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.
419 The Tech Academy Reviews
Francis OrtizGraduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandApr 14, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceMy life is complete
I am very grateful to the Tech Academy. My life is complete. I was trying to find what I wanted to
do with my life. I always enjoyed learning new things. I get that with programming. There's
always something new. It's just mindblowing. My brain feels alive solving problems and applying
my knowledge. It's just continuous growth in the world of programming. There was a time in my
life when everything seemed familiar from Biology to TV shows. There was...
I am very grateful to the Tech Academy. My life is complete. I was trying to find what I wanted to
do with my life. I always enjoyed learning new things. I get that with programming. There's
always something new. It's just mindblowing. My brain feels alive solving problems and applying
my knowledge. It's just continuous growth in the world of programming. There was a time in my
life when everything seemed familiar from Biology to TV shows. There was no more novelty.
With programming, that sense of newness and curiosity came back. I used to just watch movies
and surf the internet when using a laptop. Now, the possibilities are endless. You can do robotics,
statistics, art, etc.
Before the Tech Academy, I was looking for answers like how does a computer really work. The
answer I got from Google was lacking for me. The Computer Basics Course opened up a whole
new world for me. I think you can't find everything on the internet. Some of it is through people's
experience. Erik Gross clearly has experienced how to teach what programmers should know.
Going through the course will certainly prepare anyone for a career in programming. I would hire
anyone who graduates from the Tech Academy. I know they have put in the time and the repetition
to be able to do the job.
I am really glad I took the leap. I could still be stuck in the past and not be part of the future.
Programming is the future. Maybe we're heading towards a world like Star Wars where most of the
jobs are “Luke Skywalker” jobs, you can either fix machines or program them. To any prospect
who's reading this, be part of the future, enroll at The Tech Academy. Thank you.
- JRGraduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandApr 14, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Kick-starting my Career
I really began getting into programming about a year and half ago by watching
YouTube videos and reading a few beginners books, but within just a few months, I
hit a wall. I had no sense of direction in my studies and was trying to jump so many
steps without learning core programming concepts. I soon realized I needed formal
training if I was going to get where I wanted to go. After doing some research I
found The Tech Academy and its study...
I really began getting into programming about a year and half ago by watching
YouTube videos and reading a few beginners books, but within just a few months, I
hit a wall. I had no sense of direction in my studies and was trying to jump so many
steps without learning core programming concepts. I soon realized I needed formal
training if I was going to get where I wanted to go. After doing some research I
found The Tech Academy and its study program was exactly what I needed!
From day 1, The Tech Academy was very helpful with any questions I had and
because the boot camp is self-paced, it allowed me to work as fast as I wanted and to
set my own schedule to fit my needs. Right from the get go, the courses helped clear
up a lot of core concepts that I had been struggling with on my own and
progressively gave me the tools I needed to become a junior developer. After
finishing all of the course work, I can proudly say I have the knowledge I need to
begin my career as software developer and it’s all thanks to The Tech Academy. I
would personally like to thank all of the staff for all of their help and getting me to
this point of my career.
- Rick RGraduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandApr 14, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Phenomenal Experience
I moved to Portland four years ago with the intention of moving into the Tech Industry. I have always been interested in Computer Networking and Mobile Technology so I took a job with Sprint Wireless which I did enjoy. After working in the Mobile industry for a couple of years I wanted to move more into the engineering side of things so I started looking into schooling and Networking Certification. That’s when I came across the Tech Academy Website and submitted for more information. Softw...
I moved to Portland four years ago with the intention of moving into the Tech Industry. I have always been interested in Computer Networking and Mobile Technology so I took a job with Sprint Wireless which I did enjoy. After working in the Mobile industry for a couple of years I wanted to move more into the engineering side of things so I started looking into schooling and Networking Certification. That’s when I came across the Tech Academy Website and submitted for more information. Software development had always intrigued me but I thought it was only for computer science majors.
I had a few email communications with the Academy and set an appointment to meet Erik and tour the facility. On the day I came in I was still thinking networking would be my career of choice. When I met Erik his passion for software came across right away and I was impressed. I then toured the facility and got a really good feeling for The Tech Academy’s vision and goals for their students. Having an understanding of where jobs of the future are going and not wanting to spend two more years in college the Tech Academy became a top consideration.
With the decision made to come to the Academy after another good meeting with Erik and passing the prerequisites I began my basic training for software development. Not having previous coding experience made the experience a little daunting at the beginning but with a great course curriculum and great instructors I was able to get myself rolling through the program. I enjoyed coming to the downtown campus daily and found the Instructors and entire staff very helpful and accommodating.
After a few months on the program I was given the opportunity to become an instructor with the Academy which I accepted happily. I know the best way to learn something is to teach it and I really enjoy being around other students so It was great to become part of the Tech Academy team. This is also a great way to give back for the opportunities I am thankful for. Learning to be a software developer is not easy and does take a lot of work but if you stay focused and work hard you will be successful. The Tech Academy genuinely cares and wants to have successful graduates and is a great place to learn coding. I want to thank everyone at the Academy for the passion and guidance that has got me through the program. You are all awesome!
- AnonymousApplicant • OnlineApr 02, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/A
I reiterate the mind games
I had the exact same experience as the other person that spoke of the mind games. However I left a review several months back that appears to have been deleted. So I will repost. You are given a Scientology personality test (first red flag) and also an IQ test. They then call you back and tell you you have a personality flaw but did great on the IQ test, so they are willing to make an exception so long as you sign their waiver. The basics of the waiver are that you cannot ask for a refund...I had the exact same experience as the other person that spoke of the mind games. However I left a review several months back that appears to have been deleted. So I will repost. You are given a Scientology personality test (first red flag) and also an IQ test. They then call you back and tell you you have a personality flaw but did great on the IQ test, so they are willing to make an exception so long as you sign their waiver. The basics of the waiver are that you cannot ask for a refund of any amount, which actually violates Oregon law, and that you cannot in any way speak negatively about the company or the program on any social media. Just as the other person said, this basically means the school has zero responsibility to the student, and should things not go well, for whatever reason, tough luck. And if you speak negatively about us in any way, expect a lawsuit. I obviously cannot speak to the actual program because I wasn't in any way willing to play their game or sign such a ridiculous contract. No one in their right mind would sign such a document. Caveat emptor. Let's see how long it takes for this review to be deleted.Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Lead Job Placement Director
Sep 29, 2016
I'm sorry that we did not accept you into our school. There are plenty of other boot camps out there that you may be able to attend.
However, I would like to clarify one thing. You mentioned that we have students sign a waiver that they will never write a negative review. I want to clarify this: we have students take entry testing. One of the purposes of this testing is to locate negative personality types that are hyper-critical and will cause problems on the program. A couple years ago, one of our Registration Directors (Morgan) was using a "loophole" for students that failed entry testing. He created a waiver that protected the school from potentially problematic students and it included in it that these students that failed our entry testing would not attack the school publicly (since it was already clear from their entry testing and our experiences with them that they were highly critical). Very few people ever signed the waiver and our Co-Founder canceled its use over a year ago (I estimate only 10 out of the 300+ people we've signed up ever signed it). None of the reviews on this site are from one of the very few students that signed this waiver. - Montrell StorySoftware Developer • Student • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandMar 22, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
I got hired!
Attending The Tech Academy was one of the best decisions of my life. I learn a lot about what this industry wants in a candidate. The Tech Academy guided me on the path to understanding these industry-valued-wants. The technologies I studied included but not limited to: CSS, HTML, JavaScript, C#, SQL, Python, People-Skills and Culture. I feel a special attachment to each person that I meet at The Tech Acad...Attending The Tech Academy was one of the best decisions of my life. I learn a lot about what this industry wants in a candidate. The Tech Academy guided me on the path to understanding these industry-valued-wants. The technologies I studied included but not limited to: CSS, HTML, JavaScript, C#, SQL, Python, People-Skills and Culture. I feel a special attachment to each person that I meet at The Tech Academy and I am happy to be a new addition to this family! The instructors were with me every step of the way during this journey and I am grateful. The Tech Talks, and Meet-ups were very informative, and it gave us perspective. Thanks. Lastly, I am sure that many of us will meet again in the job market and we will talk about the special times we had while learning to code at The Tech Academy!Danny Condon of The Tech Academy
Lead Job Placement Director
Sep 29, 2016
Montrell, I would have to say you are a real success! Not only did you excel on the program, you were always a pleasure to have around in the course room! It's not very often you meet someone as personable and sincere as you. I hope things are going well in your new position, and we'd love to see you back here again! - Sylvia MGraduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandFeb 24, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
My experience
Wow, where do I start?
I joined the Tech Academy in June 2015, while still working full-time at my job at a start-up company. That start-up was shortly acquired and I was left with two choices: work with the new ownership or commit full-time with my studies. I chose to commit to the bootcamp and I’m glad I did.
Along the way, I learned a lot of the fundamentals of software development that I will carry with me going forward. I can no...Wow, where do I start?
I joined the Tech Academy in June 2015, while still working full-time at my job at a start-up company. That start-up was shortly acquired and I was left with two choices: work with the new ownership or commit full-time with my studies. I chose to commit to the bootcamp and I’m glad I did.
Along the way, I learned a lot of the fundamentals of software development that I will carry with me going forward. I can now say that learning a new language or technology is something I am confident in doing within a short period of time. I’m now ready to start my new career as a full-time web developer for a Fortune 1000 company in a small, fast paced team next Monday.
I don’t think this would be possible had I not joined the Tech Academy and was taught the array of front-end/back-end languages, database structures, and the ability to work on a live project team. These are highly valuable technical skills that I feel have prepared me to be competitive in the marketplace.
There is only one coding boot camp in my city and so, I was very grateful to find a solution to study self-paced online while I was also working full-time when I joined.
Thank you Tech Academy, you were the perfect fit! Otherwise, I don’t think my career transition would have happened the way it did without me inconveniently relocating somewhere temporarily just to make the leap into web development. Although my leap took months, every day I did something to progress forward in my skills, projects, and study. It is true that what you put into your studies is what you get out of it. I also had accountability each week from my job placement coach which was very helpful in keeping me on track. He would always make sure I was preparing myself. Whether that meant mock interviewing me the day of my interviews or applying to jobs, I think the overall accountability and consistency is what brought me confidence that it was just a matter of time for the right opportunity to present itself. And that is exactly what happened!
Thank you Tech Academy staff for the support and education! I look forward to a successful career in web development and I am happy to start seeing the fruits of my labor! This is just the beginning. - HLGStudentFeb 09, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/A
The Curriculum is Amazing!
I absolutely love the Computer Basics Course. I thought it was very well laid out and easily explained. I already had experience in the field but I actually got a lot out of it. Also, the Javascript Course was awesome! I enjoyed that a lot. Overall, I find that the content of the courses are nice and I like it. The learning experience has proven itself to be amazing! I know once I am finished with the school, I'll be able to professionally code.
- D.M.StudentFeb 09, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Thorough Curriculum
Although I haven't yet completed the program, so far I have really understood what I am studying. Sometimes I can forget what I was reading when I intake too much data at once, but there are coding challenges that have let me practice and thus retain what I have learned.
- AndrewGraduate • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandFeb 04, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Exceeded Expectations
To start things off, I would like to say that the experience here has been phenomenal. The entire staff, the flexible scheduling, course work layout, lessons, and teaching style has been nothing short of great.
I came to this school with zero prior knowledge on sofware development. I came from a dental background. Starting off with computer basics, it was a good course for me to get my feet wet within the computer world. They have laid out the courses in a great way that makes s...
To start things off, I would like to say that the experience here has been phenomenal. The entire staff, the flexible scheduling, course work layout, lessons, and teaching style has been nothing short of great.
I came to this school with zero prior knowledge on sofware development. I came from a dental background. Starting off with computer basics, it was a good course for me to get my feet wet within the computer world. They have laid out the courses in a great way that makes sense and logical for the students to learn.
Moving through the courses in succession is a great sensation. I never would have thought I'd learn this much about software development. Definitely not possible on my own without The Tech Academy. Learning both front-end and back-end development is a great way to make yourself a well-rounded developer.
Funny thing is, I landed a job at a fantastic location before even finishing the entire program. Now I am making a salary for the first time in my life and taking over my household as the main income provider (I'm only 24 years old). I couldn't have been more thankful for enrolling here. It is life changing and great relationships were built.
- Perspective Student EvaluationApplicant • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandFeb 01, 2016Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob AssistanceN/A
BEWARE of mind games they don't play nice
I made my appointment to interview the staff and experience their learning environment and take their phony "entrance exam" which consists of a IQ & personality test.
They claimed their test results revealed that I would need to sign a wavier because the personality test revealed a red-flag which they said means that I do not "play nice with instructors".....???? I asked why an exception is being made for me and they responded that because I passed their IQ exam with a reason...
I made my appointment to interview the staff and experience their learning environment and take their phony "entrance exam" which consists of a IQ & personality test.
They claimed their test results revealed that I would need to sign a wavier because the personality test revealed a red-flag which they said means that I do not "play nice with instructors".....???? I asked why an exception is being made for me and they responded that because I passed their IQ exam with a reasonably high score, that they would, "love to have me as a student". I asked to retake the personality evaluation due to botched initial answersheet during first attempt. When I completed the retake evaluation, they sent me a copy of their wavier. **It had nothing to do with "playing nice" -which was explained to me earlier, that if I should encounter any conflict during my program, that I would follow a structured channel/chain of command to resolve any conflicts that may arise between students, faculty and insturctors" In reality, the waiver was simply a form requesting several disturbing things:
1. I would agree to relinquish all of my legal rights to ask for refunds on tuition or any legal/litigious recourse to protect my investment in the school.
2. That I would not speak negatively of the shool on any social media. (there were more bullet items, but those are the two red-flags for me.)
Why would anybody invest in or take on intellectual debt in a rigged deal where the school has absolutely no responsibiltiy or accountability to your success or even your satisfaction? evidently people do sign and relinquish their legal rights under the guise of some false behavior exam with a supposed "red flag"...... don't be taken advantage of here -I won't do it. Any shool that genuinely cares about your success is not going to ask you to put yourself in such a vulnerable position.
Moving on and you should too! This after narrowly surviving Portland Code School who also tried to rip me off to the tune of $1,000. in tuition as the result of a secretive backdoor business transaction and abrupt school closure with strong resistance to do the right thing and provide refunds. In my case fortunately, PayPal automatically recovered my tuition money for me and Oregon Department of Justice is still investigating the loss of opportunity.
Play nicely with your students and you won't have to worry about lawsuits and headgames.
- MontrellStudent • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandDec 18, 2015Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
joinUP!
I'm not done with the training yet, but I must admit that I have learned more (in such a short time) than any class that I have ever taken. This atmosphere is electric and there are so many people to meet and draw from. If you are looking to join a community of developers, this is the right place to start. On that note, let me get back to my studies! ; ) joinUP!...
- Kent GraySoftware Developer • Student • Software Developer Bootcamp • PortlandDec 16, 2015Overall ExperienceInstructorsCurriculumJob Assistance
Tech Academy
As a student here at The Tech Academy, I couldn't be more pleased. The academy covers every aspect of teaching with a very high standard. The instructors here go out of their way to make sure I am understanding the content. I never feel like they look down upon my work nor my questions.
The content in the coursework is wonderful and is designed to help students progress as fast or as slow as they need to. In addition to the course program, Tech Academy'...
As a student here at The Tech Academy, I couldn't be more pleased. The academy covers every aspect of teaching with a very high standard. The instructors here go out of their way to make sure I am understanding the content. I never feel like they look down upon my work nor my questions.
The content in the coursework is wonderful and is designed to help students progress as fast or as slow as they need to. In addition to the course program, Tech Academy's job placement strategy is bar none. They provide two full time staff that daily assist with any job placement needs, questions, concerns, follow-ups.
They also have a sister company that has live projects from jobs that need to be done within the greater Portland community. Every student is assigned to at least one live project where they have hands on working experience that no only builds their resume but helps prepare them for any future work.
In summation, I feel that when I leave this program I will be fully prepared to take on work situations that are thrown my way. I wish that my undergraduate and master's degrees were taught in this format. I will have learned and developed more skils in 15 weeks than an entire year of coursework at major universities.
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. 419 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. 419 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 419 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.