Finding the Right Code Academy Program

Finding the right coding school in 2021 is a bit of a complex process. With so many schools going online and offering their programs through Zoom, it’s become a competitive space and can be somewhat confusing to students. It’s important to evaluate your options to find the right coding program for you.

Here are 4 tips to consider when selecting a new code academy program.

1. Location

With most of the world going online in 2020, you’ll find a lot of online coding schools are held over Zoom, Google Hangouts or Discord. These platforms make it easy to connect with students and instructors, and make the learning process easier. However, if you are the type of student who prefers to learn in person, you’ll want to find a program that offers enhanced interaction with other students. Whether you’re reviewing codebases with other students or trying to solve a quick problem, this type of peer-to-peer community is a must for some students.

2. Cost

Most official code academy programs are expensive and require an upfront commitment. And local community colleges are even more expensive. For this reason, a lot of students are turning to free coding schools to get their start in the industry. These online schools might be slower paced, but they are offered completely free of charge to students.

If you have the budget to afford a coding school, you have plenty of options in front of you. Most paid coding programs will provide you with a certificate at the end of the curriculum so you know it is official. Plan to spend around $400 per month on your classes and time with the instructor.

3. Review the Curriculum

While free online coding schools start from the beginning, paid programs will allow you to start where you feel the most comfortable. You’ll need to review a school’s curriculum and decide which courses are right for you. Check out courses on HTML, Javascript, how to handle SEO, how to build mobile apps and more. If you’re already qualified in one subject, move onto the next and round yourself out.

4. Career Support

Make sure to check with your instructor and the school staff to know what your career options are as soon as you graduate. Code academy programs train you to be the best of the best in the IT world, but you’ll want to have an idea of what you want to do for a living. Most online coding schools have a major support group and they are well connected to employers in the industry. Be sure to show off your projects and maintain a personal portfolio to attract future employers.

The main thing with coding schools is to consider exactly what you want to learn. There are so many programs out there that you can find just about anything you need, but take a minute to think about your career goals. Do you need a coding program for HTML or Java? Mobile apps or websites? Do you want to use coding to get into the world of online marketing? These are all things you’ll want to determine prior to signing up for a code academy school.