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Alchemy Code Lab - CLOSED

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About Alchemy Code Lab

Location: Online

Please note: This school is closed and is no longer accepting students. The SwitchUp team no longer monitors this page for updates, but historical information is available for reference.

One of the most advanced programs available, with senior-level instructors, daily one-on-one support, and comprehensive career services. Alchemy launches graduates into fulfilling, well-paid software engineering careers.

We know that you may be new to... Read More

At Alchemy you’ll learn the most in-demand tech stacks at a professional level including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, NodeJS, ExpressJS, Postgres SQL, Jest, and the React ecosystem. We also train you to be able to move comfortably into new technologies, and have the professional technologist skills you’ll need to produce quality code and easily work with others on remote teams.

Our 25-week, immersive program is taught online in real time (live) by senior level developers who are passionate about what they do. We keep our staff to student ratio low (7:1) so always get individual coaching and support. We integrate career services from day one, so that you’re fully supported in planning and achieving your career goals.

We’re also committed to changing who has access to opportunities in tech. We provide a variety of tuition financing opportunities including scholarships for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, acceptance of U.S. Veteran Benefits, and the Alchemy Impact ISA (income share agreement) which can allow you to qualify to have tuition and living expenses covered and defer payment until you’re employed.

Courses

Developer 101: Intro to Web Developer Tools and Technologies

Cost: Free
Duration: 1 week
Locations: Online
Course Description:

In this free, optional prep class learn the tools and workflows of modern web development and get the context you won’t find in online exercises and tutorials.

● Get your computer set up and begin to use real development tools
● Learn how to store your code in the Cloud using git and GitHub
● Understand why HTML, CSS, and JavaScript matter and how they work together to make the web work
● Experience a collaborative environment and see how developers ask questions to learn

Subjects:
CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Web Development

Professional Software Development in Full-Stack JavaScript

Cost: $24,000
Duration: 25 weeks
Locations: Online
Course Description:

Any working software developer will tell you that becoming hirable is about more than learning to write some code. That's why Alchemy's courses were designed by our instructional team of senior developers so you can learn in a hands-on, iterative progression. It simulates what will be expected of you in a professional setting. Our program launches grads toward exponential opportunity and salary growth.

Whether you've never looked at code or have already completed a bootcamp or online course, Alchemy graduates emerge as industry-ready software developers. The full-time, 25-week program teaches students progressively through four segments, which are each six weeks long.

00 ONBOARDING: One Week of Getting Ready for Professional Software Development
01 WEB: Introduction to Full Stack Web Development
02 REACT: Modern React in Full Stack Web Development
03 ADV REACT: Advanced Professional React Development
04 EXPRESS: Backend Servers and Data Modeling - REST APIs and Real Time with Web Sockets

Lessons are organized around a series of learning objectives—clear statements of what you will be able to do—and a combination of deliverables you progressively complete, fix, build from scratch, and improve. By avoiding limited tutorials, sandboxes, or pre-recorded videos, you'll be able to quickly connect concepts to application, ask questions, and apply what you learn to real software development applications outside the classroom (where it matters).

Alongside learning these specific technologies, you'll develop the problem-solving skills, and technical design and architecture thinking that you'll need as a professional software developer.

Career support is integrated from day one so that every student is fully supported in planning and achieving their career and job obtainment goals. Graduates of our program move directly into rewarding careers as full time software developers without the need for an internship.

Subjects:
CSS, Git, HTML, Github, PostgreSQL, Heroku, NPM, API, Redux, React.js, SQL, Node.js, Express.js, JavaScript, Back-End Web Development, Front-End Web Development

Alchemy Code Lab Reviews

Average Ratings (All Programs)

Alchemy Code Lab logo

4.77/5 (71 reviews)

Mike Lambert
Software Engineer | Graduated: 2018

6/23/2019

Course
Career Track: Full-Stack Javascript

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"I wish I had more thumbs up to give"

I went through Alchemy's FullStack JavaScript program and only have great things to say about it. My wife attended a competing code school a year before and we both agree that I ended up walking out with a significantly better educational experience.... Read More

Robyn Navarro
Associate Software Engineer | Graduated: 2018

5/30/2019

Course
Career Track: Full-Stack Javascript

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"So Hard, So Worth it"

The curriculum is created and updated to reflect the demands of the job market. The instructional staff is carefully selected by Marty, the CEO, who himself is a seasoned developer and an exceptional teacher. The facilities are world class, with plenty... Read More

I enrolled in ACL straight from Puerto Rico without visiting the place first, which I now know was a really risky thing to do, but I feel extremely lucky to have chosen them. Having worked as a TA on another boot camp after graduating, visiting other boot camps and meeting graduates from various coding schools, I've learned that not all schools are created equal and I can confidently say that ACL is simply the best choice

Marcy Silverman
Software Engineer | Graduated: 2018

5/15/2019

Course
Career Track: Full-Stack Javascript

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Curriculum

Job Support

"Best Decision of My Life"

This school has been amazing. The instructors know what they are doing, and they really put in 100% for each student. The school space is cozy and welcoming, the location is right in downtown, close to transportation and there are so many tech companies... Read More

Karen P.
Product Development Engineer II | Graduated: 2018

3/15/2019

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Curriculum

Job Support

"A rigorous, rewarding program"

I worked as a software developer for many years in an old, proprietary IBM system. My job allowed me to work from home, and my kids were a primary focus during those years, so I was content to stay with the job even though my tech skills were growing... Read More

I researched several programs to update my skills, including on-line code schools, PSU's New Beginnings program, and in-person schools. Eventually, I decided I wanted an in-person, all-day program (to help me brush up on those interpersonal skills that might have gotten a little rusty after all those years working from home) with a fast-paced, in-depth, rigorous curriculum (I wasn't a beginner) that would give me immediately marketable and current skills. Alchemy seemed to meet all those criteria, and had (bonus!) a friendly, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere. Alchemy lived up to my expectations in all areas. Despite my background in software, I was never bored or under-challenged. The frequent paired and group projects were an excellent way to re-learn how to code with other people, and I found my skills to be reasonably in demand once I graduated. After about two months of job hunting, I got two offers, both for jobs I was excited to take at a salary higher than I had anticipated.

PROS:

Alchemy instructors are experienced software developers, not recent code-school grads. My instructors were Marty (a co-owner) and Ryan (lead instructor), and both of them are extremely smart and knowledgeable developers. I never got the feeling that they were teaching out of their depth. Their fluency with and mastery of what they were teaching was always apparent.

The TAs (recent grads) are an excellent addition to the program. They provide lots of help, feedback, and encouragement. And being a TA can be a very rewarding experience. It's a great way to build your competence and confidence with the material as you look for a job.

Alchemy is a pleasant place to spend a lot of time. It's clean, bright, organized, has lots of plants and even a couple of resident dogs. Megan (co-owner) works hard to make sure the physical space supports and accommodates all the action that takes place there.

Alchemy solicits student feedback every week (and sometimes every day!), and they take suggestions and criticism very seriously. They are very flexible and never afraid to experiment with new ways of doing things.

Shannon, the career counselor, is the perfect person for the role. She works hard to connect with Portland employers and be an evangelist for what Alchemy grads can provide. She brings in knowledgeable speakers to share their expertise about the job-hunting and on-boarding processes. And she provides great support to individual students before and after they graduate, not only helping with writing resumes and cover letters, but also encouraging the under-confident, prodding the procrastinator, and soothing the anxious.

CONS:

It's a lot of work. Don't come here until you have the freedom to devote yourself entirely to learning. Especially toward the end, there were weekends where I had extra time only to get a little exercise and have meals with my family. All other time was devoted to software projects!

The open-source software world moves fast, and to keep up, the curriculum at Alchemy is constantly being updated and modified. Every cohort will feel that they are guinea pigs in at least one area. The alternative would be a canned, stagnant curriculum -- easier, yes, but less valuable.

SUMMARY:

Alchemy is the full package. I have no doubt I made the right choice.

Kevin G.
Software Engineer | Graduated: 2018

3/12/2019

Course
Career Track: Full-Stack Javascript

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Challenging, welcoming, diverse, and proven to get you employed in tech (with a lot of dedication and hard work, of course)"

(TL;DR at bottom)

Backstory: I have a degree in business, approximately a decade of work experience in an unrelated industry, and I made a personal choice to switch to something I've always been very interested in: software development.

Prior development... Read More

How I found it: Like you, I ended up here (e.g. CourseReport, SwitchUp) among other sites reviewing different bootcamp programs. I came across Code Fellows in the Seattle market while I was actually searching for online bootcamps. That led me to Alchemy as they were once affiliated with Code Fellows (ACL is fully separate now and running it's own thing here in PDX).

The reviews were encouraging and I quickly realized that for my preferred learning style and desired timeframe, I would need to commit full-time to an in-person program. I did not tour any of the other code schools in Portland (I only reviewed their online materials and/or reviews) but I've heard plenty of great things and met awesome people that attended other schools. In the end though, Alchemy was clearly the choice for me once I was introduced to the owners and the space.

The experience: Marty and Megan (ACL owners) put their heart and soul in to this school. The right attitudes, levels of support needed, staffing, and relevance of the material is constantly evaluated when making changes to the school or curriculum. On the career and networking side of things, Shannon has been an amazing addition to ACL--she started when my cohort began last year--and she has also been instrumental in the success of grads getting hired at awesome companies around PDX, time and time again.

Like the industry in general, the program is not necessarily meant for everyone. Marty and Megan do their best in advance to ask the right questions of interested candidates and ensure the rigorous nature of 'bootcamp-style learning' is clear to all prospects. They are fair-minded in all that they do and as someone who has spent almost a year with them, I can say they value people, diversity, and student outcomes above all else; if you think about it, their success quite literally depends on your success.

The other side of things: Programming is hard. Technology moves fast. Bootcamps are not a slower-paced program like University. While candidates with 'non-traditional backgrounds' will at times struggle with the material, it is incredibly rewarding watching your ideas and code come to life. Even after the program, what you learn today will likely be going 'out of style' or become obselete tomorrow (or a few months, a few years, whatever) and you will likely need to continue learning while managing a career, a personal life, and all the other things that require your attention. That's true of most developers, regardless of how they got their start.

In terms of what you learn, how you learn it, etc. I'll just encourage you to set up a call or visit to the school. The material and methods of delivery are constantly evolving (in a positive way!) so your cohort will learn differently than mine did. Marty is an incredibly talented developer with years of experience as a software architect so he's always aiming to improve the program. Ryan, Lead Instructor has been amazing to work with and he's an amazing developer as well so you're in good hands.

TL;DR: Alchemy was exactly the program I was looking for. I went through the program and five months later had two offers, one of which was my top choice for entering the market here in PDX (title of Software Engineer).

Full disclosure: As I write this I am currently a TA at Alchemy Code Lab for the remainder of the week. I completed the program around October 2018 and spent the following months TAing the next cohort to help reinforce concepts, mentor, and keep 'close to the code' during the slow holiday season while applying for jobs. I have no doubt that you could be employed in less than 5 months with the right dedication to the job application process (Shannon can share other student success stories with you so feel free to ask her!).

If you're ready for a change and willing to give it all that you have, make the call. Good luck!

Ryan Luras
Software Developer | Graduated: 2018

3/6/2019

Course
Career Track: Full-Stack Javascript

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Curriculum

Job Support

"Easily the best Bootcamp in PDX"

I left this review on course-report, but I feel I may as well add my two cents here as well:

After extensive research and meeting other bootcamp grads from Epicodus and the like, I really wanted to go somewhere a little more robust ( I wanted to feel truly... Read More

I can't stress enough how glad I am that I chose to go with Alchemy Code Lab. There are graduates of other bootcamps who found that they were un-prepared to head into the job market, and they are coming here afterwards to get better equipped and understand the concepts on a more fundamental level. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, and every month or so we would be thrown into a Project Week which would result in a Full Stack App of our own creation that would be useable after the program in our personal portfolios and resumes. 
They have a great Career Services department that truly helps you in securing that job after graduation as well as opportunities to TA or work in their App Lab making real-world production Apps for clients who come to Alchemy to bring their ideas to market. I really do feel like this is the most advanced and competent bootcamp you will find in Portland, let alone anywhere.

Also to note, sure this is a "Bootcamp", but they are accredited and should really be viewed more as a Trade School, its legit.

Anonymous
Full Stack Engineer | Graduated: 2018

3/6/2019

Course
Career Track: Full-Stack Javascript

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Demanding but very rewarding experience!"

I transitioned into tech from a non-profit background looking for a code school that really embodied the values I stood for. Alchemy Code Lab(ALC) is very active in the tech community and is looking to create opportunities for women and people of color... Read More

Yuval Allweil
Front End Developer | Graduated: 2017

8/13/2018

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Curriculum

Job Support

"Best Coding Bootcamp in Portland"

I attended Alchemy Code Lab and had a phenomenal experience.

The teachers are passionate and excellent at explaining difficult concepts, the staff is friendly, and the career services assistance you get is first-rate. Their curriculum is constantly iterated... Read More

In the year since I graduated I have helped build a Yelp competitor app for a local startup, coded A/B tests for one of the nation's premier digital marketing agencies, and am now making well over six figures at my current job as a front end developer.

The support I got from Alchemy's staff was absolutely integral to my success. They helped me get all three of the jobs previously mentioned, and went out of their way to ensure that I would be working jobs I loved -- not just any job. The school is invested in every single student because they understand that a happy and successful coder is the best advertising they can get.

I moved from San Francisco (a place full of top-notch coding bootcamps) to Portland specifically to attend Alchemy Code Lab, and it was the best decision of my life. It is hands-down the most inspiring place I've been: the level of positivity and you-can-do-this attitude is practically palpable.

On top of that, they have a beautiful and sunny campus that is filled with happy plants and delicious snacks, and is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Portland, right across the street from the world-famous Powell's Books.

I have met many graduates from other bootcamps in Portland and can confidently assert that Alchemy's training is by far the best in the city, a fact I also heard repeated in several of my interviews.

If you want to ensure your success as a developer, you should attend Alchemy Code Lab.

Charly L Welch
Software Developer I | Graduated: 2017

6/26/2018

Course
Career Track: Full-Stack Javascript

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Curriculum

Job Support

"A great place to change your life"

I chose Alchemy because they offer generous diversity scholarships and a more rigorous program than other bootcamps. Though it was incredibly difficult, I couldn't be happier with my experience. Each week, students are given a feedback survey and the... Read More

Jennifer Elton
Software Developer | Graduated: 2017

3/31/2018

Course
Career Track: Devsign

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Curriculum

Job Support

"My expirience at Alchemy Code Labs in Portland OR."

The pros of attending this program are :
It is taught by Developers with many years of experience.
Be prepared to work harder than you ever thought possible.
The lead instructor Marty Nelson has a passion for code that shows in his teaching and communication.... Read More

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