Beyond MOOCs: Schools, Platforms and Learning Programs to Kickstart Your Coding Skills

So, you’ve decided to learn how to code—awesome! Maybe you’ve already dipped your toes into a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) or two, but you’re looking for something more structured, supportive, or practical. The truth is, while MOOCs are a great starting point, they’re just one piece of the puzzle.

Whether you’re aiming to switch careers, build your own app, or just understand the tech world a little better, there are tons of schools, platforms, and programs out there designed to help you level up. From hands-on cohorts and nonprofit initiatives to flexible online schools and community-driven learning hubs, this guide explores some of the best alternatives to help you kickstart—and sustain—your coding journey.

Below is a curated list of schools, platforms, and learning programs that go beyond MOOCs and can help you take the next step in your coding education.

Let’s dive in.

• #100Devs

• QuLearnLabs

• TechLabs

  • TechLabs Rotterdam

• Techgrounds Netherlands

• For Women in Tech

  • Code First Girls

  • Ada Developers Academy

• 42 The Network

  • Codam Amsterdam

  • Hive Helsinki

• Stanford| Code in Place

• Harvard's Introduction to Computer Science, CS50

• The Odin Project

• MIT OpenCourseWare

• Marksheet

• FreeCodeCamp

• Codecademy

• Khan Academy

• Code The Dream

Here’s the blog where I share my switch career too.