New Burke Learning Center Teaches Kids To Build Video Games

BURKE, VA—Code Ninjas, a learning center aiming to make coding lessons fun for kids, has opened in Burke. It is located at Burke Town Plaza, 9526 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite A.

Code Ninjas is a franchise that teaches kids ages 7 to 14 about coding through building video games. Kids can advance from white to black belt as they learn the skills, marking their progress during "belt-up" celebrations with color-coded wristbands.

While the children have fun while learning, they're gaining coding and problem-solving skills that will later help them in their careers. At the end of the program, students publish their own app once they're done with the program.

Jessica Lopez, the owner of the Burke location, decided to open the learning center to provide year-round education for children in her area. Lopez, whose husband has served in the military, was also motivated by high unemployment numbers among military spouses. While her husband was deployed, her expertise in coding allowed her to keep working.

"I saw first-hand the power of STEM education when I was able to be self-employed and have the work-life balance I desired," said Lopez in a statement. "Code Ninjas will give children positive screen time and help teach them a valuable skill that can benefit them the rest of their lives."

At Code Ninjas, children can participate in a variety of programs, from a core program to parents' night out, camps and birthday parties. Current summer camps focus on building video games, robotics, developing websites, coding drones and roadblocks. The Houston-based franchise recently opened a location in Falls Church, and a Leesburg is expected to open in June.

For more information, visit the Code Ninjas Burke page.