Here's a 12 year old explaining how he developed apps.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/15/thomas-suarez-ted-12-year-old_n_1095004.html
My thought is "Start programming NOW!" Do not wait to take classes. DIVE IN, START DOING THIS NOW!
More at http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2008/08/quantity-always-trumps-quality.html
Bob
Okay I know some basic HTML and CSS coding from my high school's Information Technologies class, but it's obviously dealing mainly with web and design. I wish to learn some coding for making my own programs preferable a few simple ideas that I've had that could act as plug-ins to Google Chrome or as task bar system tray icons to give me various alerts. (E.G. one of them is a small E-mail checker to let me know when I've received an email that will change the icon and perhaps make a small sound.) Would anyone have any recommendations as to what and where to start on this intellectual endeavor. I figured this might be a good place to start leave your reconciliations below.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic