Which programming language would be good for Middle School kids to learn?

Our school is considering offering computer programming as an elective class. We would want to choose a language that wouldn't be extremely hard but would also be relevant to 12 or 13 year olds. We don't want something that's going to be extinct in a few years. Which language should we go with?

Which programming language would be good for Middle School kids to learn?
I would also go with some sort of combination JavaScript because you don't need any sort of complicated tools to use it - just a text editor and a web browser. It's also likely to be around forever. In this case, you would probably have to teach them HTML alongside of JavaScript, but that shouldn't be too overwhelming.


I also suggest Adobe's ActionScript 3.0 because it is quite similar to the next version of JavaScript which will be out within the next few years. Adobe provides a free tool (the Flex Framework) to anyone who wants to download it. Unfortunately, this may be a bit complicated to use. Fortunately,they also provide their premier tool, Flex Builder, free for educational purposes here http://www.flexregistration.com/ .


Good luck.
Reply:I(am 15) started programming this year as an elective subject and I just love it. I am learning Java and the actual website has a forum where you can ask for help over the holidays, there will always be someone who will help but not give you the answer flat out.There is an condensed version of the program called jGrasp.It is great for starting out. Use Java you wont regret it.
Reply:Its not a programming language (its a scripting language)





But HTML is so easy, JavaScript is also cool but a little more complex.





HTML and JavaScript are used for webpages.
Reply:I am unsure of this. Maybe something, that is simple. Text script. Light HTML...