Bring Virginia’s K-8 Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL) to life. Code4Kids provides ready-to-teach lessons fully aligned to the 2024 Virginia Computer Science Standards. Code4Kids makes it simple for every teacher, especially those with limited CS experience, to deliver engaging, standards-aligned computer science and coding instruction with confidence.
We’ve created a comprehensive guide for teachers and district leaders on Virginia’s rollout of the K-12 Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL). This guide unpacks how the Virginia Department of Education developed the standards and offers a roadmap for successful district-wide implementation. It covers the history of Virginia’s CS education initiatives, explains the structure of the standards, and highlights the steps schools can take to ensure every student has equitable access to computer science.
Already up to speed? Access our Virginia CS Curriculum here
Virginia is a national leader in computer science education, becoming the first state in the U.S. to mandate computer science instruction for all students in grades K-12. This groundbreaking step began with a 2016 law that established computer science and computational thinking as essential knowledge for every learner in the Commonwealth. Since then, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has continued to develop and refine the Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL), ensuring that students acquire the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven society and job market.
The first Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning were adopted in 2017, giving teachers and school districts a clear framework to integrate computer science into the K-12 curriculum. In 2024, the VDOE released updated Computer Science SOL that expand the state’s vision: introducing artificial intelligence literacy, reinforcing ethics and digital wellness, and connecting classroom learning to real-world workforce readiness. These updates highlight Virginia’s commitment to equitable access and ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives a future-ready computer science education.
Download the Computer Science Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools PDF Document here
The Virginia K–12 Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL) provide schools and districts with a clear framework to deliver high-quality computer science education from kindergarten through grade 12. These standards ensure that students progressively build essential computer science knowledge, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for college, careers, and participation in a technology-driven world.
The standards are organized into six content strands, each representing a key area of computer science that students will explore throughout their K-12 journey. This structure helps educators create consistent, equitable, and future-focused learning experiences in every classroom.
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The Virginia K-12 Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL) are organized into six content strands:
Each of these strands is represented in equal measure and is designed to interconnect, supporting one another like threads in a woven fabric of understanding. As students progress through their education, they move from simply exploring these ideas to applying them in projects and, ultimately, demonstrating mastery.
The sub-concepts within each strand break learning into focused topics. For example, students identify hardware components in Computing Systems, practice safe password use in Cybersecurity, explore data visualization in Data & Analysis, and design iterative solutions in Algorithms & Programming.
By progressing through these strands, all learners develop essential computer science skills that support future learning, careers, and responsible participation in today’s digital landscape.
In addition to the six strands, Virginia defines foundational principles that run across all grade levels. These principles guide how computer science is taught and ensure students not only learn technical skills but also use technology responsibly and creatively.
This table shows the six foundational principles that run accross all grade levels
For each sub-concept, the Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL) describe how student understanding should progress across grade bands. Below is an example for Computing Systems (CSY).
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This progression highlights:
Now, let’s take a closer look at how a specific 3rd Grade standard can be introduced in the classroom. Below is an example from the Computing Systems strand.To support teachers, the Virginia DOE standards include clear expectations for instruction.
You can read the complete document from the Virginia Department of Education here
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In this table you'll see:
Code4Kids makes it easy to integrate the Virginia K-8 Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL) in every classroom. Even teachers with no prior computer science experience can deliver lessons with confidence. Our ready-to-teach curriculum, projects, and assessments are fully aligned with the Virginia SOL and help districts and educators meet state requirements while engaging students in meaningful, high quality instruction. With step-by-step guidance, learners build essential skills in computer science, coding, robotics, and digital literacy.
The first step is selecting the right entry point for your students. With Code4Kids, you don’t only receive a curriculum but hands-on implementation support that’s tailored to your district’s and school’s unique context. Our structured yet flexible approach makes it easy to roll out computer science over two to three years, ensuring students gain confidence, master essential skills, and achieve lasting success.
Students in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade are introduced to the basics of computer science - learning how devices work, exploring simple algorithms, and practicing safe online behaviors. Code4Kids supports teachers with unplugged and beginner-friendly lessons that emphasize computational thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving through hands-on activities.
In the 3rd to 5th Grade, learners expand their skills by creating algorithms with loops, events, and conditionals while modeling how computing systems interact. They begin to analyze data, explore the impacts of technology, and apply secure practices to protect information. Code4Kids provides scaffolded lessons that help teachers connect programming, data, and cybersecurity concepts directly to real-world examples.
By the 6th-8th Grade, students demonstrate mastery of computing systems, networks, and cybersecurity, while tackling more advanced programming and data analysis challenges. They explore career pathways, ethics in computing, and societal impacts of technology. Code4Kids equips teachers with projects that link AI, cybersecurity, and real-world applications to the Virginia SOL, preparing students for high school and beyond.
At Code4Kids, we know every district has its own story - shaped by unique schools, staffing models, and community priorities. Virginia was the first state in the nation to require K-12 Computer Science instruction, setting a bold vision for equitable access, digital literacy, and future-ready skills. Achieving those goals requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Built for Virginia’s Standards
Our curriculum is built specifically for Virginia’s context. It goes beyond simply aligning to the six Content Strands and their sub-concepts. It creates a seamless pathway from Lower Elementary (K-2) through Middle School (6-8) that adapts to where your district is starting. Every lesson is designed to integrate the Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOL) into daily instruction.
Custom Pathways for Every District
Before any rollout, we work side-by-side with district leaders and teachers to understand your existing CS offerings, available resources, and local goals. Whether your priority is expanding access in rural schools, addressing teacher shortages, or enhancing STEM initiatives, we co-create an implementation plan that works within your schedules, staffing, and budget.
Continuous Support for Continued Success
Our support doesn’t end at onboarding. We provide personalized and group training, unlimited coaching, regular check-ins, and rapid troubleshooting support whenever you need it. Quarterly reports translate teacher usage and student progress into clear insights that help you track growth, close gaps, and celebrate success across your district.
We’re not just a vendor. We’re a long-term partner committed to helping every Virginia student thrive in computer science - from their first unplugged lesson in Kindergarten to the advanced coding and problem-solving projects they tackle in middle school.
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Every district is different, so our first step is a collaborative conversation to understand your goals, challenges, and current Computer Science programs.
During this process, we will develop:
Once we’re on board, we kick off your first phase of implementation - smoothly and strategically.
We provide regular updates that celebrate progress and impact. This includes the following:
Technology moves fast. We help your district stay ahead. We achieve this by:
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