KIPP Computational Thinking
Inspiring tomorrow’s problem solvers
Empowering Future Innovators through K-8 Integrated Computational Thinking
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Explore the Curriculum
The KIPP Computational Thinking Curriculum is a free, open-source curriculum supplement for grades K-8, developed by classroom educators and funded by the Robinhood Foundation. Each grade level features mini units designed to align with students' developmental and academic needs. From understanding life cycles in Kindergarten to exploring energy transfer in 4th grade, the curriculum weaves CS, NGSS, ELA, and Math standards through the lens of computational thinking.
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Learn More About Computational Thinking
Computational Thinking is more than understanding technology or learning to code. It's learning to think in a structured, logical way: breaking complex problems into manageable parts, spotting patterns, and devising effective solutions. At its heart, computational thinking has the power to transform young learners into adept problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovative creators.
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How to Implement Computational Thinking
Go inside our K-8 classrooms to see Computational Thinking in action — from the nuts and bolts of scope and sequence to the culture shifts that come with transformative STEM instruction. Discover how CT principles become part of everyday learning in math, science, and ELA, and learn how to build adult capacity to bring this work to your own school or region.
In their Own Words: KIPP Students’ Experiences with CT
Impact So Far
10,000+ Students
Who have received at least 20 hours of Computational Thinking Instruction by the end of the 23-24 school year with the goal that every student receives at least 100 hours of CT instruction by the end of elementary school.
40+ Schools
In over 11 states who have implemented KIPP Computational Thinking into their schools. Schools have piloted computational thinking units in a variety of school settings and systems.
18 Units
Totaling over 200 hours of standards aligned integrated K-8 Computational Thinking curriculum that have been developed and taught in classrooms, with more to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Computational Thinking and its implementation in schools. Feel free to explore the website for more detailed information or to reach out by filling out the Contact Form.
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Not quite. Coding is one way to practice and apply CT, but the thinking itself — breaking problems into parts, spotting patterns, building step-by-step solutions — happens with or without a screen, in the physical world as well as the virtual. That's why we teach it through math, science, and ELA, not just a laptop, and why we include “unplugged” units and physical computing projects in additional to coding platforms such as Scratch and MakeCode.
See What is CT?
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More, if anything. As AI increasingly handles the actual writing of code, the skills that set people apart are things like judgment about when to have AI handle the task and when human expertise should take over, the exact muscles CT builds. A recent New York Times article on AI coding assistants and another on teaching Computational Thinking in university Computer Science courses makes a similar case: freeing developers from mechanical syntax work doesn't make thinking obsolete, it just shifts where the thinking happens. That shift is to computational thinking.
See What is CT? for more details
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It's a supplement, not an overhaul. It can fit between the math, science, or ELA units already happening. And because it's free and open-source, there’s a much smaller investment needed to pilot it.
See CT Implementation for more details.
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No. The curriculum is designed for general classroom teachers, not CS specialists. Units come with everything needed to integrate CT into concepts you're already teaching, no coding expertise required.
See Curriculum Overview to learn more and begin exploring lessons!
Still have questions?
Contact us for more information.
