When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Practical Programming
Why Practical Programming is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Practical Programming is a premier educational institution specializing in coding, data science, and machine learning courses designed to equip students for successful careers in technology. With campuses in Chicago and New York City, including a state-of-the-art facility in Midtown Manhattan, Practical Programming offers flexible learning options such as in-person and live online classes, ensuring accessibility for all students. The curriculum is centered on hands-on, project-based learning, allowing students to gain practical experience with widely used programming languages like Python and SQL, as well as advanced topics such as machine learning and web development. The school collaborates with Noble Desktop, expanding its course offerings and career support services, which include mentorship and job readiness guidance. Students appreciate the balance of real-world application and expert instruction that makes Practical Programming a welcoming and effective environment to meet up with friends and fellow learners while advancing their skills. The variety in class formats and schedules—including weekday evenings—caters especially well to working professionals seeking to upskill in an immersive yet flexible way.
Here's what people think of Practical Programming
As of recent, Practical Programming holds a 5-star rating based on 40 reviews.
Reviews for Practical Programming overwhelmingly highlight the exceptional quality of instruction and the practical, hands-on approach to learning. Students consistently praise the knowledgeable instructors who provide clear explanations and individual support, making complex topics accessible. The curriculum's focus on real-world projects resonates well with learners aiming to transition into tech careers quickly. Positive reviews often mention the supportive community, whether in live online sessions or in-person classes, which fosters networking and collaborative learning among peers. Additionally, flexible scheduling options accommodate busy professionals, which is appreciated in many testimonials. On the other hand, some less favorable feedback points to occasional technical issues during live online classes or desires for more advanced course offerings and longer class durations to deepen expertise. However, these critiques are relatively rare compared to the high volume of praise. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong reputation for delivering career-ready skills with dedicated support, making Practical Programming a trusted choice for those serious about diving into programming, data science, or machine learning.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Wai Ching Leung
I did the python immersive course with Art and Tim, and I had a great time! The class size is designed to be intimate so you get a lot of attention and help from the instructors and they can adjust more closely to your needs. Both of them are very patient and clear in answering students questions, and their debugging skills are fantastic :) I think it is a great course for someone who wants to start learning python and learn some solid basic python or for someone who had some programming experience and want to consolidate their knowledge and refresh their memory. They also have some other related courses that specialise in different areas, looking forward to joining when I have some time in the future! Thank you Art & Tim!
Helen Li
Really enjoyed the class! Art has a ton of experience in teaching the basics of python to people who have no previous coding experience. The class format is great - we start with lectures and go right into practice problems to use what we just learned. 100% would recommended!
Nikola Janjić
Great place to improve your computer knowledge! They have a whole bunch of different boothcamps: HTML, SQL, JavaScript, Python, Excell... After all, the best investment is in your own knowledge. Very convenient location, clean venue, quality desktops, attentive instructors.
Christopher Sisti
Great class! I highly recommend the Python immersive to anyone who wants to learn about programming and who has zero experience. Tim is a great instructor and even when I felt overwhelmed, the class was structured so that it was easy for you to get back on track with the other students.
Jahanzaib Adil
Practical Programming workshops are lucrative. Especially if you are eager to learn coding from scratch. I signed up for python for data science weekend classes because I work full-time. The classes are more like 1 on 1 sessions and the instructors are super helpful. You actually start with a basic approach to code simple python functions and build upon that towards more/fairly complex coding especially required to manipulate data using Numpy and Pandas in Python. The instructors have different exercise which gives you a clear idea about your skills and if you have any confusion just ask for it. The best thing that it has a very active slack workspace which is available throughout the week. As an alumni, I still benefit from this small community on slack which is just like stack overflow but way much much faster in replies. I would highly recommend this workshop.
How to reach Practical Programming
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Why Practical Programming may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Practical Programming with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Practical Programming is an excellent choice for a meaningful, engaging, and productive meetup. Unlike typical social venues, Practical Programming offers a unique environment where you and your friends can learn together, share challenges, and celebrate coding successes in a highly supportive setting. Imagine bonding not just over food or drinks but through collaborative projects and hands-on learning experiences tailored to both beginners and those with some prior coding knowledge. The sense of camaraderie that develops in a small, interactive class fosters teamwork and communication, making it an ideal place to grow together intellectually while having fun. Additionally, it boasts a warm, friendly atmosphere reinforced by patient instructors who facilitate personalized learning, making every individual feel valued. With a flawless 5.0 rating from 40 reviews, Practical Programming consistently earns praise for its effective teaching approach, attentive mentors, and well-prepared curriculum, assuring you an enriching experience worth sharing with your social circle. Whether your friends want to start a coding journey or sharpen existing skills, this venue supports everyone, strengthening friendships through shared achievement in programming. It's a place where fun meets learning, and your group can truly thrive as a team.
What activities can you and your group enjoy at Practical Programming?
Practical Programming offers a variety of structured activities that appeal to groups looking to explore coding in a hands-on and interactive manner. The core activity revolves around immersive coding courses that cover important programming languages such as Python, SQL, and JavaScript, along with specialized topics like data science and machine learning. These courses allow your group to actively write code, debug problems, and complete projects that simulate real-world scenarios, which reinforces learning through practice. Classes are designed with intimacy in mind, keeping the group sizes small so that each attendee receives personal attention from expert instructors who readily assist with questions and debugging. Your friends can choose from beginner-friendly sessions or intensive bootcamps depending on skill level and availability. Beyond coding itself, Practical Programming organizes collaborative exercises and problem-solving sessions where participants engage collectively, encouraging communication and teamwork within your meetup. The training experience is complimented with access to supportive resources such as mentoring, career advice, and flexible learning environments including in-person and live online options, offering convenience for your entire group. This combination of practical exercises, expert guidance, and social learning makes it perfect to host a group meetup where education and collaboration go hand in hand.
Why is Practical Programming perfect for a group meetup?
Practical Programming's unique setup is perfectly suited for groups because it balances educational rigor with a welcoming atmosphere that encourages interaction and shared progress. The small class sizes ensure that each participant in your group can receive personalized guidance tailored to their own pace and learning goals, preventing anyone from feeling left behind during the sessions. Additionally, the location benefits from being housed in accessible urban hubs—it has operational centers in Chicago and New York, situated conveniently in Midtown Manhattan with excellent transport connectivity, which makes it easy for groups traveling from different parts of the city or surrounding areas. The environment itself is described as warm and friendly, creating a safe space where your friends can comfortably ask questions, explore ideas, and engage deeply with the material without intimidation. Practical Programming also offers flexibility with learning formats, including live online classes, which is ideal if some members cannot attend in person, preserving group cohesion across physical distances. Complementing the learning experience, there are food options nearby, making it simple to combine social mealtime gatherings alongside instructional activities. These features collectively make Practical Programming not just a place of individual learning but a vibrant, interactive venue to hold productive, cohesive, and enjoyable group meetups that blend education and friendship.
What kinds of courses and training does Practical Programming provide?
Practical Programming offers a wide array of courses tailored to skills currently in demand in the tech industry, making it an excellent destination for groups aiming to boost their collective capabilities. Their curriculum includes foundational Python programming courses that cover essential topics like data types, control flow, loops, functions, and working with data—ideal for beginners wanting to start fresh. For those ready to go deeper, specialized training such as SQL bootcamps teach database querying and management skills with practical application on platforms like PostgreSQL, skills widely sought after in data-related roles. Machine learning and data science courses introduce more advanced concepts like algorithm development and predictive analytics, blending theory with practical coding projects that group members can discuss and troubleshoot together. Another noteworthy offering is the FinTech bootcamp, which combines Python programming with financial analysis and algorithmic trading knowledge, an exciting opportunity for those interested in finance technology careers. These courses are typically delivered in small, interactive formats, either on-site in Chicago or New York or through live online sessions, ensuring group members can find schedules and venues that accommodate their individual commitments. With focused content and application-driven teaching, Practical Programming equips attendees with job-ready skills while fostering a collaborative learning experience perfect for friends or family meetups.
How does Practical Programming support group dynamics and learning?
The way Practical Programming fosters learning is especially beneficial for groups because it prioritizes interactivity, customization, and support, which enhance group dynamics. Classes have intentionally limited enrollment to maintain intimacy, which empowers the instructor to modify teaching strategies based on the group’s progress and individual needs, ensuring everyone moves forward together. This adaptability means friends who come with varying experience levels can still engage productively, with beginners gaining foundational knowledge and more experienced participants challenging themselves with harder projects and peer mentoring roles. The instructors are commended for being patient and approachable, offering expert help that not only fixes bugs but also explains concept nuances clearly, so the entire group builds confidence simultaneously. Peer collaboration is encouraged during exercises, turning learning moments into opportunities for teamwork, communication, and collective problem-solving, which strengthens social bonds. Beyond class time, Practical Programming extends its support through mentorship and career services, helping groups prepare for tech industry opportunities by refining portfolios and interview skills. The carefully designed learning environment combined with personalized assistance makes Practical Programming a hub where groups can thrive collectively in technical growth and interpersonal connections.
What amenities and features enhance the meetup experience at Practical Programming?
Besides the excellent instruction and course offerings, Practical Programming is situated in environments that enhance comfort and convenience for group meetups. The facilities in New York and Chicago are modern and well-equipped to create a positive learning atmosphere—rooms are not overcrowded and provide ample water, so students stay hydrated and comfortable during longer sessions. The locations are easy to reach by public transit, which is especially helpful for groups traveling together from different neighborhoods, minimizing logistical hassle. Practical Programming’s partnerships, such as with Noble Desktop, expand the range of courses and resources available, offering your group multiple pathways for continuing education and career advancement. Nearby there are numerous dining options, allowing groups to easily integrate meals or breaks into their meetup schedule, fostering socializing time outside the classroom. The availability of both live online and in-person classes provides every group member the flexibility to join in whatever format suits their lifestyle at the moment, keeping the group connected even if physical attendance isn't possible. All these amenities combine to create a seamless and enjoyable environment that supports not only individual learning but group bonding, making Practical Programming an outstanding choice for meetups blending education and friendship.