Competitive Programming

Competitive Programming – Thinking Feet
for(int i=0;i<n;i++) dp[i]=max(dp[i-1],v[i]) binary_search O(nlogn)
HashMap<String,Integer> map vector<pair<int,int>> BFS DFS Dijkstra
Arrays.sort() PriorityQueue recursive memoization greedy
USACO · Bronze Level · Grades 6–8

Competitive
Programming
Unlocked.

Master algorithms. Crack hard problems. Compete in the USA Computing Olympiad. Built for middle schoolers who want to go beyond basic coding.

Enroll Now View Curriculum ↓
</> O(log n) BFS / DFS Dynamic DP Sorting
USACO
Focused Curriculum
≤8
Students Per Class
90 min
Weekly Session
Virtual
Learn From Anywhere
About the Program

Where Real Coders Are Made

We use a JAVA-based approach to prepare students for the USA Computing Olympiad (usaco.org) — one of the most prestigious programming competitions for pre-college students in the world.

USACO has 4 levels: Everyone starts in Bronze, and based on performance they get promoted to Silver, Gold, Platinum. Platinum students compete for selection to the International Olympiad on Informatics (IOI).

"We have succesfully helped students pass from Bronze into Silver. We have a structured curriculum and progression plan."

Beyond USACO, students can participate in coding competitions as part of high school clubs and competitions hosted by universities nationwide.

🥉
Bronze
Entry level — where every competitor starts
Start Here
🥈
Silver
Promoted based on competition performance
🥇
Gold
Advanced algorithms & optimization
💎
Platinum
Elite tier — compete for IOI selection
🌍
International Olympiad on Informatics
Global stage — the pinnacle of competitive programming
Learning Path

The Curriculum

A structured progression from Java fundamentals to USACO Bronze problem-solving mastery.

📦
Data Types & Structures
  • Simple and advanced data types with constraints
  • Integer, Char, String, Maps, Arrays, ArrayLists
  • Basic structures: Array, ArrayList, Class, Trees, HashMaps
⏱ 16–20 weeks total
🔁
Core Algorithms
  • String manipulation techniques
  • Recursive functions & patterns
  • Sorting and searching algorithms
🎯
Iterative Problem Solving
  • Structured approach to decomposing USACO problems
  • Brute force and greedy strategies
  • Pattern recognition in competition problems
⏱ 6–8 weeks
🔀
Foundational Problems
  • Problems involving sorting and searching
  • Swap-based simulations
  • Contest-format practice sessions
⚡
Advanced Bronze Problems & Optimization
  • Problems requiring more efficient solution strategies
  • Time complexity analysis and optimization
  • Multi-step simulations and game problems
  • Path and grid-based problems
⏱ 4–6 weeks
Your Instructors

Expert Coaches

Our coaches have deep experience in Computer Science and specifically on USACO problems and strategies.

👨‍🏫
Mr. C
Lead Instructor
Experienced Computer Science professional who currently teaches High School Math and Advanced Coding. Deep background in competitive programming strategy and execution.
🧠
Mr. D
Curriculum Architect
Developed the Competitive Programming Curriculum at Thinking Feet. Designed the structured progression plan from Bronze to Silver that has produced results for our students.
Logistics & Pricing

Everything You Need to Know

🖥️
Location
Virtual
Join from anywhere — all sessions held online via video conferencing.
⏱️
Duration
90 Min / Week
One focused 90-minute session per week designed for deep problem-solving.
👥
Class Size
Max 8 Students
Small cohort ensures individual attention and collaborative learning.

📋 Eligibility Requirements

  • ✓
    Knowledge of JAVA Fundamentals required — students should be comfortable with basic Java syntax, loops, conditionals, and functions before enrolling.
  • ✓
    Grades 6–8 — this program is designed specifically for middle school students looking to get an early start in competitive programming.
  • ✓
    Strong persistence and self-direction preferred — this program is heavy on algorithmic problem solving, and there will be very challenging problems. A strong degree of persistence and ability to work in a less structured environment is preferred.
Tuition
$ 215 per 4 weeks
Billed in 4-week blocks. No long-term commitment required.
  • ✓ 90-minute live virtual session weekly
  • ✓ Structured USACO Bronze curriculum
  • ✓ Maximum 8 students per cohort
  • ✓ Expert USACO-specialized coaches
  • ✓ Progress tracking & problem sets
  • ✓ 2 week money back guarantee
Ready to Compete?

Start Your USACO Journey
This Season

Spots are limited. Join a small cohort of motivated middle schoolers and start solving problems that matter.

Enroll Now →

Pre-requisite: Java Fundamentals · Grades 6–8 · Virtual · $215 / 4 weeks

 

Thinking Feet’s main learning center is located in the Ballantyne area in Mecklenburg county. We are just minutes away from nearby Blakeney, Weddington, Marvin, Waxhaw, Pineville, Matthews, Wesley Chapel, Piper Glen and Fort Mill, SC.​​