5 Virtual Classes Your Kids Can Take This Summer

By Kim Key

If your children have been virtual learning this year, they’ve gotten pretty comfortable with online classes. Summer can be a great time to switch things up with online instruction. Start by choosing classes based on what they love. Below are popular subjects topping this summer’s list of online learning options. Don’t worry if you don’t have experience in a desired subject, the tutorials and apps on this list will guide you and your kids through the learning process.

Coding

Elementary School: Kodable – It teaches the fundamentals of computer science with self-directed lessons. Young children will like the cute characters they create, and eventually they’ll learn to read and write JavaScript.

Middle School: Gameblox – A block-based programming site that allows kids to make their own games that can be played online or on mobile devices. If your kid is interested in game development, this is a good place to start.

High School: Codecademy – Students can pick the coding language they want to learn and build websites. Choose from HTML, CSS, Ruby on Rails, Python, JavaScript, jQuery, SQL, PHP and more with a personalized learning plan.

Art

Elementary School: Skillshare – Here’s a range of classes for kids that will teach your budding artist to doodle, draw and paint. Most of the classes are for younger students and feature bright colors and simple shapes.

Middle School: Lily & Thistle Nature’s Art Club – A great option to get kids outside and online. You can make memories with your children while participating in the nature activities and crafts and also receiving a high-quality art education.

High School: Sparketh – Get unlimited access to over a thousand video art lessons. Classes are ages 6 and up, but there are terrific choices for teenagers through age 18, and skill levels range from beginner to advanced.

Dance

Elementary School: Tippi Toes – Help your kids harness their energy with a weekly dance lesson. Qualified instructors offer dance steps that are easy for both kids and adults, all set to special Tippi Toes original music.

Middle School: Digital Dance – If your tween is getting a little more serious about becoming a dancer, check out this selection of dance instruction. Digital Dance has warmup routines and a vast array of videos in many genres of dance, from ballet to tap to jazz.

High School: CLI Studios – Your dancer can really get moving and dance with 300 of the world’s top choreographers, who’ve worked with Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, the cast of “Hamilton” and more.

Spanish

Elementary School: Calico Spanish – A 100% digital program with bright colors and illustrations to keep kids’ interest and help them learn the language faster. The lesson plans for these Spanish classes for kids are designed for teachers of any Spanish-language ability.

Middle School: Middlebury – Help your kids get a head start on their high school Spanish courses by focusing on four key areas of study: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will learn a lot of vocabulary and participate in simple conversations.

High School: James Madison High School – Give your student a chance to earn high school credit during the summer while studying at home! James Madison High School offers accredited coursework and testing that may be accepted by your child’s school.

Cooking

Elementary School: The Kids’ Table – Get involved with your little ones in the kitchen! You and your child can participate in live Zoom sessions with a teacher who specializes in online cooking classes for kids. Learn how to make simple meals and desserts that will please the whole family.

Middle School: Outschool – Live video chat courses are available, so kids can watch food being prepared and ask questions. A variety of both live and pre-recorded courses are offered, including Cooking and Baking for Kids, Top Chef Culinary Camp and Tour of Italy.

High School: Cozymeal – Let your young adults find their way around the kitchen with courses designed to help gain confidence and independence through cooking. Courses could include a Dark Chocolate Workshop, Intro to Indian Cuisine and Authentic Fettuccine and Ravioli. Classes are announced a month in advance so check to see what will be available during the summer.

This summer everyone may be home at the same time, so you’ll need to make sure your home bandwidth can support multiple uploads at the same time. Check with your internet service provider to see if fiber internet is available in your area. Having high-quality, fast internet can make a difference in your child’s learning all summer long.

Program availability may have changed and is subject to change.