Codecademy – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Codecademy

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2018

87%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

Actually learn to code on your phone—bite-sized lessons in Python, JavaScript, and more that translate to real skills.

Codecademy

app

Everyone, 2018

87%

WISE Score

4.8

App Store

Actually learn to code on your phone—bite-sized lessons in Python, JavaScript, and more that translate to real skills.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Codecademy Go is the real deal for learning to code—no gimmicks, no cartoon mascots, just straightforward technical education that translates to actual skills. The mobile app makes it surprisingly accessible for bite-sized practice, and the course catalog covers everything from beginner HTML to AI and machine learning.

It's designed for adults and older teens, so don't expect kid-friendly hand-holding. The reading level is high, the concepts are abstract, and it requires genuine focus. That said, motivated 13+ learners who are curious about how technology works will find this incredibly valuable.

The freemium model is fair—you can learn a lot for free, but the Pro subscription unlocks the full catalog and is worth it if you're serious. No ads, no manipulation, just a clean learning platform that respects your time and intelligence. If your teen is genuinely interested in coding (not just gaming), this is one of the best starting points available.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ due to reading level, abstract concepts, and self-directed learning style. Younger kids (12 and under) will likely struggle with the adult-oriented instruction, though motivated 12-year-olds can definitely handle it with some support.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Educational platform focused on skill-building with no inappropriate content, toxic elements, or manipulative design. The learning environment promotes perseverance through streak tracking and daily practice habits without creating unhealthy pressure. Content is straightforward technical education with no concerning themes.

Imaginative

Coding inherently teaches creative problem-solving and building things from scratch. The platform covers diverse topics from AI to web development, encouraging learners to apply skills to real-world projects. Flash cards and syntax practice are more rote, but the overall trajectory is toward creating functional programs and understanding how technology works—genuinely imaginative skill-building.

Safe

Clean educational interface with no ads, no social features that could expose kids to strangers, and no concerning content. The freemium model includes in-app upgrades but isn't manipulative—it's a straightforward subscription for additional courses. No infinite scroll or compulsive loops; learning is self-paced and goal-oriented. Only minor concern is that premium features may feel necessary for full value.

Enriching

Teaches genuinely valuable technical skills—Python, JavaScript, SQL, AI/ML—that translate directly to career opportunities and real-world application. The mobile app makes it accessible for bite-sized learning, and industry tips help connect concepts to practical use. This is skill-building that actually matters in 2025, not just busywork disguised as education.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Teaches genuinely marketable skills (Python, JavaScript, SQL, AI/ML) that matter in 2025 and beyond
Mobile-first design means you can practice coding syntax during downtime—waiting rooms, commutes, lunch breaks
Covers both fundamentals and trendy topics like AI and machine learning without dumbing things down
Industry tips and real-world application articles help connect abstract concepts to actual jobs and projects
Streak tracking and daily practice build consistent habits without feeling manipulative or gamified to death

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What to Watch For

Reading level and abstract thinking required make this challenging for kids under 13—it's designed for adults and older teens
Free version is useful but limited; the Pro subscription unlocks the full course catalog and may feel necessary for serious learners
This is real coding education, not a game—requires focus and persistence, which means some kids will bounce off it quickly

Conversation Starters

"What kind of project would you want to build if you learned to code? A website? An app? A game?"
"Which programming language sounds most interesting to you—Python for AI, JavaScript for websites, or something else?"
"Have you thought about what jobs involve coding? It's not just 'software engineer'—designers, data scientists, even doctors use it now"
"Want to try building something small together? We could follow a tutorial and see what happens"

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