The Tech Academy
The Tech Academy is a trade school headquartered in Portland, Oregon that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps online and in-person at their Portland campus. The Tech Academy offers part-time and full-time bootcamps in computer programming, website development, cybersecurity, game development, mobile development, data science, front-end development, tech marketing, and tech sales. The immersive experience aims to create well-rounded technology professionals, and also gives students the option to take the course at their own pace. There are also no set starts dates or rigid scheduling. Students can enroll at any time, study from home, and choose whatever study schedule they would like.
The Tech Academy’s bootcamps cover topics including computer science fundamentals, programming basics, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, C#, Python, Bootstrap, jQuery, React.js, project management, Agile, Scrum, MVC, version control, Java, and more. Each bootcamp also includes a Live Project, where students gain real-life experience to add to their resume as well as job placement assistance.
None of The Tech Academy's bootcamps require any tech background or experience. To apply, applicants need to take an IQ test with logic-based questions (to ensure applicants can read, write and perform basic math), followed by an admissions interview.
The final part of every The Tech Academy bootcamp is the Job Placement Course which covers interviewing skills, resume writing, where to find tech jobs, and gives students access to job placement staff who assist students in landing technical positions.
423 The Tech Academy Reviews
AnonymousWeb Designer • Graduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandSep 06, 2018Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceGreat Program
The Tech Academy has a solid program, which leans heavily toward C# and .NET. The overalll best aspect of the program, in my opinion, is the Job Placement. Aaron (who was Director of Job Placement when I was attending the TA) is very hands on, very helpful and the program in general pushes you and guides you in your search for a job.
- AnonymousGraduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandJun 02, 2018Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Full Stack Developer Tech Academy Student Review
I am just finishing up at the Tech Academy, but I really enjoyed the material in the program. It is quite challenging and there are times where the material can be quite frustrating. Students going through the program I encourage to just stick it through. Just know that you will not be an absolute expert at all things programming when you get out. However, you will have an excellent foundational knowledge, skills, and work experience, which will allow you to go into an entry level tech job...
I am just finishing up at the Tech Academy, but I really enjoyed the material in the program. It is quite challenging and there are times where the material can be quite frustrating. Students going through the program I encourage to just stick it through. Just know that you will not be an absolute expert at all things programming when you get out. However, you will have an excellent foundational knowledge, skills, and work experience, which will allow you to go into an entry level tech job in the software or IT field. I thoroughly enjoyed the live project at the end because it was a way to apply everything you learned in the program.You learn how to research and solve programmatic problems on a team. They do a great job of making it feel like a realistic sprint in an actual software developer team, which I thought was cool. The instructors and staff are very friendly, and I was able to get a good tech job before even graduating.
Learning code teaches you patience and intuity. As mentioned before, there will be times when you get very frustrated with the exercises and drills. This is to be expected and happens in the actual job as well. Blocks of code aren't always going to work correctly but I encourage students to keep practicing and learning. The job placement course is also very good and you learn a lot about all the little details necessary to come off polished and professional while going through the job search experience. My one thing I learned that helped was to show interest in the company and job. Ask lots of questions and do your research on where you are applying.
My few complaints would be their website. I wish they would make it a little easier to navigate when going through the lectures and drills. I also wish I would have had more time to go through their new C# course. When I was going through the program, they were using a third party while they were developing their own course. While the third party was decent, it was a little frustrating that it wasn't through the Tech Academy. Keep in mind though, they now have their own C# course. I went through as much of it as possible and it is pretty good.
I would also say the cost of the program is a little high but to be fair my getting a job right out of the course made it worth it.
I would encourage anyone interested in getting into the tech field to give the Tech Academy a go. Code is a skill you develop over a lifetime. It feels a lot like writing or learning a foreign language. It is something you just keep going with. I definitly would recommend the Tech Academy program.
- AnonymousGraduate • PortlandJan 31, 2018Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Great Experiance
The Tech Academy was an amazing experience and everything that I was looking for when I was looking to switch my career from sales to development. They were always super helpful and very good at describing difficult concepts. Without The Tech Academy I don't think I would have had the motivation or collection of materials necessary to make a career switch. They really did a great job explaining how everything you're learning is applicable on the job. They covered a wide range of employable te...The Tech Academy was an amazing experience and everything that I was looking for when I was looking to switch my career from sales to development. They were always super helpful and very good at describing difficult concepts. Without The Tech Academy I don't think I would have had the motivation or collection of materials necessary to make a career switch. They really did a great job explaining how everything you're learning is applicable on the job. They covered a wide range of employable technologies and tools. At the start of of my time at The Tech Academy I was local and learned at their Portland facility. I then decided that I wanted to learn and progress through the courses remotely which The Tech Academy was able to accommodate with zero hiccups. I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge I have gained through The Tech Academy, 10/10 would recommend.Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
VP for Quality
Jul 30, 2018
Thank you for the review! And well done on getting through the program and getting a tech job. :)
Best,
Danny - AnonymousGraduateSep 08, 2017Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Nice Place to Study
Over all good experience! The job placement course is helpful and the self paced aspect is wonderful for busy people! The instructores are very with it and the environment makes for an excellent workspace!
Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Operations Manager
Nov 06, 2017
Hi there! Thanks for this review, and I'm glad you like the environment! :) - AnonymousTech Support Engineer • Graduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandApr 11, 2017Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Tech Academy Review
Pros:
Excellent place to start for someone with no technical background. They will teach you how to learn the basics of a language, as well as a lot of the vocabulary you need to know.
Breadth of knowledge--you'll learn 7 different languages.
Job-placement programs is top-notch, and will help you with your resume, cover letters, and interview skills. +1 star for this and the following.
Very friendly and helpful instructors. Seriously!...
Pros:
Excellent place to start for someone with no technical background. They will teach you how to learn the basics of a language, as well as a lot of the vocabulary you need to know.
Breadth of knowledge--you'll learn 7 different languages.
Job-placement programs is top-notch, and will help you with your resume, cover letters, and interview skills. +1 star for this and the following.
Very friendly and helpful instructors. Seriously!
Can study remotely, at your own pace. Loaner laptop included!
Cons:
Lack of depth in any language--you learn 7 different languages so there's no time to go deeply into any one. You'll learn what an API is but never implement one, and learn what TDD is but never how to do it. Most employers (and the blogs that Tech Academy encourages you to follow) recommend diving deeply into a single language and associated frameworks.
Curriculum is weak, although it's constantly being upgraded (meaning you might finish a unit only to find that it just got upgraded). I learned more HTML/CSS in a $10 course from Udemy. You'll learn how to do long division of binary numbers, but not how to write a unit test.
Ultimately, it's not a bad school, but you'll have to supplement the education you get here with a lot of stuff they don't teach (or already have a background in tech) if you want to actually find a job in tech.
Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Operations Manager
Apr 27, 2017
Thank you for the review and feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed working with the staff. We enjoyed working with you as well! As a note, we've made significant upgrades to the curriculum since you had taken the majority of the courses, and thank you for any feedback during that time to allow us to better make improvements. Very well done on landing the job that you got in the Software industry! Best of luck in your future career! - AnonymousStudent • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandFeb 24, 2017Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Student
The Tech Academy has been the right program for me for several reasons. First, I gravitated towards the Tech Academy because I've always enjoyed working at my own pace and being able to teach myself through interactive learning. The curriculum is set up to allow you to learn concepts as whatever pace is needed in that particular area. For certain lessons, I can go quickly if I feel I already have a grasp on the concepts, and in other areas that are new to me I can slow down and mak...
The Tech Academy has been the right program for me for several reasons. First, I gravitated towards the Tech Academy because I've always enjoyed working at my own pace and being able to teach myself through interactive learning. The curriculum is set up to allow you to learn concepts as whatever pace is needed in that particular area. For certain lessons, I can go quickly if I feel I already have a grasp on the concepts, and in other areas that are new to me I can slow down and make sure I'm truly processing the content without feeling rushed to move forward. I think the Tech Academy is great for people who are self-motivated and appreciate being given autonomy in the learning process. In addition to that, there are very help instructors who can answer questions when needed, and a great community of learners who are working alongside you
- AnonymousStudent • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandJan 26, 2017Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/A
Great program and environment for learning
I am a student at The Tech Academy nearing the job search stage of my boot camp. My experience has been fantastic thus far at the The Academy. Both the dialogue I have with instructors and fellow students while on campus and the content available for consumption have been engaging and constructive. The curriculum gives you as much as you put into it, with lots of extra references to material to assist you if you stumble.
There is one caviat to working with this self paced style o...
I am a student at The Tech Academy nearing the job search stage of my boot camp. My experience has been fantastic thus far at the The Academy. Both the dialogue I have with instructors and fellow students while on campus and the content available for consumption have been engaging and constructive. The curriculum gives you as much as you put into it, with lots of extra references to material to assist you if you stumble.
There is one caviat to working with this self paced style of program. If you are not a self starter and motivated person I would not suggest taking The Tech Academy boot camp remotely. I considered working remotely and am very happy I have decided to takle programming in the environment provided on Campus. You are not always sitting in front of a computer while on campus, you can if you choose participate in roudtable discussions both soft skill and technical interview questions weekly.
If you intend to make a career change into software development or are just entering the job market I highly recommend The Tech Academy's software developer bootcamp.
- Anonymoussoftware developer • Student • PortlandDec 02, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Path to Success
Before enrolling at the Tech Academy I was working in construction feeling stuck as far as what I wanted to do with my life. I have always enjoyed problem-solving and have had a good inclination towards taking things apart and fixing them. I didn’t really have the right outlet to help me decide on a fulfilling career track. Little did I know how perfect pursuing programming was going to be for me. I came to the Tech Academy with no prior experience in programming, and now I’m confident to...
Before enrolling at the Tech Academy I was working in construction feeling stuck as far as what I wanted to do with my life. I have always enjoyed problem-solving and have had a good inclination towards taking things apart and fixing them. I didn’t really have the right outlet to help me decide on a fulfilling career track. Little did I know how perfect pursuing programming was going to be for me. I came to the Tech Academy with no prior experience in programming, and now I’m confident to say that I possess a strong skill set in full stack development. I was able to maintain my full-time job as well attend the academy, having great help along the way. The instructors are always willing to work with you in a way that enhances your grasp of concepts and practices. The Tech Academy is a dedicated team working with you to become a talented developer. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience or a better group of people to have built relationships with. The Tech Academy really helped me get started on a great career path.
Before enrolling at the Tech Academy I was working in construction feeling stuck as far as what I wanted to do with my life. I have always enjoyed problem-solving and have had a good inclination towards taking things apart and fixing them. I didn’t really have the right outlet to help me decide on a fulfilling career track. Little did I know how perfect pursuing programming was going to be for me. I came to the Tech Academy with no prior experience in programming, and now I’m confident to say that I possess a strong skill set in full stack development. I was able to maintain my full-time job as well attend the academy, having great help along the way. The instructors are always willing to work with you in a way that enhances your grasp of concepts and practices. The Tech Academy is a dedicated team working with you to become a talented developer. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience or a better group of people to have built relationships with. The Tech Academy really helped me get started on a great career path.
Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Operations Manager
Jan 06, 2017
I love hearing stories about being to make the career switch into programming and a more stimulating environment. That's very impressive that you were able to keep your full time job during the day, and make it through our program. That feat takes hard work and dedication. Very well done on your performance, and best of luck to you in your future! - AnonymousPortlandNov 09, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
General Thoughts from Current Student
So far, this has been a very solid place to learn programming. Even with a background in Electrical Engineering, I found my coding skills were very weak. The instructors on site are all very nice and extremely welcoming. This is the type of program where you will get as much out of it as you put in. There are no real boundaries in place that prevent you from moving on in a course. There are various checkpoints throughout courses that are just there to check your knowledge. It is up to you ...
So far, this has been a very solid place to learn programming. Even with a background in Electrical Engineering, I found my coding skills were very weak. The instructors on site are all very nice and extremely welcoming. This is the type of program where you will get as much out of it as you put in. There are no real boundaries in place that prevent you from moving on in a course. There are various checkpoints throughout courses that are just there to check your knowledge. It is up to you whether or not you feel that you need to spend more time on a course. Also, do not feel afraid to ask questions. The instructors are there to assist you when you need help. That aside, it IS important to try to struggle through the difficult material first before asking for assistance.
As a person that usually requires some time for information to truly click, this style of learning greatly suited me. There is also a remote option for the Tech Academy. I have never explored this option myself as I live a 30 minute bus ride away from the school, but there are people who try this option and are successful. There are also job placement people who are extremely good at what they do. They will hold weekly “practice interview” sessions to aid you in acing an interview for a job in the future. I would say, if you're willing to put in the effort and are looking for a coding school that covers a wide range of the popular languages needed in software development nowadays, this is a great school to consider.
Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Lead Job Placement Director
Nov 15, 2016
Thanks for this review! I particularly liked what you mentioned about our testing. We do have checkpoints where your knowledge is tested on theory, but it's done in a way that allows for reflection/restudy as necessary. More focus is put on "Can the person code?" rather than "Can the person pass a test?" More attention on application has proven important when actually working in the industry. - AnonymousStudent • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandNov 02, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Musings from a current student...
I am a current student at The Tech Academy in Portland, Oregon, and been in the program for several weeks now. I love the flexibility that The Tech Academy has offered me! I have been able to study on my own schedule to add a new, concrete skill to my resume and still have the freedom to work as well. Even though I have not fully completed the program as of yet, just being enrolled has helped me to attain a higher profile job with more pay. I'm excited to finish the course a...
I am a current student at The Tech Academy in Portland, Oregon, and been in the program for several weeks now. I love the flexibility that The Tech Academy has offered me! I have been able to study on my own schedule to add a new, concrete skill to my resume and still have the freedom to work as well. Even though I have not fully completed the program as of yet, just being enrolled has helped me to attain a higher profile job with more pay. I'm excited to finish the course and see how much further I can take myself!
Before choosing The Tech Academy, I did a great deal of research on which course in the Portland-area I wanted to attend. I ultimately chose The Tech Academy for their very extensive and comprehensive bootcamp-style program. You start from the basics and build upon them, which I feel provides a more rooted knowledge of software development. It's impossible to learn everything that you could possibly need to know when delving into the land of computer programming, but The Tech Academy aims to really teach you how to think like a developer and troubleshoot the roadblocks you will come across. There are also a full and friendly staff of instructors and job placement specialists to help you along on your journey. They also host weekly Tech Talks with industry professionials and graduates of the program and meet-ups allowing you to become acquianted with other locals working and studying within the tech world.
All in all, I've been very happy with my decision to attend The Tech Academy and am excited to see what future doors will open!
Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Lead Job Placement Director
Nov 15, 2016
Glad to hear that you've enjoyed everything so far, and well done on the upgrade in your job! Thanks for pointing out some of the different aspects of our school, such as the ground-up approach. We do believe having a firm foundation and understanding of computers is an integral component in a successful career as a software developer. - AnonymousGraduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandSep 28, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Tech Academy Review
The Tech Academy provided me a broad overview of what I needed to know in the realm of software development and taught me the fundamentals of object oriented programming. The broad exposure allowed me to narrow in on areas of interest.
Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Lead Job Placement Director
Sep 29, 2016
I think that's a really good point. A good percentage of our students starting out on the program know that they want to get into software development, but they're not quite sure which area of this broad and expansive field would be best for them. As part of the curriculum, students learn six or more different programming languages, which include front-end, and back-end development. By the time the student is through the program, they have a better idea of what they want to do, because they have exposure to so many different languages. I have found this helps a lot on job placement because the student is certain and enthusiastic about what they want to do. - AnonymousApplicant • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandSep 07, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Seems Legit
I recently attended an open house hosted by The Tech Academy. More than anything, they seem to genuinely WANT every student to succeed. They literally have staff members that are available at virtually all times to assist students when they need help (Each one has completed the course him/herself as well). I think that's critical for students. At the open-house I was able to speak with quite a few graduates who spoke very highly of this program. I'm not surprised to see all the 5-star rati...
I recently attended an open house hosted by The Tech Academy. More than anything, they seem to genuinely WANT every student to succeed. They literally have staff members that are available at virtually all times to assist students when they need help (Each one has completed the course him/herself as well). I think that's critical for students. At the open-house I was able to speak with quite a few graduates who spoke very highly of this program. I'm not surprised to see all the 5-star ratings.
Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Lead Job Placement Director
Oct 24, 2016
Glad to hear you made it to one of our Open Houses! We have them every Friday afternoon, so feel free to come to another!
The Tech Academy Alumni Outcomes
| Employed in-field | 70.1% |
| Full-time employee | 70.1% |
| Full-time apprenticeship, internship or contract position | 0.0% |
| Short-term contract, part-time, or freelance | 0.0% |
| Started a new company or venture after graduation | 0.0% |
| Not seeking in-field employment | 11.2% |
| Employed out-of-field | 2.8% |
| Continuing to higher education | 4.7% |
| Not seeking a job for health, family, or personal reasons | 3.8% |
| Still seeking job in-field | 8.5% |
| Could not contact | 10.2% |
Recent The Tech Academy News
The Tech Academy Alumni Reviews Summary
How much does The Tech Academy cost?
The Tech Academy costs around $14,000. On the lower end, some The Tech Academy courses like Self-Paced Front-End Web Developer Boot Camp cost $1,800.
What courses does The Tech Academy teach?
The Tech Academy offers courses like Online C# and .NET Framework Boot Camp (full-time), Online C# and .NET Framework Boot Camp (part-time), Online Cyber Security Boot Camp (full-time), Online Cyber Security Boot Camp (part-time) and 35 more.
Where does The Tech Academy have campuses?
The Tech Academy has in-person campuses in Portland. The Tech Academy also has a remote classroom so students can learn online.
Is The Tech Academy worth it?
The data says yes! The Tech Academy reports a 72% graduation rate, a median salary of $54,000 and 85% of The Tech Academy alumni are employed. The Tech Academy hasn't shared alumni outcomes yet, but one way to determine if a bootcamp is worth it is by reading alumni reviews. 423 The Tech Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed The Tech Academy on Course Report - you should start there!
Is The Tech Academy legit?
We let alumni answer that question. 423 The Tech Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed The Tech Academy and rate their overall experience a 4.83 out of 5.
Does The Tech Academy offer scholarships or accept the GI Bill?
Right now, it doesn't look like The Tech Academy offers scholarships or accepts the GI Bill. We're always adding to the list of schools that do offer Exclusive Course Report Scholarships and a list of the bootcamps that accept the GI Bill.
Can I read The Tech Academy reviews?
You can read 423 reviews of The Tech Academy on Course Report! The Tech Academy alumni, students, and applicants have reviewed The Tech Academy and rate their overall experience a 4.83 out of 5.
Is The Tech Academy accredited?
We are a licensed trade school through the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (and other state licensing bodies), authorized to certify students in coding and other technical professions.