YARDLEY, PA — If ninjas and learning to create video games sounds like a winning combination for your kids, they'll soon have the chance in Yardley.
Code Ninjas, a computer-coding learning center, is set to open Aug. 17 at 678 Stony Hill Rd.
The center, which uses a karate-style belt system to show off progress, aims to teach children computer coding and problem-solving skills while they have fun and build video games.
There's a grand opening event scheduled for Sept. 28, when attendees will be able to enjoy and afternoon of STEM activities, as well as games, raffles and tours of the facility.
The Yardley location is owned and operated by Eric Renfors and George Schott. Renfors worked for 27 years as a teacher and principal in public schools. He and Schott say they aim to fill an education gap by providing students with the knowledge and skills that come from being fluent in computer languag
"I spent my whole career in public education and I know first-hand that kids in this age group love STEM activities and sincerely enjoy the creativity and independence that comes with seeing an idea come to fruition," said Renfors.
The center will be open to children ages 7-14.
"Don't underestimate the importance of computer programming," said Schott. "It's truly a second language that is increasingly important. It's so highly regarded, it's recognized as a badge in the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts."
Code Ninjas' curriculum has nine belts, just like martial arts. It is self-paced, but not self-taught. Kids get instruction and encouragement from instructors ("Code Senseis") and fellow students as they advance from white to black belt.
As they "belt up," there are celebrations where kids receive color-coded wristbands to mark their graduation to the next level. By the time they finish the program, kids will publish an app in an app store.
It will offer a variety of opportunities for kids to get involved, including a flexible weeknight drop-in program, camps and Parents Night Out events on weekends.
Code Ninjas was founded in 2016 by David Graham, a professional software developer who previously owned a chain of coding camps for adults. Based in Houston, it is planning to open hundreds of centers across the country.
High school or college students who have at least a "B" grade-point average who are interested in working as coding assistants may email yardleypa@codeninjas.com. For more information, you may visit the Yardley location's website.
