Students transition from visual block-based to text-based programming. They learn Python basics and gain their first experience handling data directly in code. It's a core stage of the elementary pipeline, building the direct technical foundation that leads into E3 and M1.
Published: May 16, 2026 | Last updated: May 16, 2026 · Based on the KOAI 2026 guidelines
Track
Elementary Pipeline
KOAI advancement prep
Target Grade
Grades 4–5 (elementary)
E1 completion or equivalent
Recommended Hours
~12 hours
1:1 basis · 8–18 hours (varies), including learning Python itself
KOAI Mapping
Not direct prep
Direct foundation for E3·M1
By the end of E2, the student will transition from visual block-based to text-based programming. The goal is to move beyond snapping blocks together with a mouse and reach the level of typing code directly on a keyboard, writing Python variables, conditionals, loops, and functions with their own hands.
They also gain their first experience handling Python basics and data in code. They build the full flow themselves—reading and writing files, organizing CSV data with Pandas, and creating simple visualizations with Matplotlib. E2 is the direct technical foundation that leads into E3 and M1, a stepping stone that later machine learning and middle-school comprehensive study build upon.
E1 completion or an equivalent level of AI exposure, plus recognition of the English alphabet and keyboard typing, are required. Because E2 teaches Python itself from scratch, it takes a larger share of time than other courses. If you're not ready yet, build your foundation first with E1. Elementary AI Introduction.
Below is the standard 1:1 plan. Depending on the student's prior knowledge and pace, some weeks are sped up and compressed or covered in more depth. Core tools: Python (Replit/Mu), Pygame, and an intro to Pandas/Matplotlib in the later part.
| Week | Topic | Key Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Python basics (variables, I/O, conditionals) | An interactive mini-program |
| 4-6 | Loops, lists, dictionaries | A data-processing mini-project |
| 7-9 | Functions, splitting into modules | A reusable function library |
| 10-14 | Building a game with Pygame | One mini-game |
| 15-17 | File I/O, working with CSV | Reading and writing data |
| 18-20 | Pandas basics (DataFrame, filtering, sorting) | A DataFrame-manipulation notebook |
| 21-23 | Matplotlib basic visualization | One data-analysis notebook |
| 24 | End-of-term presentation | A student-chosen-topic mini-project |
※ Weeks are content units, and actual time required varies by student. Recommended about 12 hours, range 8–18 hours.
Every stage leaves behind a result that actually runs. An interactive mini-program, a reusable function library, and a DataFrame-manipulation notebook pile up one after another.
Students finish one mini-game built with Pygame and one data-analysis notebook, then create a GitHub account and push to their first repo themselves.
The biggest significance of E2 is creating a first GitHub repo. The commit history accumulated by the time of the KOAI exam (9th or 10th grade) serves as dated proof for both the "Growth Potential 25%" and "AI Competency 30%" items on the first-round application.
GitHub
A first repo + first commit history
Pandas
A first data-analysis notebook
Pygame
A public mini-game
40% of the portfolio is a function of time. The earlier you start, the deeper your accumulated history.
E2 is the middle stage of the elementary pipeline. For the full track structure, see KOAI Prep Curriculum Hub.
Current Course
E2. Elementary Python + Data
Block coding → Text coding
Completing E1 or having equivalent AI exposure. If you can recognize the English alphabet and type on a keyboard, you can start.
Because E2 teaches Python itself from scratch, it takes a proportionally larger share of time. About 12 hours is the recommended 1:1 figure, and it varies from 8 to 18 hours by student.
We open it for learning purposes with a guardian's consent, and the first commit history from this point becomes proof of time-built depth in the KOAI first-round application down the road.
E3 (Elementary First ML) → M1 Middle School Comprehensive when moving up to 7th grade. For the exact KOAI exam schedule, see the KOAI competition guide (https://citcoding.com/competitions/koai.html).
We individually design the timing and pace of the shift from block coding to text coding in a diagnostic session.