Build real software with AI — with expert guidance.
Merton Studio helps students turn coding curiosity into finished apps, games, automations, and portfolio projects through private, structured coaching.
For students already experimenting with Codex, Claude, Cursor, Replit, Python, JavaScript, or AI coding tools.
Many students are already building faster than traditional tutors can keep up with.
AI tools like Codex, Cursor, and Claude let students build things that used to require years of experience. But they still get stuck — because they don't know what's easy, what's hard, how to debug, how to scope a project, or how to use real engineering language to get the AI to do what they actually mean.
Merton Studio provides the structure, vocabulary, and expert guidance that bridges the gap between “vibe coding” and building real, finished software.
Not generic coding tutoring. Real project-building mentorship.
Project Scoping
We help students turn vague ideas into right-sized, buildable projects they can actually finish.
AI Prompting
Students learn to write precise prompts and use Codex, Claude, Cursor, and Replit more intentionally.
Engineering Fundamentals
API, client/server, database, deployment, GitHub — the vocabulary that makes AI tools listen.
Finished Projects
Students build real things: games, apps, tools, automations, and portfolio-ready demos.
Everything starts with an assessment.
The assessment is the first step for every new student. It places them into the right level, identifies a first project, and produces a clear recommended plan — before any coaching sessions begin.
Assessment
We learn the student's tools, level, interests, and goals. They leave with a clear level placement and first project recommendation.
Project Plan
Together we scope a right-sized project the student can actually finish — not too broad, not too simple.
Guided Building
Students build using AI tools while learning to prompt better, debug systematically, and make real design decisions.
Demo + Next Level
Students finish something real, learn to explain it, and get a clear picture of what comes next.
Parents see progress. Students know where they're headed.
Like martial arts or swim lessons, Merton Studio uses a level framework so there's always a clear next goal. The assessment places each student into the right starting level.
Explorer
Can experiment with AI tools but needs help turning ideas into working projects.
→ Builds a small guided project and can explain how it works.
Builder
Can make changes and use AI tools with some structure.
→ Builds a complete app, tool, or game with a clear structure.
Engineer
Understands how software systems fit together and builds more independently.
→ Ships a deployed or portfolio-ready project.
Founder / Researcher
Can turn an idea into a serious product, research project, or portfolio artifact.
→ Creates a serious project — demo, portfolio, or public build.
We help students turn vague ideas into real projects.
Most students get stuck before they start because they don't know what's easy, hard, or too broad. We scope ideas down to something they can actually finish.
“I want to build an AI app”
A simple chatbot with saved prompts and a clean interface
“I want to make a game”
A playable browser game with one polished mechanic
“I want to make a startup”
A landing page, prototype, and first user flow
“I want to use APIs”
A weather, sports, finance, or school-helper app
“I want something for college apps”
A portfolio-ready project with a write-up and demo
Students learn the language of software — so AI tools actually listen.
Vague prompts get vague results. We teach students the vocabulary that makes their instructions precise — and helps them understand what AI tools are actually doing.
“Make me an app.”
“Build a Next.js app with a client-side form, a server route for submissions, and a simple JSON data model. Include validation and clear error states.”
Students learn to write prompts like the second one — and to understand every word in it.
Most families start with a assessment.
The assessment places the student into a level, reviews their tools and interests, scopes a first project, and recommends the right next step.
Assessment
Level placement, project scoping, and recommended plan. The right first step.
1:1 Coaching
Ongoing live coaching sessions for students actively building a project.
Project Sprint
4-session package: scoping, guided builds, and a final demo or write-up. Most families start with the assessment first.
Portfolio Track
Multi-week plan for academic, contest, or portfolio-focused projects.
Optional AI-Ready Setup Add-On: +$50, available with the assessment. See full pricing →
Now accepting a small number of pilot students.
Pilot families are helping shape the first version of Merton Studio. If you're interested in being among the first, reach out now to discuss availability.
Parent testimonials coming soon
We're working with our first pilot families. Testimonials will appear here as the program develops.
Games are one of the best ways to learn how software actually works.
Every rule, bug, and design decision in a game becomes immediately visible. A student can understand loops, state, scoring, AI behavior, pathfinding, and debugging in an hour of building something playable — faster than any textbook.
Merton Games is a live example of the kinds of projects students can learn to build: word games, logic puzzles, algorithmic racers, and daily-challenge formats. Real code. Real polish. Real learning.
Game Logic
Rules, state machines, scoring, win/loss conditions, and turn structure. The fundamentals of any interactive system.
Algorithms
Pathfinding, search, optimization, and AI behavior. Students see classic computer science concepts working in something they can play.
Polish & Iteration
UI feedback, playtesting, edge cases, and design decisions. Finishing a project means learning what “done” actually requires.
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you work with?
Primarily middle and high school students. Sessions are adjusted based on age, experience, and interests.
Does my child need prior experience?
No. The assessment figures out where they are. Some students start from zero; others already have momentum.
What is the assessment?
A structured first session where we learn the student's tools, experience, interests, and goals — then recommend a level and first project path. It costs $50 and is the right starting point for every new student.
How is this different from a coding tutor?
We don't teach syntax drills or work through textbooks. We help students scope and build real projects using AI tools — and develop the vocabulary and judgment to use those tools well. If your student already knows more than a Wyzant tutor, this is for them.
What if my child already knows more than a tutor?
That's exactly who this is for. Merton Studio is designed for students who have outgrown traditional tutoring. We work at their level, help them channel momentum, and push them toward finished, real projects.
Can this support portfolio or academic projects?
Yes — the Portfolio Track produces organized, well-documented, demonstrable projects. We don't promise admissions outcomes, but a real project shows genuine initiative and skill.
What does a typical session look like?
60–90 minutes of hands-on building. No lectures. Students build, debug, and improve a project with 1:1 guidance.
Ready to start building?
Book an assessment. We'll figure out where the student is, scope a first project, and map a clear path forward.