Dublin Businesswoman Opens Code Ninjas In San Ramon

SAN RAMON, CA — Amy Sajnani, 29, knows that a lot of kids perk up when they hear the words “video game.” The Dublin mom has two school-age children who likely have tech in their DNA: Sajnani worked in the IT field as a recruiter for several years.

Now she's bringing her computer experience to San Ramon by opening a Code Ninjas learning center at 3121 Crow Canyon Place. Code Ninjas aims to teach children computer coding and problem-solving skills as they have fun building video games.

A franchise operation with several hundred locations nationwide, Code Ninjas hosted its first San Ramon open house Oct. 12. The center will officially welcome kids beginning Nov. 2.

Understanding the fundamentals of computing and IT — no matter the job profession or industry — is highly important, according to Sajnani. After looking for ways to teach the language of coding, she came across Code Ninjas.

“This brand’s unique teaching style and belt progression system is the best way to keep kids involved and engaged with STEM education,” she said. “Through basic video games, we can teach them coding without them even knowing it."

San Ramon Code Ninjas will cater to children ages 7-14. The center will teach them how to code in a fun, safe and social learning environment where gaming is celebrated and STEM is cool, according to Sajnani. The center will also provide results that parents are looking for, as their children gain coding and problem-solving skills they’ll need for the jobs of the future, according to Sajnani.

Code Ninjas' game-based curriculum is made up of nine belts, just like martial arts. The curriculum is self-paced, but not self-taught; kids get immediate help and encouragement from Code Senseis and fellow students as they advance from white to black belt, according to the company, which was founded by CEO David Graham, a professional software developer.

The Code Ninjas program keeps kids motivated with little wins along the way, and “Belt-Up” celebrations where they receive color-coded wristbands to mark their graduation to the next level. By the time a child finishes the program, they will publish an app in an app store, according to the Houston-based company.

Sajnani is optimistic about her new San Ramon venture. She lived in the city until 2015 (before moving to Dublin), she still has a business in the area, and her children still attend school in San Ramon. “I know our location will be a great contribution to the San Ramon community," she said.