Python Training Services Private Classes

Most of our classes have been private on-site sessions, where the instructor travels to your location to deliver the class.  This page describes the on-site option.  Clients usually find our private on-site classes to be more cost effective for groups of 4 or more, especially when student travel costs are factored in.  On-site classes can be scheduled anywhere in the US and abroad, and are generally available in any unscheduled weeks on our calendar.  To arrange an on-site class, please contact us. 

Main sections of this page:

• Class Formats
• Financial Details
• Pricing Notes
• Set-up Requirements

If you are looking for class topics, prerequisites, or other general information, please see our Course Topics and Overview pages.  For information about our instructor, Mark Lutz, please see his bio page.

Class Formats

The standard Python class is a 3-day session, taught at your company or organization.  This standard class provides an in-depth and hands-on introduction to the Python language, as well as surveys of its most common application domains.  For most clients, the 3-day class is a perfect way to bring students up to speed on Python programming. 

In addition to the standard 3-day class, many clients find it beneficial to schedule extra days or follow-on sessions to focus on advanced application topics such as GUIs, the Web, and C integration in more depth.  Follow-up sessions expand on the topics in the Python Application section of the outline on the Course Topics page, and can be devoted to more realistic programs as group projects.

A 2-day introductory session is also available.  However, we recommend the 3-day standard session to cover the core language in sufficient depth, with additional days or follow-up sessions for clients interested in focusing on application topics in more depth.

Financial Details

We use a uniform, all-inclusive pricing structure, to simplify the financial details.  Prices quoted on this page include all expenses related to the class, and are listed in US dollars (USD).

Standard On-site Class Prices

For on-site sessions, where we travel to your site to deliver the training, class prices are as follows:

• All-inclusive price for a 3 day session, up to 15 students: $12,000
• All-inclusive price for a 2 day session, up to 15 students: $10,500
• Added cost per extra class day beyond 3 days: $2,500
• Added cost per student above 15 student limit: $500
• Added cost per class day for travel to New York City: $500
• Added cost for international travel: dependent on destination

The prices above are all flat rate, all-inclusive amounts.  They include all costs related to the class, including, but not limited to: the class itself, any instructor travel costs, students CDs, access to an electronic copy of the class workbook, use of class materials, and any shipping charges.  No other amounts will be billed to your organization.

Pricing Notes

We arrange and assume any and all necessary travel costs directly, and do not charge for them as a separate item.  The client will make paper copies of the class workbook for students if desired, and will have a computer display projector at the training site (see the class set-up section below).  Here are a few additional notes on the components of our price structure:

• The 3 or 2-day session choice is dependent on client goals and constraints.  We recommend the 3-day format to allow sufficient time for topic coverage and lab work.  In a 3-day session, we cover the entire language, and introduce more advanced application-level tools and techniques in overview fashion.  However, a 2-day abbreviated session is offered as an option for clients with more focused needs or time constraints.

• The $2,500 per extra class day beyond 3 days will be charged if you elect to add any additional days to the standard 3-day class format.  Such extra days can be used to provide additional lecture and lab time for the standard topics, to cover add-on topics, and for consulting time.  For instance, some clients add extra days to focus on OOP or application-level topics in more depth.  Please inquire for more details about this option.
   
• The 15-student cutoff is intended to discourage large classes.  We've had groups of 30 or more students in the past, and have found that class quality tends to suffer when too many students are enrolled, due to diminished instructor interaction time.  However, if it is more convenient to include extra students , you will be billed $500 for each extra student beyond the 15 student cutoff.  We generally recommend a maximum class size of roughly 20 students in any event.

• International travel and NYC classes incur a fixed increment to the all-inclusive prices to cover the additional travel costs to these locations.  Classes that require international travel outside the US incur an additional fixed fee which is dependent on the class location.  Overseas classes generally require an extra day of lodging before the class start date.

• Workbook copies are generated by the client if desired.  Paper workbook copies are a completely optional component today.  They are usually not printed anymore, because the workbook is also available in HTML format on the CDs the instructor brings for students.  If you do elect to make printed copies, we provide access to a PDF-format copy of the workbook on the Web before the class upon request.  We no longer provide copying and shipping services for paper workbooks.

Payment

We prefer payment on delivery of services, but allow for most standard payment terms (for instance, net30). We are able to accept payment by credit card, check, money order, direct deposit, and wire transfer.  Because we incur added charges for credit card sales, we prefer to utilize credit card payments for small amounts only.

On-Site Cancellation Policies

• If we cancel the class at any time, we provide a 100% refund of any amounts your organization has already paid for the class.
• Canceling or rescheduling the class 21 or more calendar days before the class start date incurs no charges.
• Canceling or rescheduling the class between 20 and 8 calendar days before the class start date incurs 50% of the total class price.
• Canceling or rescheduling the class within 7 calendar days of the class start date incurs 100% of the total class price.

Set-up Requirements

Class set-up is simple, and can proceed quickly.  Once class dates are scheduled, we provide a link to the class workbook master by email upon request, and perform any required billing setup tasks.  We arrange any required instructor travel, and you prepare the training site for the class.  For reference, here is a checklist of set-up requirements for holding a successful class at your site:

General requirements

• Class dates.
• Number of students expected.
• Class site address, for travel arrangements.
  
• Billing details for your organization.
• Email address for workbook PDF file link.
• Class start/end times: default to 9AM/5PM.
  

Classroom requirements

• Laptop projector with screen, for displaying material and demos.
  
• Writing surface and markers: flipchart, whiteboard, or other.
  

Student requirements

• Access to a computer for lab work; these may be shared.
  
• CD drives on student computers, for viewing class materials.
  
• A copy of the class workbook from the web PDF master, if these are being generated (also provided on CDs).

Student CDs and software

• The instructor brings student CDs along to the class.
  
• No software need be installed ahead of the class, as the student CDs include Python installers and class materials.
  
• If Python is preinstalled, the most recent version is preferred, though older versions suffice for the class.
  
• The class material can also be uploaded from the CD to a server that is accessible to student computers.

Additional details

• Student computers may run Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, or Unix.
  
• Students can share computers and work on labs in teams.
  
• The laptop projector should include a VGA cable, and be of reasonable resolution (e.g., XGA).
  
• The instructor brings a laptop computer along, but can also use a computer provided onsite.
  
• Web access in the class room is strongly recommended.  It is used to show Web resources and run Internet examples.
  
• Textbooks are not required; the books Python Pocket Reference and Learning Python are suggested as class supplements.
  

python-training@earthlink.net | (303) 709-8672