Turing School of Software & Design in Denver offers immersive web development programs emphasizing equity, accessibility, and real-world experience for aspiring software developers.
Turing School of Software & Design: An Overview
Turing School of Software & Design is a coding bootcamp located in Denver, Colorado, offering immersive programs for aspiring software developers. With a strong emphasis on equity and accessibility, Turing operates on a nonprofit model designed to ensure that a diverse range of students can gain high-quality training in tech fields. The school focuses primarily on web development, with specialized tracks in front-end and back-end programming.
- The school was founded in 2014 by Jeff Casimir and initially operated out of a basement in Denver.
- Turing now offers its courses exclusively online, accommodating students across a wide geographical area.
- All classes are conducted in real-time, with weekly commitments of 60-80 hours, enabling students to fully immerse themselves in their studies.
- The curriculum includes project-based learning that emphasizes hands-on experience and collaboration, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1.
- The school offers two primary tracks: front-end web development using technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and back-end development using Ruby on Rails and SQL.
- Alumni of Turing report competitive salary offers, with median annual salaries around $77,000 as of 2021.
- Turing facilitates community through social clubs and activities that focus on identity and interests.
- Students can participate in shorter workshops beforehand to assess both front-end and back-end programming before enrollment.
Subjects Taught at Turing
The Turing curriculum primarily focuses on web development, concentrating on both front-end and back-end engineering. In the coming years, the school plans to expand its offerings to include data analytics, thereby broadening its subject matter to meet the evolving needs of the tech industry.
- Front-End Development: This subject covers how users interact with applications through user interfaces. Learning front-end development equips students with essential skills in creating visually appealing and functional websites.
- Back-End Development: This subject focuses on server-side programming and database management. Mastery of back-end development helps students build robust applications that can efficiently handle data operations.
Top Courses/Bootcamps at Turing
Turing offers practical and specialized courses in both front-end and back-end web development that cater to various learning preferences. Students can choose to focus on either track, allowing them to develop targeted skills that enhance their employability in specific areas.
- Front-End Engineering: This is a seven-month program designed to equip students with the skills to create user interfaces and manage client-side applications. Graduates will be able to develop responsive websites from scratch, a crucial skill in today's digital landscape.
- Back-End Engineering: This course emphasizes server-side technologies and database management. Students will learn how to build scalable applications, a necessary capability for many job roles in software development.
Cost of Classes at Turing
The tuition for Turing's programs is set at $20,000 for the full seven-month duration. This includes a structured curriculum, personalized support, and access to resources tailored for aspiring software engineers, allowing them to get the most out of their investment in education.
While the cost is significant, it is important to consider the return on investment through potential salary offers and career advancement. Participants also benefit from hands-on projects and access to networking opportunities, which can accelerate their career paths in technology.
The school offers two $4,000 diversity scholarships per cohort and participates in the GI Bill, helping to mitigate costs for eligible students. Additionally, there are affordable workshops ($5-15) that can provide insights into coding before committing to the full program.
Benefits of Taking Classes at Turing
Turing provides several advantages to its students that enhance learning and career readiness. The school’s focus on inclusion and community also strengthens the educational experience.
- Specialized Curriculum: Students can focus on a specific track (front-end or back-end), enabling a deeper understanding of their chosen field.
- Community Support: Turing fosters a supportive environment through student circles and social clubs that cater to various identities and interests.
- Alumni Network: Graduates benefit from a strong alumni community that offers support and guidance long after the program ends.
- Project-Based Learning: The curriculum emphasizes collaboration and real-world projects, preparing students effectively for industry demands.
- Financial Aids: Scholarships and financing options make it less burdensome for students to afford their education, creating access for more diverse students.
Reviews of Turing School
Overall, student reviews of Turing reflect a generally positive sentiment about the educational experience, though the cost and intensity of the program are common concerns. Many graduates highlight the strong community and educational rigor as key benefits of their time at the school.
- Pros: Students appreciate the length of the program, as it allows for comprehensive skill development. Graduates also value the school’s focus on inclusion and their ability to repeat modules for a deeper understanding.
- Cons: Some feel the high cost is daunting, and the full-time nature of the program makes it difficult to work simultaneously. Additionally, some students want a broader range of subjects, noting the limitation to web development alone.
Are the Courses Worth It?
Evaluating the value of Turing's courses involves weighing the substantial cost against the potential career gains. The average salary reported for graduates indicates favorable return-on-investment possibilities for many students.
While the tuition may seem high at $20,000, the specialized training, personalized support, and project experience provide significant competitive advantages in the tech job market. Additionally, the school’s nonprofit status and commitment to student outcomes suggest that Turing prioritizes the quality of education over mere tuition revenue.
Ultimately, prospective students should consider how these factors align with their career aspirations and financial situations. For those looking to make a significant career shift into tech, Turing's intensive programs could offer the rigorous training needed to achieve those professional goals.