About
Breakout Mentors offers project-based coding lessons in Scratch, Python, Java, HTML, and JavaScript. Students work in weekly 90-minute one-on-one sessions, either online or in person at UCLA.
Programs
- Coding Fundamentals Track — Beginners; most youngsters aged 9 to 11, also many middle schoolers · Weekly 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions; convenient time, online or in-person at UCLA · Project-based personalized coding curriculum for beginners.
- Computer Science Track — Students with a strong foundation in coding; often middle schoolers and some high school students · Weekly 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions; convenient time, online or in-person at UCLA · Advanced track covering object-oriented programming, core data structures, recursion, and more.
- USACO Competitive Programming Academy — High schoolers; also a handful of exceptionally sharp middle schoolers · Weekly 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions; convenient time, online or in-person at UCLA · Competitive programming academy for advanced students.
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Academy — High schoolers; also a handful of exceptionally sharp middle schoolers · Weekly 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions; convenient time, online or in-person at UCLA · Academy for machine learning and artificial intelligence projects.
- Girls Coding Academy — Weekly 90-minute 1-on-1 sessions; convenient time, online or in-person at UCLA · Coding academy for young girls seeking female inspiration.
At a glance
- Ages: 8–18 years old
- General schedule: Regular 90-minute sessions each week; students can meet online or in-person at UCLA. The page also mentions students may keep advancing year-round.
About the provider
Breakout Mentors was started in 2011 by Brian Skinner, a recent Stanford Engineering graduate. The mentors are described as vetted experts from top colleges including Stanford and UC Berkeley, and UCLA Computer Science students are mentioned for the Los Angeles area.
One-on-one personalized instruction with the same dedicated mentor. The first session is risk free with a 100% refund if it is not a fit. Commitment is one month at a time. The 6+ session package is not available for the Girls, Machine Learning, and USACO Academies.
What families say
“With Breakout Mentors he is finally actually learning, rather than just playing. I know the mentor is channeling my son’s excitement about computer games in a productive way.” — Mother of 6th grade boy in Sherman Oaks
“Our son who has a strong aptitude for math – we knew that he would love the challenges that coding could provide, but struggled to find a program that engaged and inspired him. 2 years ago when I reached out to Breakout Mentors, I knew that we finally found the right place.” — Father of 14 year old boy in Santa Monica
“Both our sons have mentors and we’re very happy with the personalized approach for each. The younger is learning Scratch and older Java.” — Father of 3rd & 5th grade boys in Manhattan Beach
Last updated September 18, 2026.
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