHQ. “One of my friends brought it to my attention. He spoke greatly about it, and we thought it would be a good idea for her to try it out, and of course, she liked it.” Once enrolled, Nora quickly embraced the curriculum, enjoying the interactive lessons and hands-on approach. Her excitement for coding continued to grow as she progressed through her courses, reinforcing her passion for programming and technology.

Coding Projects and Future Goals

Now, after nearly a year of classes, Nora has developed a real passion for coding. “I think that coding is a really good way to solidify yourself,” she says. “As computers and software become more and more important to daily life, it’s very useful to know how to code.”

At CodeWizardsHQ, she’s had the opportunity to dive into different programming languages and projects. “Some of my favorite projects have been in the beginning of the HTML and CSS course,” she shares. “I remember there was a project where we had to create a web page. That one was really fun. It introduced me to what the purpose of HTML and CSS is.”

She has also enjoyed her Python courses: “In Beyond Basics with Python, I liked the project where we did the Haunted Treasure project. I loved how it was like a game.” Nora referenced a project where students become treasure hunters in a spooky mansion, coding a game to secure treasure while avoiding ghosts. They learn function parameters, keyboard controls, conditional statements, and collision detection.

When it comes to coding concepts, Nora is especially drawn to front-end development. “I like CSS and HTML because that’s the base of websites,” she explains. “They both go hand in hand. You can’t have CSS without HTML. Well, you can have HTML without CSS; it just doesn’t look very pretty.”

Looking ahead, she has big dreams for what she wants to learn next. “I would love to learn how to code games,” she says. “And code an actual platform where you can have animations and graphics. That would also be cool.” She already has a long-term vision for her future. “I am interested in robots and I know that code is how you give instructions to robots. I’ve always been interested in that, and I do want to turn that into some form of a career.”

A Well-Rounded Student: Academics, Sports, and Hobbies

Beyond coding, Nora has a variety of academic interests. “I like a lot of my subjects, but my two favorites are social studies and science,” she shares. History fascinates her because “You need to know where you came from. You need to learn about the past so that you don’t repeat the same things that happened in the past.” She’s particularly drawn to learning about different civilizations. In science, Nora reports that she loves studying space.

Outside of school, Nora is an accomplished athlete. She has been golfing for seven years and has already made a name for herself in the sport. Competing in the PGA Junior League, she plays regularly and hones her skills through frequent tournaments, often participating in several each month. Her dedication and talent have earned her a spot on an All-Star Team for the last three years, a recognition reserved for the top players in her league. Beyond league play, she takes on independent tournaments to challenge herself further, continuously improving her game. With a strong competitive spirit, Nora is committed to excelling in golf while balancing her many other interests.

Though golf is her main focus now, Nora has also participated in other sports. “She’s an avid swimmer too,” her dad shared. “She started swimming when she was three.” When asked about her favorite stroke, she replies, “Probably backstroke.” She also played volleyball but has since shifted her attention to golf.

In addition to sports, she has creative hobbies. “The other two things that I love to do are drawing and reading,” she says. She’s an avid reader who especially enjoys fantasy books, Harry Potter being a favorite.

A Bright Future Ahead

With so many interests and talents, it’s clear that Nora is an incredibly well-rounded student. Her curiosity, determination, and passion for learning make her an exceptional young coder. Whether she’s building websites, dreaming up video games, or envisioning a future in robotics, she’s sure to do amazing things, and with her competitive edge on the golf course, she proves that she’s just as skilled outside the classroom as she is in it. We can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next!

Nora is always the first to jump in and answer questions, no matter how challenging they are. In fact, I’ve started saving the toughest ones just for her! If the whole class is stuck, we all know Nora is the one to call for help. She’s not only a brilliant problem solver but also an incredible teammate, always active in class, and eager to support her fellow students.

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Nora’s Standout Projects

Nora’s Digital Painting

Magical Website

Haunted Treasure Hunt

The post Student Spotlight: Nora appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.