The MGTA Prep Program offers Game Design and STEM classes in spring, summer and fall. All of our Prep classes are taught by a mix of George Mason University faculty, graduates, and advanced-level students to maximize on fun, interactive, and cutting-edge instruction. With subjects from Game Design to Intro to Python to Art and Animation, there is a class for everyone.
For more general information on our programs, please visit our Program FAQs page HERE.
Fall Program
MGTA’s fall program consists of both weekend classes and after school programs.
The classes are located at George Mason University on either the Fairfax or Manassas campus. Please see class details.
Welcome Letters and detailed program information will be emailed before classes start, with information concerning schedule, directions, class locations, pick-up and drop-off information.
Please note that all classes require a minimum registration number to run. If the class does not reach the minimum number of students, you will be notified of the cancelation and be given a full refund.
Registration for Fall 2026 is now open!
An early bird special promotion is available.
On the third page of registration, copy and paste EARLYBIRD_MGTAFALL_2026 to recieve $100 off each class.
This promotion ends on August 31st, so sign up soon.
After School Program Manassas: Intro to 3D Character Animation with Blender
In this intro level class, students will learn how to bring characters to life using 3D animation. Students will also be given an intro to the basics of Blender, a free open-source software that is being used to make both video games and movies in the industry. Students will be given pre-made, rigged 3D models and learn how to apply the principles of 3D animation to breathe life into the characters. Using 3D animation, students will learn how to make their characters walk, run, attack, and express themselves. By the end of the program, students should have video renders of their animations they can show their friends and families.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Manassas George Mason Sci-Tech Campus
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Dates:
October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19
Times: 4 PM to 6 PM
Ages: 9 – 12
Price: $595
After School Program Manassas: Game Design with GameMaker
In this intro level class, students can begin their game design journey using the free software, GameMaker. Students will be introduced to the basic principles of game design, including the different roles a designer can aspire to. Using GameMaker, students will learn how to create their own unique levels using the built-in tools provided by the engine. By the end of the program, students should have a build of the game they have created.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Manassas George Mason Sci-Tech Campus
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Dates:
October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19
Times: 4 PM to 6 PM
Ages: 9 – 12
Price: $595
After School Program Manassas: Intro to Python Programming
In this intro level class, students will begin their journey with Python, an excellent first programming language. This course incorporates fun, visual features to teach Python. While learning to code, students will be able to observe their code in illustrative patterns and designs. This is a fun way to integrate art/design, computer science, and geometry all tied into one course!
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Manassas George Mason Sci-Tech Campus
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Dates:
October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19
Times: 4 PM to 6 PM
Ages: 9 – 12
Price: $595
Weekend Program Fairfax: Game Design with Unity
In this intro level course, students will utilize the Unity game engine to learn game design and development. Students will learn the basics of how games are made and the different roles each developer has when creating a game project. Students will use this knowledge to build 2D or 3D worlds and games using Unity’s pre-existing assets and interface while also learning some basic programming with C#. This course is a great foundation for students interested in the game design field.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Fairfax George Mason University
Days: Saturdays
Dates:
October 10, 17, 24, skip 31 (holiday)
November 7, 14, 21
Times: 10 AM to 3 PM
Ages: 11 – 17
Price: $595
Weekend Program Fairfax: Make a Game with Python Programming! (Advanced Class)
In this advanced course, students will learn how to apply their programming knowledge to address complex problems and create a 2D sidescroller game from scratch. This class will help students learn the process of breaking down complex coding challenges into discrete, simpler tasks, and identifying which tools they have to address those smaller tasks. This will culminate with students creating a 2D Game in Python.
Note: Students taking this course are expected to either have taken MGTA’s intro level Python Programming course or have some general knowledge of Python or programming beforehand. This is not an intro level class.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Basic Python/programming knowledge
Location: Fairfax George Mason University
Days: Saturdays
Dates:
October 10, 17, 24, skip 31 (holiday)
November 7, 14, 21
Times: 10 AM to 3 PM
Ages: 13 – 17
Price: $595
Weekend Program Fairfax: 2D Concept and Design for Games
In this intro course, students will learn to create their own characters and worlds through digital art. Students will learn how to use a drawing tablet in conjunction with digital art software. Lessons include character design, world building environmental art, color fundamentals & techniques, and much more.
Prerequisites:
Keyboard typing skills
General knowledge of IT/computers
Location: Fairfax George Mason University
Days: Saturdays
Dates:
October 10, 17, 24, skip 31 (holiday)
November 7, 14, 21
Times: 10 AM to 3 PM
Ages: 9 – 17
Price: $595
Summer Program
MGTA’s Summer program consists of five-day commuter classes that meet from 9 am to 4 pm each day.
The classes are located at George Mason University on either the Fairfax or Manassas campus. Please see class details.
Welcome Letters and detailed program information will be emailed before classes start, with information concerning schedule, directions, class locations, pick-up and drop-off information.
Registration for summer 2026 is now closed.