Schools for Coding: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Choosing the right school for coding can be a daunting task, but it's essential to get it right. With so many options available, it's crucial to consider what you want to achieve in your coding career.

The type of coding you want to do is a significant factor in choosing a school. If you're interested in mobile app development, you'll want to look for a school that specializes in this area. Some schools, like General Assembly, offer courses in mobile app development.

The length of the program is another important consideration. Some schools offer part-time programs that can be completed in as little as six months, while others require a full-time commitment. For example, App Academy's full-time program can be completed in just 28 weeks.

Ultimately, the right school for you will depend on your goals, schedule, and learning style.

Our top picks for online coding schools can be finished in under two years, making it a great option for those who want to get started quickly.

You'll find a range of programs to choose from, each with different teaching styles and support systems to suit your learning needs.

These online coding schools are the front-runners in this educational revolution, offering flexibility, personalized learning, and a treasure trove of resources right at your fingertips.

They're perfect for adults looking to upskill or curious youngsters who want to dive into the world of coding.

With a diverse range of courses, you'll find the perfect fit has never been easier.

These online coding schools offer live online classes in languages like Scratch and Python, taught by leading experts worldwide.

Harvard's online coding school offers top-tier courses that blend rich tradition with cutting-edge techniques. These courses are available to start during specific time periods, but are self-paced, allowing you to watch videos and complete assignments at your own speed.

Harvard's online coding school offers 18 courses that can help you develop a new passion, from beginner-friendly introduction to Scratch to the much more advanced AP Computer Science Principles.

If you're looking for a more immersive training program, consider Noble Desktop's in-person and live online coding courses and bootcamps. These programs provide a path to various careers in web development, app development, or data science.

Noble Desktop's coding bootcamps are accelerated options that can get you ready for several programming-related jobs through training from immersive programs that help develop new skills over a shorter timeframe than traditional college courses.

MIT xPRO Professional Certificate in Coding is a four-month program that combines exclusive content from MIT's world-renowned faculty with tailored support and hands-on learning activities. This program is designed to prepare you with the skills you need to start your career in web and application development.

Here are some key features of the MIT xPRO Professional Certificate in Coding:

Cornell Web Design and Development Certification Program is a 12-week program that provides a gentle introduction to frontend web development on your own terms, with a certification from an accredited institution. This program is excellent for those looking to transition to becoming a frontend developer or a web designer.

General Assembly offers full-time and part-time immersive bootcamps to conquer software engineering, taught by experienced professionals from top tech companies. Their online school provides a combination of live and video instruction that allows software engineering students to move through coding content at their own pace.

Here are some key features of General Assembly's software engineering bootcamp:

If you prefer learning in a classroom, there are several in-person coding classes available in California, including ONLC Training Centers, UCLA Extension Bootcamps, and Codesmith. These programs offer a range of courses, from JavaScript and jQuery programming to full stack development and machine learning.

If you prefer virtual learning, Noble Desktop offers live online coding classes and bootcamps, including the Software Engineering Certificate, Data Science Certificate, and Front-End Development Certificate. These programs provide hands-on training and 1-on-1 mentoring with industry experts.

Here are some related classes you might be interested in:

There are various types of programs offered by schools for coding.

Some schools focus on full-stack development, teaching students to work on both front-end and back-end development.

Others focus on specialized areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

These programs can be tailored to meet the needs of different students, whether they're beginners or looking to advance their skills.

Bootcamps are a type of program that can help you learn to code and get a job in the tech industry. They're usually shorter than traditional college programs and can be more flexible in terms of scheduling.

Some bootcamps are designed for complete beginners, while others require some prior coding experience. For example, App Academy Online Software Engineering Immersive has a five-step application process and requires some coding experience, but provides resources to help you get up to speed.

Bootcamps can be either in-person or online, and some offer a deferred tuition model or income share agreement. This means you don't have to pay for the program upfront, but instead pay a percentage of your income after you land a job. For example, App Academy's deferred tuition model requires you to pay $20,000 only after you start earning at least $50,000.

The length of a bootcamp can vary, with some lasting as little as 16 weeks and others taking up to a year to complete. For example, App Academy Online Software Engineering Immersive offers a 16-week full-time program, while Hackbright Academy's part-time program takes 24 weeks to complete.

Here are some examples of bootcamps and their prices:

Some bootcamps also offer scholarships or financial aid to help make them more affordable. For example, Hackbright Academy offers two Phenomenal Woman Scholarships of $8,000 each, as well as other scholarships and financial aid options.

Full-Stack programs are designed to teach students everything they need to know to work in software development. They're often full-time or part-time programs that can last anywhere from 4 to 7 months.

One example of a Full-Stack program is the CareerFoundry Full-Stack Web Development Program, which costs between $8,075-$8,500 USD and lasts 4 months full-time or 7 months part-time.

Thinkful's Software Engineering Bootcamp is another example, which promises to get students from complete novices to career-ready software developers in 5-6 months. The program is full-stack, covering frontend and server-side development, and includes unlimited technical tests to prepare students for the job market.

The bootcamp's curriculum is impressively full-stack, starting with frontend languages like HTML/CSS and JavaScript, then moving to server-side development with PostgreSQL and tools like Knex.js. Thinkful's program is designed to teach students to work in the Agile methodology and personal branding for job search.

Thinkful's total costs vary depending on payment options, ranging from $9,500 for the part-time Flex program to $19,909 with a deferred tuition system.

Choosing between frontend and full-stack development is a crucial decision when selecting a program. Frontend development is a popular and accessible way to get into web development, focusing on building the part of websites you interact with every day.

Front-end developers have to code websites that will work cross-platform, cross-browser, and cross-device. This requires continuous updating of skills to keep up with the dynamic field. Professional front-end developers work closely with back-end developers.

HTML and CSS are the foundation of frontend development, working together with JavaScript to create webpages. HTML is used to develop the structure of the page, and CSS creates the visual elements such as color, texture, graphics, and fonts.

Frontend development is a great choice for those who want to get more into web and UX design. It's also an excellent starting point for those who are new to programming.

Full-stack development programs cover the complete tech stack, offering increased opportunities to find your own direction or niche. These programs are typically longer in duration than frontend development courses.

Tynker's curriculum is designed to meet the highest standards in computer science education. It's 100% compliant with CSTA and AP CS standards.

Tynker offers a comprehensive coding curriculum for K-12 students, with over 50 programming courses and over 1,600 contact hours. This curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of students at different grade levels.

Here's a breakdown of Tynker's alignment with CSTA and AP CS standards:

iOS is a type of app development specifically for Apple's mobile operating system. Developers can create fully functioning apps using languages like Swift or Objective-C.

They work within Apple's Integrated Development Environment, Xcode, to bring their ideas to life. The iOS simulator is a valuable tool for testing apps before they're deployed to the App Store.

Developers can beta test their apps using TestFlight, which helps identify and fix any issues before the app is released to the public. The App Store is the primary platform for deploying completed iOS apps.

If you're looking for flexible learning options, Create & Learn offers live online coding classes for kids, with expert instructors and small class sizes. Their curriculum is crafted by experts from top tech companies and uses an inquiry-based approach to ensure students understand core concepts.

For adults, Skillcrush provides a self-paced online coding program that can be completed in under an hour a day, with access to an online community and video office hours with instructors. The program includes web developer and web designer tracks, and students have lifetime access to all content.

Alternatively, you can opt for in-person classes in California, such as the JavaScript & jQuery Programming: Level 1 course at ONLC Training Centers, or the Coding Bootcamp at UCLA Extension Bootcamps, which covers front end and back end technologies.

You can learn to code through hands-on training with over 5,500 learning modules available in interactive self-guided courses. This type of learning is perfect for those who prefer to learn at their own pace.

Skillcrush offers a flexible, self-paced approach to coding with classes that take less than an hour a day. Their Break Into Tech Blueprint program provides online access to all classes, including videos, readings, interactive exercises, and projects, available 24/7.

Noble Desktop's bootcamps include 1-on-1 mentoring with industry experts reviewing students' portfolios, providing hands-on training in coding web pages from the ground up.

Create & Learn offers award-winning computer science classes in subjects like Scratch coding, game development, and artificial intelligence, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Hands-on learning is also available through Noble Desktop's corporate and onsite training programs, which can be conducted onsite at an organization's location or live online.

Here are some examples of hands-on learning options:

Completing the course can take anywhere from three to seven months if you're studying part-time or on a flexible schedule.

Studying full-time, however, can be completed in just four months.

Whether you choose to study part-time or full-time, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time learning and growing.

If you're considering a career in tech, you might be wondering if it's the right fit for you. You can take a 3-minute quiz to learn if a career in tech is right for you.

This quiz can help you discover what tech careers align with your strengths and identify the skills you need to reach your goals.

You'll have the opportunity to learn what tech careers fit your strengths, which can be a great starting point for exploring your options.

If you're looking to upskill or reskill, you're in luck because some learning platforms offer free professional development opportunities.

Tynker offers a range of free and paid training programs to help you develop the skills you need to support a K-12 coding program at your school.

You can earn PD credits and gain the expertise you need to excel in your role as a Curriculum & Innovation Specialist.

Some platforms, like Create & Learn, offer live online classes with experienced instructors who provide personalized support in small class sizes.

This ensures that you get the attention you need to excel in your professional development journey.

If you're interested in UX and web design, platforms like Create & Learn offer recorded videos and live feedback sessions.

Their two-week class costs $3,750 for a three-month program, but it's a valuable investment in your career.

Whether you're looking to upskill or reskill, there are many free and paid opportunities available to help you achieve your goals.

Here are some career paths that require coding skills and their corresponding salaries in California:

Pursuing a career in coding requires dedication and a solid education.

Most coding schools offer programs that can be completed in as little as 12-24 weeks, depending on the intensity of the course.

Bootcamps like App Academy and General Assembly focus on teaching in-demand skills in a short amount of time.

A degree in computer science is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial for those who want to work in more senior roles or pursue a career in research and development.

Many coding schools offer flexible scheduling options, such as part-time or online programs, to accommodate students with other commitments.

Graduates of these programs often report high job placement rates, with some schools boasting rates above 90%.

Making a career change can be a daunting task, but it's a great opportunity to explore new fields and industries. If you're looking to transition into a career in tech, coding is a valuable skill to learn.

Coding is a crucial skill in today's technology-driven economy, and it's essential for many careers in tech. In fact, coding is the power behind websites, software, online security, and artificial intelligence.

If you're considering a career change, you might be interested in becoming a software engineer. Software engineers can earn a salary of $150,000 per year in California, which is 43.14% more than the U.S. average.

Alternatively, you could consider a career as a product manager, where you'll guide product development from ideation to market. Product managers in California can earn a salary of $144,000 per year, which is 18.72% more than the U.S. average.

Other options to consider include becoming a .NET developer, software project manager, back end developer, or Python developer. Each of these careers has a unique set of skills and responsibilities, but they all require a strong foundation in coding.

Here are some salary ranges for these careers in California:

These salary ranges are impressive, and they demonstrate the potential for high earning potential in these careers. However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry.

The curriculum and support you receive from an online coding school can make all the difference in your learning experience.

To figure out what suits you best, ask the different institutions for a course outline so you can get a better look at what they cover.

Your learning style is unique, whether you're a visual learner, a reading/writing learner, or something in between, and the program should cater to that.

Look for programs that provide a mix of teaching methods, such as pre-recorded lecture videos, live classes, and interactive assignments, to keep you engaged.

Some programs will also offer bespoke learning materials tailored to your specific needs, while others will use pre-existing open-source materials.

Ultimately, the program that suits you best is the one that aligns with your learning style and preferences.

At Tynker, we take the security of student data very seriously. We are COPPA, FERPA, and SOPIPA compliant, ensuring that your district's data is protected.

Student data is secure because it is owned by your district, not by us. This means you have full control over how it's used and shared.

Our commitment to data security is evident in our terms of use, which outline the measures we take to safeguard student information.

Curriculum design is a crucial aspect of online coding schools, and it can vary greatly from one institution to another. Some programs might have pre-recorded lecture videos with structured assignments, while others may offer live classes with set term times.

The form of instruction can be a deciding factor in choosing the right program for you. If you're a visual learner, you might prefer programs that use videos or live classes, while reading/writing learners might prefer programs that focus on reading materials.

To get a better understanding of what a program covers, ask the institution for a course outline. This will give you a clear idea of the topics you'll be learning and the approach the program takes.

The type of teaching and learning style can also impact your experience. Some programs might be more active, while others might focus on reading materials. Find out if the program provides materials for you to learn from, or if you'll need to find your own resources.

Ultimately, the curriculum design of an online coding school should suit your learning style. Take the time to research and understand the program's approach before committing to enrollment.

Mentorship is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing an online coding school.

Some institutions allow students to study and work on projects independently, checking in when they want, or with occasional instructor or mentor-led Q&A sessions.

Studying independently can be beneficial, but it's essential to have a reliable source of guidance and support.

Programs which pair you up individually with a web development mentor allow you to reach out to them when needed if you need guidance and support.

Instructor-led courses mean that how much and how often you get feedback on your own work depends on the person in charge.

If you're learning programming without any kind of recognizable mentor elsewhere in your life, choosing a course that will give you a seasoned professional's input and industry knowledge will give you the confidence you need to thrive.