COMPUTER science
MathAltitude School of Mathematics partners with Prime Factor, Math Circles and School of Programming, to offer the following computer science courses:
Games and Algorithms with Scratch (grades 3 - 6) - Year 1 & Year 2
Getting Started with JavaScript and Mobile App Programming (grades 5 - 7)
Coding and Algorithms with Python (grades 6 - 9) - Year 1 & Year 2
About the Courses
Games and Algorithms with Scratch
Getting Started with JavaScript and Mobile App Programming
Coding and Algorithms with Python
Hardware Requirements
About Our Instructors
Contact Us for more Information
About the Courses
Games and Algorithms with Scratch, Year 1 (grades 3 - 6)
Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 P.M. starting October 15
Why Start with Scratch ?
Scratch is a visual programming environment designed to make programming accessible and engaging for younger students. Instead of typing complex code, students build programs by connecting colorful blocks, allowing them to focus on the fundamentals of programming—logic, sequencing, problem-solving, and debugging—without getting stuck on syntax.
Because students can immediately see their code come to life, Scratch turns abstract programming concepts into something concrete and creative. Students use these skills to build their own stories, animations, and games, making Scratch a natural first step into computer science.
Year 1 course description:
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of programming and step-by-step problem-solving. Students move from being passive technology consumers to becoming creators, designing and building their own interactive worlds and games.
Students learn how to break big ideas into smaller steps and translate those ideas into code using Scratch's visual programming blocks. They also develop systematic debugging skills, learning how to find and fix problems when their characters do not move, react, or behave as expected.
Each week includes an in-class assignment with specific goals and parameters, as well as a creative take-home project that encourages students to experiment and explore independently. By turning their own ideas into playable, customized games, students gain both practical programming skills and the confidence that comes from seeing their creations actually work.
As students gain confidence throughout the year, they put their new programming skills into practice by creating their own games and interactive projects. They have the opportunity to present their creations to classmates and families, sharing what they made and celebrating their first steps as young programmers.
Classes are limited to 8 students. A minimum of 5 students is required to hold the class.
Contact us to enroll your child or to get more information.
Games and Algorithms with Scratch, Year 2 (grades 4 - 6)
Thursdays, 4:45-6:15 P.M. starting October 15
Year 2 course description: 
This course builds on the skills developed in Year 1 and introduces students to more advanced game logic, algorithms, and project design. Students take on increasingly complex challenges as they learn to create dynamic arcade-style games and interactive projects.
Students explore concepts such as game loops, gravity and physics simulations, data management, and custom game mechanics. More complex projects require students to plan carefully, experiment with different approaches, and develop the patience and persistence needed to debug and improve their code.
Each week combines focused in-class assignments with independent design challenges, giving students opportunities to apply new techniques while developing their own ideas. As their projects become more sophisticated, students gain greater creative control and learn to approach programming as a process of designing, testing, troubleshooting, and refining.
Students take increasing ownership of their projects, developing ideas, building more sophisticated games, and refining their work through testing and debugging. Their year culminates in an opportunity to present their finished projects to classmates and families, showcasing the creativity and technical skills they have developed.
Prerequisites: Students should have some working knowledge of Scratch or equivalent programming language and take a placement test, or have a teacher’s recommendation.
Classes are limited to 8 students. A minimum of 5 students is required to hold the class.
Contact us to enroll your child or to get more information.
Getting Started with JavaScript and Mobile App Programming (grades 5 - 7)
This course isn't offered in 2026-2027 school year, please see Coding and Algorithms with Python
Students apply problem solving and learn practical skills using one of the most popular programming languages. Students will use the popular App Lab programming environment to design mobile and web apps, code in JavaScript with either blocks or text, and then share their work with family and friends. Students will learn basic building blocks of JavaScript including variables, conditions, loops, user interface widgets like buttons, checkboxes, images, event-driven programming, complex programs with for loops, lists and strings, advanced multi-screen UI programming. While doing larger and more intricate projects, students will create mobile apps, games and work with data and databases.
What is App Lab:
App Lab is a programming environment developed by Code.org that is used to create web and mobile apps. Students will use block-based programming at the beginning of the course, and then switch to text coding. App Lab encourages learning of the principles and practices of modern mobile and web programming in JavaScript.
Prerequisites: Students should have some working knowledge of any programming language and take a placement test, or have a teacher’s recommendation after taking our “Games and Algorithms with Scratch” course.
Classes are limited to 8 students. A minimum of 5 students is required to hold the class.
Contact us to enroll your child or to get more information.
Coding and Algorithms with Python, Year 1 (grades 6 - 8)
Thursdays, 5:15-6:45 P.M. starting October 15
This is the 1st part of a 2-year course, designed for students who are beginning their journey in computer science.
Why Python?
Python is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages in the world. Its clear and readable syntax makes it an excellent first programming language. At the same time, Python is powerful enough to be used in professional fields such as software development, data science, artificial intelligence, and game design.
Course description:
This course introduces students to the foundations of computer science through Python programming. Students learn not only how to write code, but also how to think like programmers: how to break problems into smaller steps, design algorithms, test ideas, and create solutions.
Students learn core Python concepts, including variables, logical operators, control flow, functions, and data structures such as lists and dictionaries. Through hands-on projects and problem-solving activities, students practice debugging, testing, improving their code, and explaining their solutions.
The course emphasizes computational thinking and algorithmic reasoning — skills that are valuable far beyond programming.
Prerequisites:
• Solid understanding of grade-level math
• Familiarity with the coordinate plane
• Comfortable with typing
• Students are admitted after an interview with the instructor
Whether your child is curious about coding or ready to take their first serious step into the world of programming, this course offers the structure, support, and challenge to help them thrive.
Classes are limited to 8 students. A minimum of 5 students is required to hold the class.
Contact us to enroll your child or to get more information.
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 P.M. starting October 15
This is the second part of our 2-year Python sequence, designed for students who have completed Year 1 or have equivalent Python experience.
Why Year 2?
Year 2 is for students who enjoyed learning Python and are ready for a new challenge. The focus shifts from learning programming basics to becoming more independent programmers who can design, debug, and improve more complex solutions.
Course description:
In this course, students deepen their understanding of Python and explore more advanced computer science concepts through challenging problems and larger projects.
Students strengthen their programming skills by working with core data structures such as strings, lists, sets, and dictionaries, while learning new concepts including recursion, binary numbers, ciphers, and object-oriented programming.
Each lesson includes dedicated problem-solving practice, helping students develop the ability to analyze complex problems, plan multi-step solutions, debug independently, and write clearer, more efficient code.
Students also create interactive games and larger projects using Python libraries such as pygame, applying the full development process: planning, coding, testing, debugging, and improving their work.
Prerequisites:
• Completion of Coding and Algorithms with Python, Year 1 (or equivalent Python experience)
• Ability to write basic Python programs independently
• Willingness to work through challenging problems and revise solutions
• Comfortable with typing
• Students are admitted after an interview with the instructor
Year 2 is a great fit for students who want to move beyond introductory coding, build confidence as programmers, and prepare for future computer science coursework.
Classes are limited to 8 students. A minimum of 5 students is required to hold the class.
Contact us to enroll your child or to get more information.
Hardware Requirements
Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or ChromeOS, Wi-Fi enabled
At least a 1.6 GHz processor or faster with min RAM of 8 GB.
500 MB of available storage.
Screen with a size of 1024 x 768 or larger.
Browser: Chrome 103.x, Safari 14.x, Edge 119.x, Firefox 98.x
Students can bring a mouse.
About Our Instructors
Mr. Ed Suyer has been part of our MathAltitude community for the past 12 years. He has taught Scratch programming at the elementary and middle school levels, and a Cloud programming internship program for high schoolers. Mr. Suyer is a programmer by trade and works in the industry writing code and mentoring programmers.
Ms. Michelle Meyer holds a B.A. from Ithaca College in New York. She is an engaging, caring educator who has a strong rapport with students, families, and fellow teachers. Michelle brings a diverse background of teaching, creative arts, technology, administration, and leadership experience to our MathAltitude team. Michelle is well-versed in Scratch Coding, Lego EV3 Robotics, and Stykz Digital Animation.
We invite your child to discover the fascinating world of computer science!
Here's what our parents are saying:
"My son had an amazing and fun experience last year with the Scratch course and waiting for the JS course to start this year. After his achievements with programming concepts under amazing guidance he wrote several fun games at home and made his younger brother and sister to beg us to have them take the course this year. Thank you MathAltitude team for the great programs with math and now programming! "
~Oleg Aidelman
Fill out the simple form below to inquire about computer science classes availability and learn more about the program:
Also feel free to call us - (860) 37-LEARN (375-3276) or email us - info@mathaltitude.com
