Success is a team sport.

Core Values

LEARN’s instruction is as approachable as it is transformative — and our foundational values ensure that our students are set up for success, in all its forms.

Trust The Process

We believe in the learning process. While your time at LEARN may seem to center on the specifics of terminology or technology, we are equally as dedicated to building up skills in collaboration, community-building, and intentional and ethical coding.

Help each other out

Building a community requires collective cooperation and partnership over the interests of an individual: Struggling developers deserve our support, teamwork demands trust, and companies are fueled by compassion as much as by competence.

Lean into the uncomfortable

We teach students to be comfortable with the great unknown — and with failure. Every coder will get an error message one day — it’s how you approach the solution that matters. We encourage a passion for problem-solving above all else.

Netizenship

The web can be a scary place. To combat that, we uphold the value of netizenship: the idea that we are citizens of the web and as such have a civic responsibility and an ethical, moral obligation to each other when using — and building — it.

Active Participation

We give students the fundamental knowledge and skills in web development — but our real mission is to inspire a commitment to lifelong learning. We seek rigorous engagement and active participation from our students — passivity and apathy can be checked at the door!

Diversity & Inclusion

LEARN is committed to building an authentically representative and welcoming industry — and disrupting the outdated notion that tech is only for a certain race, gender, or identity.

Meet your instructors...

Sarah Proctor
Director of Academic Experience
Sarah is passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive learning space for people making the transition into a career in technology.
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Elyse Montano
Lead Instructor
Elyse is passionate about technology, helping people, and being a part of their journey as they pursue a new career in software development...
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Charlean Baxter
Lead Instructor
Charlean is a Navy Veteran and former Respiratory Therapist. She looks forward to helping students chisel out the “not” in the “I don’t know” and “I can’t.” She believes in using the fears, mistakes, and challenges as teaching tools and fuel to push forward to success.
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Tricia Sykes
Lead Instructor
Having made the career leap with the help of LEARN, Tricia brings passions for coding, change, and service to others.
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Sarah Proctor
Director of Academic Experience
Sarah is passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive learning space for people making the transition into a career in technology.
LinkedIn Button
Elyse Montano
Lead Instructor
Elyse is passionate about technology, helping people, and being a part of their journey as they pursue a new career in software development...
LinkedIn Button
Charlean Baxter
Lead Instructor
Charlean is a Navy Veteran and former Respiratory Therapist. She looks forward to helping students chisel out the “not” in the “I don’t know” and “I can’t.” She believes in using the fears, mistakes, and challenges as teaching tools and fuel to push forward to success.
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Tricia Sykes
Lead Instructor
Having made the career leap with the help of LEARN, Tricia brings passions for coding, change, and service to others.
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Meet your support staff...

Chantelle Isaacs
Program Manager
Having lived all over the world, Chantelle has settled on San Diego as home – for now. Her many years working in Ed Tech, and experience as a LEARN 2020 alumna, have made her an expert in student journeys and how educational experiences can grow and shape a person’s life. When she’s not tracking down our next amazing internship partner, you can find her with her son and dog in a nearby park, binge watching an old season of Survivor, or working on developing her San Diego city-wide treasure hunt.
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Vanessa Nuno
Operations Manager
Vanessa is a bit of a traveler; having lived in a few places around the world but has always come back to San Diego, CA where she grew up. She has an extensive background in organization within local businesses but really just loves to find ways to contribute to the diverse community she originally comes from. You can find her walking her pups Zooey and Peanut in the various local trails in San Diego or hanging out at our current coworking location on Ivy Street.
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Kumba McGill
Alumni Success Manager
Kumba strongly believes in empowering people to create their next best opportunity in life. She has over five years of enrollment management expertise specifically in the field of higher education. Kumba is also very passionate about social impact and has previously worked with non profits in the states and in West Africa. She holds a Masters Degree from the University of San Diego. At LEARN, every day Kumba looks forward to finding and enrolling the next generation of web developers!
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Leadership

Chelsea Kaufman
CEO and Co-Founder
With a background in education and business administration, Chelsea runs the show. Her business savvy and educational genius inspire and better those around her. She has managed a theater company, taught corporate team building and taken part in almost every part of the theatrical process. Chelsea is really the boss, but don’t tell her we said that.
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Rob Kaufman
CAO and Co-Founder
Swears he started learning development skills at age 2 and has never wanted to do anything else. Rob’s been working in Ruby since 2003, Rails since 2005 and still trying to learn a new programing language every year. Rob founded Notch8, a Rails consultancy in 2007, and has loved both working with clients and teaching new developers at every step of the way.
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Adam Cuppy
President
Adam is the President of LEARN academy and Co-Founder of the Software Residency. He’s an Ironman, keynote speaker, industry leader, and father. Adam began his career as a professional actor and found his way into tech entrepreneurship and inclusive education. He’s performed for the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, ran brand strategy for Dutch Bros. Coffee as well as co-founded Define Your Edge.
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Adam Cuppy
President
Adam is the President of LEARN academy and Co-Founder of the Software Residency. He’s an Ironman, keynote speaker, industry leader, and father. Adam began his career as a professional actor and found his way into tech entrepreneurship and inclusive education. He’s performed for the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, ran brand strategy for Dutch Bros. Coffee as well as co-founded Define Your Edge.
LinkedIn Button
Rob Kaufman
CAO and Co-Founder
Swears he started learning development skills at age 2 and has never wanted to do anything else. Rob’s been working in Ruby since 2003, Rails since 2005 and still trying to learn a new programing language every year. Rob founded Notch8, a Rails consultancy in 2007, and has loved both working with clients and teaching new developers at every step of the way.
LinkedIn Button
Chelsea Kaufman
CEO and Co-Founder
With a background in education and business administration, Chelsea runs the show. Her business savvy and educational genius inspire and better those around her. She has managed a theater company, taught corporate team building and taken part in almost every part of the theatrical process. Chelsea is really the boss, but don’t tell her we said that.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions you may have. If you are interested in receiving updates on our future cohorts please join our waitlist!

A woman presenting and a woman listening.

Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Still have questions?