6 Amazing Minecraft Classes for Kids & Teens

For kids and teens captivated by the world of Minecraft, spending hours immersed in constructing virtual landscapes and embarking on unique adventures isn't anything new. 

But what if I told you that with this game that virtually has no end, there is even more to explore. 

That's right, it's time to elevate a passion for Minecraft to a whole new level beyond simply playing...

Minecraft Classes for Kids & Teens

From game design to modding, to how to create a Minecraft server, and more, these six Minecraft classes are designed not just for entertainment, but also for education and inspiration aplenty—both in-person and online, in a group or 1-on-1 setting.

1. Minecraft Game Design 

• Weeklong Program: Ages 7-9
• Online ($429/Week)
• In-Person ($949/Week)

One great thing about Minecraft is that it's never too early to get started. Because of it, using Minecraft as a way to get kids interested in game design can be a successful tactic. 

In this Minecraft course, students start cranking their creative gears by participating in a class-wide Minecraft building exercise and playing through an Adventure Map (while breaking down its many elements). After students have a chance to get familiar with the game's many capabilities, they'll brainstorm ideas for their very own adventure map and story!

Specifically, they'll learn how to be efficient with the "/fill" command and develop an intricate landscape with their choice of props and signage. They'll also dig into the basics of redstone (and circiuits) and even build a trap and a lever puzzle. 

Kids will wrap the week by using blocks for various commands (like checkpoints) and creating a custom resource pack for their adventure maps. Once complete, students will beta-test their game with classmates and showcase for friends and family. 

2. Java Coding: Build Mods with Minecraft

• Weeklong Program: Ages 10-12
• Online ($429/Week)
• In-Person ($1,099/Week)

While game design is great (and great fun), you can't truly have Minecraft without mods—and this course is all about creating Minecraft mods using Java. That's right, kids will be writing code, drawing textures, and generating models to show off their creativity!

To get everyone on the same page, students will first set up a functional modding package and then create a custom ore. From there, they'll explore adding custom items (creating a teleport rod is one of the best places to start before moving on to custom tools and creating a gel pickaxe). 

Read More: How to Teleport to Coordinates in Minecraft

Blocks are of course a must, so students will start creating basic blocks (like an ore block for the ore they created) and will then move on to advanced blocks with functions, and more. They will practice making textures and creating entities, and potentially get into entity AI and spawning!

3. Minecraft Modding with Java

• Hourly Lessons: Ages 7-19
• Online (As low as $64/lesson)

Now, if modding sounds great but an online 1-on-1 lesson might be a better speed for your student, there are options, with a popular selection being this Minecraft Modding with Java course.

Similar to the above, kids can learn to customize and modify (or "mod") Minecraft using Java programming. Meaning they'll have complete control over Minecraft, so they can create brand new blocks, items, and armor, or new enemy types and behaviors.

The benefits of one-on-one instruction include kids being able to advance at their own speed, whether that means diving deeper into a particular area or progressing from one step to the next.

4. Minecraft Server Development

• Hourly Lessons: Ages 7-19
• Online (As low as $64/lesson)

Ok, this course does have to do with playing Minecraft, but it still takes the experience to the next level. 

To explain, the magic of Minecraft becomes much more apparent when you play with other people, right? So, while survival mode is great,  multiplayer servers bring more game types, friends, and limitless interactions!

In this course, kids can learn to find, connect to, and play on multiplayer servers! Then, after they've connected, they can play a whole host of new types of games, while learning how to use built-in Minecraft features like redstone or command blocks to build features inspired by those mods themselves. 

Whether kids want to design a waiting room-style lobby with fun parkour challenges or build more interactions, they'll discover how multiplayer maps can add a new dimension to the game they love.

5. Advanced Minecraft Modding with Java

• Weeklong Program: Ages 13-17
• Online ($449/Week)
• In-Person ($1,099/Week)

For those a little older (and potentially more seasoned), Advanced Modding with Java will touch on a lot of the same modding concepts and then some—culminating in a final project that includes a working copy of all of the items, blocks, and entities that students have created. 

In this course, it's not just creating a food item in ItemMod, but also adding potion effects to the food and registering it in ItemMod. Likewise, it's not just recreating ore, but students learning to make their own ore by brainstorming something that doesn't exist (but should) like powerful amethyst or something silly like lemon ore. 

And while everyone likes to create new things, this advanced modding allows students to create things that do "stuff" like a lightning hammer that utilizes the use method to create an explosion and lightning bolt. 

Again—Minecraft is a great way to introduce kids to java programming in a way that helps not only prepare them for a future in coding, but gets them excited about the potential as well. 

6. Game Design with Minecraft

• Hourly Lessons: Ages 7-19
• Online (As low as $64/lesson)

Last, back to game design! Here, kids can gain a comprehensive understanding of the game's creative and technical aspects through online instruction. 

This small-group format allows for tailored guidance in constructing redstone circuits and machines, enabling students to create complex mechanisms suited to their  objectives. They'll also learn to use command blocks, with instructors providing direct feedback and suggestions to enhance the functionality of their maps. 

As kids develop planning and architectural design skills, the course's one-on-one setting ensures that learning is focused, efficient, and aligned with your child's specific interests and goals. 

Moving Forward

All course considered, getting hands on with the "behind the scenes" of Minecraft not only accelerates the learning curve but also provides a flexible and interactive environment—ideal for players looking to deeply immerse themselves in Minecraft and elevate their gameplay to new heights.