Actualize: School Overview

Explore Actualize's immersive coding bootcamps offering quality education, expert instructors, and career-ready skills for aspiring developers.

Actualize: A Comprehensive Overview of Coding Bootcamps

Actualize, founded by Jay Wengrow in 2014, offers immersive coding bootcamps in Chicago and online across North America. Known for its focus on quality education, Actualize employs experienced instructors to teach coding and software development. With options for both in-person and live online classes, students benefit from a supportive learning environment designed to foster skill development and career readiness.

Location: Actualize's primary campus is located in Chicago, providing a dedicated space for in-person learning, while also offering a fully remote bootcamp accessible from anywhere in North America.
Class Formats: Courses are available in both daytime and evening/weekend options, enabling students to balance their studies with personal or professional commitments.
Unique Curriculum: The bootcamp covers full stack web development, focusing on essential languages such as Ruby, JavaScript, HTML, and SQL.
Capstone Projects: At the end of the program, students complete a capstone project, which becomes an important part of their professional portfolio.
Career Support: Graduates receive career development support, including resume workshops, networking opportunities, and interview preparation.
Professional Instructors: Classes are taught by instructors who not only have extensive teaching experience but also practical software development backgrounds.
Booting Up: A beginner course is offered to help students get acquainted with coding before committing to the full bootcamp.
Financing Options: Various payment plans are available, making education more accessible for potential students.

Subjects Taught at Actualize

Actualize specializes in coding, offering a deep dive into full stack development. The curriculum not only imparts technical skills but also fosters problem-solving and critical thinking, essential for success in tech roles. Here’s a detailed overview of what content learners can expect from these classes:

Coding: This subject covers the fundamentals of programming and software development, essential for anyone looking to enter the tech industry. Students gain practical skills in languages like JavaScript and Ruby, which are highly sought after by employers.
Web Development: Students learn to build and maintain websites, gaining skills in both front end and back end development. This knowledge equips graduates to create user-friendly interfaces and ensure website functionality.
Database Management: Understanding how to manage and query databases using SQL is vital for any coding role. This subject enables students to work with data effectively, enhancing their employability in data-driven environments.
Software Engineering Principles: By learning foundational principles in software engineering, students acquire the ability to design, maintain, and improve software systems. This background prepares them for the complexities of real-world coding challenges.
Version Control: Students learn to use Git for version control, an indispensable tool for collaboration in modern software development. Proficiency in this area is crucial for team-oriented work environments.

The Best Courses and Bootcamps at Actualize

Actualize’s flagship bootcamp offers a thorough education in coding, tailored to meet the current demands of the job market. With an intensive format and strong emphasis on skill application, students are prepared to transition into tech roles confidently.

Online Coding Bootcamp: This 12-week program focuses on full stack development using languages like Ruby and JavaScript. Students complete a capstone project that showcases their skills to potential employers.
Chicago Coding Bootcamp: Similar to the online version, this immersive experience takes place in-person at Actualize's Chicago location. The interactive environment enhances collaboration and networking among students.
Booting Up: This introductory course offers a foundation in coding concepts before the full bootcamp begins. It allows students to ease into their coding journey at a manageable pace.
Advanced Coding Workshops: While the school mainly focuses on its bootcamp, opportunities for workshops may cover advanced topics in software engineering and programming languages. These sessions help students deepen their knowledge after completing the bootcamp.
Capstone Project Development: In this course, dedicated time is provided for students to work on their capstone projects, focusing on building real-world applications. This aspect prepares students for interviews by allowing them to discuss tangible work they have completed.

Cost of Classes at Actualize

The tuition for Actualize's coding bootcamp is set at $14,900, applicable for both in-person and online classes. Students can benefit from various payment plans and discounts when paying upfront, making education financially manageable.

The bootcamp lasts for 16 weeks, combining a 12-week intensive course with an additional four weeks of pre-work to prepare students adequately.
Students who pay the full tuition upfront can receive a $500 discount, reducing their cost to $14,400.
Another accessible option, the Booting Up course, typically costs $1,000 but is currently available for $499, allowing students to start their coding education at a lower financial commitment.
Investing in the bootcamp provides access to career support services, including job placement assistance and networking opportunities, which can significantly enhance post-graduation employment prospects.
The tuition fee covers all course materials and access to instructors for personalized learning experiences, fostering a deep understanding of the curriculum.

Benefits of Taking Classes at Actualize

Enrolling in classes at Actualize comes with notable advantages that enhance the overall learning experience. The school’s focus on student success aids in preparing graduates for the tech job market.

Expert Instruction: Actualize's instructors have both teaching and industry experience, ensuring that students learn from those who are well-versed in current technologies.
Supportive Learning Environment: With reduced class sizes, students receive personalized attention that caters to their individual learning needs, fostering a conducive atmosphere for growth and development.
Robust Curriculum: The full stack development curriculum is comprehensive, covering a range of relevant programming languages and tools that are highly sought after in the job market.
Networking Opportunities: The bootcamp facilitates connections with peers and industry professionals, enhancing students' chances of securing employment post-graduation.
Career Development Support: Continuous career support is provided long after graduation, giving students ongoing resources to navigate job hunting and career advancement.

Reviews of Actualize

Reviews from Actualize alumni reflect a generally positive experience, highlighting strengths in instruction and curriculum. However, potential students should also consider some challenges mentioned by past participants.

Pros: Alumni frequently praise the quality of instruction, the supportive structure of the bootcamp, and the real-world applicability of the curriculum.
Cons: Some students report challenges balancing a full-time job with the intensive course load, as well as the program's relatively high cost without free trials or introductory classes.

Are the Courses Worth It? Analyzing Value at Actualize

When evaluating the cost of Actualize’s bootcamps versus the benefits, prospective students should consider several factors. The intensive curriculum provides valuable skills and networking opportunities crucial for entering the tech field.

While the tuition is a significant investment, students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for a variety of job roles in coding and software development.
Management of time is critical, as students need to be prepared for the demanding nature of the bootcamp, which may involve a considerable workload.
The capstone project and career support are valuable resources that can enhance employability, potentially justifying the cost through higher salary prospects post-graduation.
Student reviews consistently highlight the quality of the instructors, which adds to the overall value of the education received at Actualize.
Effective financial options, including payment plans and discounts, further support students' enrollment decisions by making costs more manageable.
Ultimately, the decision to enroll should align with individual career goals and readiness to commit to the rigors of a coding bootcamp.