At Phoenix Coding Academy, using technology in innovative ways is a key part of the educational experience. Beginning in 9th grade, students learn to use code to convey their ideas. Every 9th grader at PCA this year created a project called the Freshman Finale, where students were tasked with coding a website that showcases all of their favorite assignments from the school year so far. Each year, students have a project to complete that culminates their experiences on campus and in their life as a high school student at PCA.
PXU plans to follow five students throughout their journey and see what they experience in their education at Phoenix Coding Academy throughout their four years and document the ways that their annual Finales evolve as they learn and grow into individuals who are prepared for college, career, and life. The five students who have shared their Freshman Finale and discussed their experiences are Antoni Gonzalez, Grey Ricker, Luisa Trejo, Mason Breidenstine, and Bella Salas.
To view the student’s HTML for their websites, download the linked folder and open from your computer's files
Antoni Gonzalez (Left in Header Photo) attended Madison No. 1 Middle School, New World Educational Center, and online school prior to attending Phoenix Coding Academy. He had a challenging journey pre-high school, but eventually found a home at PCA. He says that PCA is the best school he has ever attended.
Click here to view Antoni Gonzalez’s website
Grey Ricker (2nd Left in Header Photo) attended New World Educational Center before attending Phoenix Coding Academy. Although he initially chose to attend PCA because of his friends, he currently enjoys his classes and his educational experience.
Click here to view Grey Ricker’s website
Luisa Trejo (2nd Right in Header Photo) attended Synergy Public School prior to attending Phoenix Coding Academy. She found out about PCA when she was in Newspaper Club at her previous school and thought it sounded interesting. She wanted to explore what her options were with technology and is happy to attend PCA.
Click here to view Luisa Trejo’s website
Mason Breidenstine (Center in Header Photo) attended Madison No. 1 Middle School in the Madison Elementary School District before attending Phoenix Coding Academy. His father teaches at Central High School, which was a big deciding factor in Mason’s choice to attend PCA.
Click here to view Mason Breidenstine’s Website
Bella Salas (Right in Center Photo) attended Garfield Elementary School in the Phoenix Elementary School District before attending Phoenix Coding Academy. She solidified an interest in computers after a field trip that she had in elementary school to Microsoft.