To ensure a well-rounded learning experience, children throughout Essex County are often enrolled in after school programs. TheCoderSchool, located at 51 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair prepares young minds for the future with classes in coding, geared towards a variety of skill levels and interests. Keep reading to learn more about the newly opened Montclair location and the exclusive offer for Montclair Girl readers.
Nicole Xu is the owner and general manager of the Montclair location. Nicole started her own music academy and piano retail distribution over 10 years ago and she has been working with young children and parents ever since. Nicole’s husband Jonathan has been involved in many volunteer organizations, working with young children including special education. At theCoderSchool he is in charge of the technical side of the business. He has been coding since he was 16 years old and loves any and all technology.
“Jonathan and I have always been passionate about education and mentoring young kids. We’re proud of the impact theCoderSchool has had on communities everywhere since our brand was founded in Silicon Valley back in 2014. We started the idea of becoming a franchise owner of theCoderSchool during the pandemic,” Nicole told Montclair Girl. “Our son Aiden, like many young students, struggled with remote learning. Surprisingly theCoderSchool’s program was able to keep him engaged throughout the hour-long session. He couldn’t stop raving about the project he built. And then we thought, why don’t we bring theCoderSchool to Montclair?”
Nicole Xu, Owner of theCoderSchool Montclair
TheCoderSchool is a nationwide system of passionate owners in over 55 locations around the country, teaching over 5,500 students every week with the help of expert Code Coaches®.
“We are firm believers that coding will become a staple skill for the next generation. Whether they want to become a game designer, software/hardware engineer, or just want to code a fun game to share with their friends, we can find the right coding coach for them,” Nicole said. “Kids as young as seven can start their journey in computer science by learning critical thinking concepts like problem-solving, logic, and sequential coding.”
Students who have a solid foundation of basic coding logic can begin to apply coding concepts to typed languages like Python and Javascript with HTML and CSS at TheCoderSchool. The Code Coaches® can help students flush out rigorous web development, data structures, and complex problem solving, in preparation for more advanced technologies. For more advanced coders, they will be exposed to more challenging computer science through C++ to Java, Swift, C#, and beyond.
“Code Coaching® is our core philosophy, and what our school is all about! We believe that every student is different, and that kids should learn in the way that works best for each child,” Nicole shared. “ We don’t just leave the kids in front of a computer, expecting the software to teach them how to code. Nor do we force all kids to go through the same curriculum or projects, regardless of their skills and interests. Instead, our Code Coaches® customize their lessons for each child, and focus on a 2-on-1 relationship with our kids so our students can get the focused attention they need.”
In addition to having a close teacher-student relationship, the coaches also teach students about online bullying and cyber security.
“We also take internet safety very seriously. Our coaches will not only teach coding, but also teach students about Cyberbullying, Social Sharing, Privacy and be able to speak to trusted adults about anything suspicious,” Nicole said. “The coaches will also introduce current tech trends, history of the internet, among other things during our tech talks.”
Something that makes a student’s experience special and engaging at theCoderSchool is Nicole’s passion for business and the Montclair community.
“I love building personal relationships with my clients, other business owners, and the community. I am a firm believer that in order to succeed in any business, you need to know your clients and your community,” Nicole shared. “The Montclair community has a vibrant culture, diversity in every form, the restaurants are amazing, and most importantly, we love the people. I’ve met so many wonderful people in this town since my son started Kindergarten and I could not have started this business without their support.”
After countless hours of hard work, theCoderSchool is finally ready to safely open with a few extra precautions in place. Plexiglass dividers have been installed, air purifiers are in place, and all of the staff are fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks are required for everyone for the entirety of the class period.
Currently, theCoderSchool is offering 25% OFF the first month’s tuition. Registration is open for classes that begin on Sunday, January 29th. Be sure to mention Montclair Girl when redeeming this offer.
The Coding School is located at 51 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair. You can call 973-939-5550 or reach out to montclair@thecoderschool.com with questions.
