
Skill Struckprogram
Skill Struck has gained popularity as a coding education platform across different learning environments. Parents, educators, and students have shared varied experiences with the program, highlighting both strengths and limitations. Here's what users are saying about this coding curriculum:
The Good: Why Families Choose Skill Struck
Parents consistently highlight the platform's ability to engage children in what might otherwise be a challenging subject. Many report that their children view Skill Struck as a fun activity rather than schoolwork:
"Kids love it! And parents love that their kids are spending their computer time to learn something that will benefit them in the future." Homeschool parent review
"My fifth-grader loves it." Parent and investor testimonial
For homeschooling families, the self-paced structure offers significant advantages. The curriculum provides step-by-step guidance that allows children to progress independently, even when parents lack coding expertise. This feature is particularly valuable for busy parents juggling multiple responsibilities:
"You don't need to know anything about coding to get started." Homeschool program description based on parent feedback
In school settings, parents appreciate that their children are gaining valuable future-ready skills. After participating in family coding nights organized by schools using Skill Struck, parents report better understanding the value of coding education:
"Learning to code is opening doors for my kid I didn't even know existed." Parent after a district coding night event
Many parents value how the curriculum builds practical, real-world skills. They see concrete results as their children create functioning websites, games, and programs - tangible evidence of learning that goes beyond abstract concepts:
"Learning to code is a big part of the future of work." Parent testimonial from district implementation
The program's structure also receives praise for balancing guided instruction with creative freedom. Children follow a clear learning path while still having opportunities to build their own unique projects, which keeps motivation high:
"Beginners are following along easily and enjoying it, while more advanced learners have plenty of challenges to keep them busy." Teacher observation echoing parent feedback
The Challenges: What Parents Should Consider
The subscription cost is the most frequently mentioned drawback among families using Skill Struck at home. At approximately $24 per month per student, the expense can add up, especially for households with multiple children:
Some parents question whether the structured curriculum justifies the price compared to free alternatives like Scratch or http://code.org/, though many ultimately decide the comprehensive approach is worth the investment.
Parents also note that despite being self-guided, the program still requires some oversight to ensure children are genuinely learning rather than just completing activities:
"The bad part about using online curriculum is accountability. My oldest son would skip the online activities that he didn't understand... it took about 2 months before I caught on." Parent review from similar online learning platform
This challenge appears across various implementations, as evidenced by social media posts showing students sharing answer keys to progress through lessons without truly understanding the material.
For very young learners, parents should be prepared to provide more hands-on assistance, particularly with reading instructions and navigating the platform initially. While older children can work independently, K-2 students typically need more parental involvement:
In school settings, some parents initially question the focus on coding when introduced as a district-wide initiative. However, this concern usually diminishes once they see their children's enthusiasm and understand the career relevance of these skills:
"Many parents didn't understand coding or the opportunities in tech." Observation from a district case study
Who Thrives With Skill Struck?
Based on parent and educator feedback, Skill Struck works particularly well for:
- Children who enjoy gamified learning experiences
- Self-motivated learners who can follow digital instructions
- Families looking for structured tech education with minimal parent teaching
- Students interested in creating their own digital projects
- Schools seeking a comprehensive coding curriculum aligned to standards
The program may be less ideal for:
- Families with tight budgets seeking free coding resources
- Very young children who cannot read instructions independently
- Students who strongly prefer hands-on learning over screen-based activities
- Children who need constant supervision to stay on task
The Bottom Line
Parents generally view Skill Struck as a high-quality, engaging coding curriculum that successfully balances education with entertainment. The structured approach helps children progress methodically while building confidence in their technical abilities. While the subscription cost and need for some parental oversight are considerations, most families report positive experiences with the program.
For schools and districts, parent feedback becomes increasingly positive as they see the benefits of consistent, standards-aligned coding education across grade levels. The most successful implementations include family engagement opportunities that help parents understand the value of coding skills for their children's futures.
Subjects covered
Core subjects: Computer Science, Coding Fundamentals, Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), Programming (Python)
Specialized modules: Robotics (via micro:bit), Computational Thinking, Typing Skills
Age-appropriate tracks: Launch Pad (K-5), Voyage (6-12)
Interactive learning: Gamified lessons, step-by-step guidance, hands-on unplugged projects
Real-world skills: Building websites, games, and programs; preparation for AP Computer Science Principles
Teaching Format
Online delivery: Web-based platform accessible from any internet-connected device
Self-paced structure: Students progress through material at their own speed
Interactive lessons: Engaging content designed to promote active learning, including coding puzzles and projects
Assessment approach: Built-in auto-grading and instant feedback on coding challenges
Teacher support: Ready-to-use lesson plans and resources provided for educators; teachers can monitor student progress
Implementation flexibility: Can be used in various settings (homeschool, classroom, district-wide) with options for blended learning
Additional features: Includes offline “unplugged” activities for hands-on learning experiences
Pricing
Subscription cost: Approximately $24 per month per student
Payment model: Month-to-month subscription, no long-term contract required
Discounts: Possible discounts or free trials may be available periodically
Cost considerations: Expense can add up for households with multiple children; some parents weigh the structured curriculum against free alternatives like Scratch or http://code.org/
Parent Involvement
Moderate involvement required
Daily responsibilities: Parents primarily serve as facilitators, setting schedules and encouraging regular practice
Teaching requirements: No coding expertise needed; parents do not need to deliver instruction, but should oversee progress
Assessment duties: Parents monitor children’s progress and ensure genuine learning rather than just completing activities
Preparation: Minimal preparation required; parents should be ready to assist younger children with reading instructions and navigating the platform
Engagement: Active involvement is beneficial, especially for younger learners who may need more hands-on assistance