Code Ninjas Expands into Illinois with New Learning Centers in O'Fallon and Edwardsville

Code Ninjas Expands in Illinois

Code Ninjas, the premier franchise for teaching coding and technology to children aged 5 to 14, is taking its mission a step further by inaugurating two new locations in Southern Illinois, specifically in O'Fallon and Edwardsville. This expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for accessible STEM education among local families.

The move was propelled by local entrepreneur Kay Cavataio, a mother and resident of Metro East, who aims to provide enriching educational experiences for kids. Her motivation stemmed from her search for engaging tech-related activities for her own nine-year-old son, who exhibits strong interests in creativity and technology. With the support of her husband Joe, Kay is set to open her first Code Ninjas center in O'Fallon, with a soft opening planned for early 2026, followed by the Edwardsville location in the upcoming two years.

Local Ownership and Community Impact

This new initiative will increase the total number of Code Ninjas centers in Illinois to 16, solidifying the state’s reputation as a significant player in the education sector. Kay’s deep roots in the community, coupled with her educational background in middle school and special education, uniquely position her to engage with local children effectively.

Navin Gurnaney, CEO of Code Ninjas, emphasized the importance of community-driven entrepreneurs like Kay in continuing the franchise's growth. He acknowledged the growing demand from parents eager for their children to learn practical skills in technology and problem-solving. This demand has instigated further investment into locations that foster high-quality enrichment programs tailored for youth.

A Vision for Future Generations

In anticipation of the official openings, Kay has already begun introducing coding concepts to local children through classes held at a nearby recreation center. Her initial effort, intended as a community interest gauge, quickly blossomed into a full-fledged program given the overwhelming local interest, resulting in a waitlist for potential students. This enthusiasm reinforces the necessity for meaningful, tech-focused learning opportunities within the community.

Kay expressed her excitement about her role, stating, “My drive towards Code Ninjas stemmed from the incredible support network and framework that the franchise provides. As a first-time business owner, access to innovative curriculum and continual training equips me with the confidence to prioritize what truly matters: helping kids cultivate their skills and fostering a love for technology.”

Code Ninjas Franchise Overview

This franchise opportunity comes with extensive support from day one, covering areas from selecting real estate to planning grand openings, alongside local marketing strategies that aim to help each center thrive. Potential franchisees are encouraged to inspire the future generation of coders while making a positive community impact, and while a background in education or tech is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement.

The investment needed to start a Code Ninjas franchise ranges from $174,750 to $298,250, offering a lucrative opportunity for those eager to be a catalyst in their community’s educational landscape.

Founded in 2016, Code Ninjas has rapidly ascended to become the largest kids coding franchise in the nation. With hundreds of centers across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, young learners have the chance to engage in building video games while acquiring essential life skills in coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence. At Code Ninjas, kids have fun, while parents witness impressive outcomes.