Build real things.
Learn real code.
Small classes. Multi-year progressions. Congressional App Challenge winners. Apps in the Apple Store. We teach middle and high schoolers to build the web — for real.
To actually learn how to think. I think everyone in this country should learn to program a computer. Everyone should learn a computer language because it teaches you how to think.
This is the idea at the heart of every LabCats class — and yes, some of our
students have used it in their college essays.
Three ways to learn with us
Every class is small by design — real attention, real feedback, real progress.
Ongoing · Space Available
Make Your Own Web App
High school students build a full-stack web application from scratch — HTML, CSS, JavaScript front end and PHP & MySQL back end. The final goal: enter the Congressional App Challenge.
| Grades | High School |
| When | Fridays 4–5:30pm |
| Format | Online · Small cohort |
| Prereq | Some coding experience |
$500
per 10-session course
Summer 2026 · New
Summer Intensive: Build Your First App
Five days online, three hours a day. Walk in knowing nothing about code. Walk out with a working web app you built yourself — HTML, CSS, and JavaScript from scratch.
| Grades | 7th-11th |
| When | Summer 2026 TBD |
| Format | Online · Max 8 students |
| Prereq | None |
$600
per 5-day intensive
Summer 2026 · New
Coding in the Age of AI
For returning LabCats and college students who already know the basics. Learn to use Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot alongside real full-stack skills. Build faster, ship more, understand what AI is actually doing.
| Grades | College-age/alumni |
| When | Summer 2026 TBD |
| Format | 6 2 hour long Sessions |
| Prereq | HTML/CSS/JS/PHP Foundation |
$600
per 5-session cohort
Real apps. Real code. Real kids.
These aren't tutorial projects — students dream them up and build them themselves.
The Zhi Book
Chinese-learning app built with a Wilson HS student, based on a real teacher's curriculum. Used by real students.
Mountain Mapping
Search every ski mountain in North America by skill level and style. Full database app with custom queries.
HikerHunt
Generates a personalized scavenger hunt for kids on the trail — with points, fun facts, and a leaderboard by park location.
Closet Shuffle
Generates outfits based on weather, activity, and color preferences — a fully functional recommendation engine.
Flow Bros
A tournament tool for debaters to share and search opponent notes. Features team privacy controls and a searchable flows database.
Ultimate: The Guide
Rules, tutorials, and a chat feature for Ultimate Frisbee players.
Gift Generator
Enter a recipient's age, interests, and budget to get personalized
gift ideas — with lists, occasion tracking, and a Secret Santa feature.
MVP Workout
Pick your muscle groups and available equipment — get a custom workout. Save, rate, and log sessions, then share routines via email or text.
A Path That Goes Somewhere
Most students stay for years — each course unlocks the next. Here's the web development path.
What students & parents say
"My son has loved Mettler's coding classes. He appreciates that Elizabeth is able to structure classes to a student's particular pace and abilities, while still having all the kids work together. He already has two Apps in the Apple store."
LabCats family, multiple years
"I have taken this class since I was in 4th grade. I'm a sophomore in high school now. Coding is hard to learn, but as a Lab Cat, I have found coding much more comprehensive. I'm currently making an app...so I should get back to that!"
LabCats student since 4th grade
The name has a story
When Elizabeth started teaching coding, her first class became her guinea pigs — helping her road-test new courses and techniques as she built the curriculum. LabRats, basically.
Except she teaches from home. And there are three cats who have always had opinions about class.
The name stuck. LabCatsCoding has been running for over 13 years, and a lot of those original lab rats — now in college — are still coming back.
Ready to start Coding?
You're in the right place.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a returning LabCat ready for the AI track — drop us a line and we'll find the right fit.