Elementary classes that turn curious kids into confident thinkers.
Thinking Feet offers elementary coding and tech, competition math, math foundations, reading and writing, public speaking and leadership, plus private classes. Small live classes, taught online, open to students anywhere.
Coding that teaches kids to think like engineers
Anyone can follow coding instructions. Our classes are built so kids learn to figure out something new on their own. We guide them early on, then step back and let them lead, with lots of discussion, experimenting and productive mistakes. Every level meets once a week, live online, and there is no prerequisite to start.
Grades 1-2
Scratch games and animations
Grades 3-5
AI-powered mobile apps
Grade 4 and up
AI, machine learning and mobile apps
CODE L1: Fundamentals of Coding in MIT Scratch
A first coding class made for our youngest students. Kids build games and animations in MIT Scratch.
- Loops, conditional statements and simple algorithms
- Simple debugging and problem solving
- Year-long path: Scratch, beginner robotics with mBots and VexVR, then designing Virtual Reality worlds
CODE L2: Intro to AI
Students build working AI-powered mobile apps with MIT App Inventor and learn how the technology behind them works.
- Image recognition and object detection, hands on
- Ethical awareness about how AI is used
- Year-long path: AI, intermediate Scratch games, LEGO Mindstorms robotics, beginner mobile apps, then websites
CODE L3: AI & Mobile Apps
For students ready to go under the hood of artificial intelligence and machine learning, then use it inside mobile apps they design themselves.
- AI and machine learning fundamentals
- Mobile apps with AI features
- Year-long path: web development, electronic circuits and coding, advanced LEGO Mindstorms robotics, advanced mobile apps and AI
New students get a 2-week money-back guarantee, and there are no contracts.
Read about our coding approach →Math that builds confident problem solvers
Our math programs go beyond routine practice. Students learn to try different strategies, recover when the first idea fails, and enjoy hard problems. A free placement assessment puts each child in the right level based on skills, not just grade. Students get handouts and problem sheets through an online platform, and parents get access to review sheets that track weekly progress.
Grades 1-3
First steps in creative problem solving
Grades 3-5
Contest-style thinking for new competitors
Grades 5-7
Toward MATHCOUNTS and AMC 8
Pre-Competition Math
For advanced first, second and third graders taking their first steps into advanced math and creative problem solving.
- Weekly live online class
- Placement based on skills, not just grade
- For third graders, Math Kangaroo is a strongly recommended first contest
Competition Math L1
For advanced third, fourth and fifth graders who are new to competition math or exploring their interest.
- Strongly recommended contests: Math Kangaroo and MOEMS, plus early MATHCOUNTS practice
- Fourth and fifth graders can also try the AMC 8 for experience
- Free Saturday contest practice sessions from the third week
Competition Math L2
The next step for students who are ready for more. Some advanced fourth and fifth graders are placed here after their assessment.
- Builds toward MATHCOUNTS and AMC 8
- Strategy and theory building, not just answers
- Every student picks one weekly day to attend
Math Foundation
A confidence-first path. Students start with private sessions tailored to them, then join the Advanced Math track once they are ready.
- Follows the NC Math curriculum progression, plus more, with End of Grade test prep included
- Elementary students learn on the Beast Academy platform
- Built so every child can love math and succeed
We host AMC contest sittings on site, and students can sign up for contests whether or not they take our classes.
About math competitions →Strong readers who love to write their own stories
Our English Language Arts program blends creativity with academic rigor. Young students grow step by step from curious readers into confident, articulate writers, with small-group and one-on-one instruction. Every level can also be taught as a private class on request.
Grades 1-2
One-on-one private enrichment
Grades 3-5
Creative writing
Grades 5-7
Creative writing and literary skills
ELA Level 1: Private Enrichment
One-on-one tutoring, one hour per week, with age-appropriate activities that build a strong foundation.
- Reading comprehension through short stories and discussion
- Vocabulary word games, grammar basics and paragraph writing
- Spelling review and storytelling that builds confidence
ELA Level 2: Creative Writing
A class that nurtures imagination while reinforcing the language skills kids need as readers and writers.
- Craft strong plots, vivid characters and engaging settings
- Strengthen grammar and vocabulary for clear expression
- Close reading and discussion to improve comprehension
ELA Level 3: Creative Writing & Literary Skills
Takes storytelling to the next level for older elementary students who are ready for more advanced writing.
- More sophisticated stories with complex characters and themes
- Analyzing and interpreting texts
- Bridges imaginative writing and academic analysis
ELA continues with a clear long-term path through middle and high school.
Explore the full ELA program →Kids who speak up with confidence and clarity
Students speak every session, in a supportive room where every child is comfortable sharing ideas. The fear of speaking fades when kids practice it often, with improv games, planned speeches and a chance to show their progress.
Public Speaking: Beginner
A hands-on class that builds confidence, communication and creativity. Class size is capped at 10 students.
- Six units: Humorous and Storytelling, Debate, Personal Narrative, Persuasive, Informative and Impromptu Speaking
- Improv games mixed with planned speeches
- A final speech to show progress at the end of each unit
Leadership & Communication
A full-year class where students read something carefully, decide whether it holds up, and defend what they think out loud.
- Weekly one-page summary: main point, one piece of evidence and one good question
- Four quarters, each ending in a piece of writing and a presentation
- Younger students get short news and science pieces written for their age
Intermediate classes for grades 6 to 8 are the natural next step.
See all Public Speaking options →One-on-one help, tailored to your child
Private Classes are offered for Coding & Technology, Advanced and Competition Math, English Language Arts and Public Speaking. Every session is one-on-one and customized to your child, whether the goal is to move ahead faster or to get support with what they are learning in school.
Move ahead faster
For students who already have a good command of a subject and want to get ahead. Targeted guidance helps accelerate their learning.
- Pick a subject: coding, math, reading and writing, or public speaking
- Work at your child's pace, not the class pace
- Often a good fit with junior tutors
Get help with school
For students who need stronger intervention or who want support with the material they are working on in school.
- Senior tutors handle intensive support and complex challenges
- Junior tutors help students understand material, finish assignments and prepare for exams
- Customized fully to your child's needs
Senior tutors bring broad experience and can combine multiple angles. Junior tutors focus on the subject and are relatable peers who recently completed the class themselves.
Compare senior and junior tutors →Learning that feels fun and works
Taught at your child's level
We place students by skill and readiness, not just grade, so every child works at the edge of what they can do.
A free placement assessment
Not sure where to start? A free assessment finds the right level, and a free 15-minute call can answer the rest.
Live online, open to anyone
Every class is taught live by a real instructor, and families anywhere can join.
Kids take part, not just watch
Students code real projects, write their own stories and speak in front of classmates, with plenty of discussion.
Small groups and private options
Small groups keep every child seen, and one-on-one Private Classes are available in every core subject.
A 2-week money-back guarantee
New students can try a class with a 2-week money-back guarantee, so there is no pressure to commit first.
Questions parents ask
What programs do you offer for elementary students?
We offer Coding & Tech (CODE L1, L2 and L3), Competition Math (Pre-Competition, L1 and L2), Math Foundation, English Language Arts for reading, grammar and creative writing, Public Speaking for grades 3 to 5, Leadership & Communication, and one-on-one Private Classes.
Are classes in person or online?
All of our elementary classes are live online with a real instructor, and they are open to students anywhere, not just locally.
How do you decide which level my child should start in?
We place students by skill and readiness, not just grade. A free placement assessment puts your child in the right level, and you can also book a free call to talk it through first.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. New students get a 2-week money-back guarantee, so you can try a class without feeling locked in.
Does my child need coding experience to start?
No. CODE L1, L2 and L3 have no prerequisite. Students are placed based on skill and readiness, and our youngest learners start with MIT Scratch.
What is the difference between Math Foundation and Competition Math?
Math Foundation starts with private sessions that build confidence and follows the NC Math curriculum progression, with End of Grade test prep included. Competition Math is a group problem-solving program for advanced students that builds strategy and prepares them for contests such as Math Kangaroo, MOEMS and AMC 8. Many students move from Math Foundation into the Advanced Math track when they are ready.
What can Private Classes help with?
Private Classes are one-on-one and cover Coding & Technology, Advanced and Competition Math, English Language Arts and Public Speaking. They work for students who want to move ahead faster and for students who need extra help with what they are learning in school.
How much do classes cost and when do they meet?
Prices and class times change, so we keep them on each program page and on the registration page. Call, text or email us if you would like help choosing a day.
How do I get started?
Schedule a free 15-minute call, register online, or contact us by phone, text or email. We will help you find the right program and level for your child.
Ready to find the right class for your child?
Tell us your child's grade and what they love. We will help you find the right program and level, starting with a free placement assessment. New students get a 2-week money-back guarantee.
Call (980) 292-1441 · Text (980) 272-1639 · learn@thinking-feet.com
Thinking Feet is based in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, NC. All classes are live online and open to students anywhere.