The Phoenix Coding Academy, Phoenix Union High School District’s new small specialty school, has begun taking applications. Set to open in August 2016 with a freshman class of approximately 100, the school will focus on computer coding and technology, while offering a full four-year high school menu of core classes, electives, Career and Technical Education offerings, online courses and foundational computer science.

Seth Beute has been named the first principal of Phoenix Coding Academy (submitted photo).

Seth Beute has been named the first principal of Phoenix Coding Academy (submitted photo).

The new school building is located at 4445 N. Central Ave., adjacent to Central High School in a two-story, 42,000-square-foot facility that will eventually accommodate up to 400 students.

Billed as an “Innovation and Technology High School,” students will prepare for college and future careers learning software development, including game design, web and app development, networking, information security, IT support, automation and robotics in a student-centered, inquiry-based environment. This instructional model will value student curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking, innovation, engagement and relevance.

With a one-to-one laptop-to-student ratio, and a Maker Lab featuring 3-D printers, programmable circuit boards, manufacturing mills, soldering stations and other industry-related equipment, Phoenix Coding Academy students will experience hands-on learning, solving problems and innovating with tomorrow’s tools.

Seth Beute has been named the first principal of Phoenix Coding Academy. Beute, 43, has been with Phoenix Union for 12 years, and has an extensive background in technology. He has been the facilitator of Virtual Instruction since July of 2014, overseeing the implementation of the district-wide online education program. He spent 10 years as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor at Metro Tech High School, teaching computer and network technology courses.

Beute has been involved in the planning process for the Phoenix Coding Academy, serving on the core planning team, co-facilitating the Curriculum Design Team, and assisting in facility design and marketing.

The Phoenix Coding Academy is a project of the 2011 Phoenix Union Construction Bond.

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