Code in Place is a free, online introductory programming course offered by Stanford University, based on the first six weeks of Stanford's CS 106A (one of Stanford's most popular courses). The program is designed for complete beginners — no prior coding experience is required.
Students learn Python programming through interactive lectures, assignments, and small-group sections led by volunteer section leaders (current Stanford students and alumni from around the world). The curriculum covers foundational programming concepts including variables, control flow, functions, and basic graphics using the Karel robot framework.
Program details:
- Duration: approximately 6 weeks
- Time commitment: ~10 hours per week
- Format: Fully online; asynchronous lectures + optional live section meetings
- Outcome: Certificate of completion from Stanford
The course is free and open worldwide to high school students in grades 9–12. Applications open each spring and are competitive. Students are selected based on motivation and commitment rather than prior experience.