Overview

CodeHS brings computer science curriculum, coding tools, and classroom management together for K–12 teachers, students, and schools. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, it serves programs that teach computer science as well as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy.

Its catalog contains more than 100 customizable, standards-aligned courses. Teachers can pair lessons with a browser-based coding editor, while classroom tools support assignments, grading, and visibility into student progress and coding process. CodeHS also has a separate catalog for individual learners, but it is not an accredited school or online course provider; individual learners do not receive official grades or academic credit for completing courses.

Browse our Coding learning platforms guide for more options.

Key features

Courses and coding practice

CodeHS courses cover computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital literacy. The curriculum is customizable and standards-aligned, and project-based learning is supported. The platform lists languages and technologies including JavaScript, Python, Java, C++, SQL, HTML, CSS, and React Native.

Browser-based editor

The editor runs in a browser and supports more than 10 programming languages, including Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++. Classroom coding tools include autograders, in-editor help, code history, and a blocks-to-text experience. Automatic code submission and section management are also listed with the free teacher plan.

Classroom management and AI

The learning management system gives teachers a view of class progress, tools for grading assignments, and insight into how students work through code. CodeHS describes AI hints, AI grading, Ask AI, and Vibe Coding. Its Free-versus-Pro comparison places AI grading and hints among Pro features, so availability depends on the plan.

Integrations and privacy

Listed integrations include Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, Blackboard, Clever, ClassLink, Brightspace by D2L, Buzz, and Moodle. Most integrations require a school license. A district license adds automatic rostering over LTI 1.3.

CodeHS provides a channel for reporting security bugs and vulnerabilities and links to a Privacy Center. These resources are relevant to schools assessing how a classroom platform fits their privacy and security processes.

Pricing

CodeHS uses a freemium model. Its permanent free teacher plan costs 0.00 USD per free and requires no credit card, downloads, or per-student fees. The plan lists 100+ courses, a browser-based editor, and section and roster management; the pricing details also mention automatic code submission and section management.

The individual-learner catalog has monthly and annual access options. Individual Learner All Access (monthly) costs 99.00 USD per month, billed monthly. Individual Learner All Access (annual) costs 990.00 USD per year, billed annually, and includes two months of access for free. An All Access listing also states 99.00 USD per month, billed monthly, for subscription access to the individual learner course catalog.

Starter is listed for one teacher and up to 100 students, but its price is not listed. School is for schools with multiple teachers or more than 100 students, and District is for district-wide programs; neither has a listed price. The Pro plan description includes a dedicated Customer Success Manager, though no Pro price is provided here.

CodeHS also offers an annual PD Membership for 395 USD per teacher per year, including mini courses, workshops, and microcredential exams. There is no free trial.

Platforms

CodeHS is listed for web, Android, and iOS. Its coding editor is browser-based, and the service also identifies mobile apps as available.

Who it's for

CodeHS is primarily aimed at K–12 teachers, students, and schools that need course material alongside coding practice and classroom oversight. The range of subjects and customizable, standards-aligned courses may suit programs building or adapting a computer science curriculum. School and district license options, integrations, and rostering are geared toward institutional use.

Individual learners can subscribe to access the course catalog, but should note the distinction between course access and formal education: CodeHS does not provide accreditation, official grades, or academic credit upon completion for Individual Learner students.

Pros and cons

Pros: More than 100 customizable, standards-aligned courses span several computing subjects.
Pros: The browser editor and classroom IDE combine coding practice with autograders, in-editor help, code history, and blocks-to-text.
Pros: A permanent free teacher plan has no per-student fees or credit-card requirement.
Pros: Numerous named classroom and identity integrations support school and district workflows, subject to license requirements.
Cons: Most integrations require a school license, and automatic rostering over LTI 1.3 requires a district license.
Cons: Prices for Starter, School, and District are not listed.
Cons: Individual Learner course completion does not result in official grades or academic credit.

Alternatives

For other coding and computer science learning options, consider Mimo, Progate, freeCodeCamp, Scrimba, Scratch, CodeAI (formerly Code.org), Tynker, and Educative.

Verdict

CodeHS is a broad classroom-oriented platform, combining an extensive curriculum with a browser coding environment and tools for managing student work. Its free teacher plan offers a clear entry point, while school and district plans address larger programs. The main considerations are that key integrations require institutional licenses, several plan prices are not listed, and the individual-learner option is not a substitute for accredited study or academic credit.

	CodeHS	Pencil Code
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, Web	Web

CodeHS vs Pencil Code

CodeHS

Pencil Code