Newton Community Education is a self-sustaining arm of Newton Public Schools dedicated to offering learning and enrichment opportunities for all. We inspire and nurture passions with high-quality classes and experiences at a reasonable cost. Our vision is to build a strong, inclusive community passionate about learning, enrichment, and connection. Our Students Adults Learners We provide evening adult learning opportunities at Newton’s two high schools, Newton North and Newton South. In the daytime, we offer adult classes at the WPS Institute (Winthrop Park School Institute) located in Newton Center. We aim to provide a balanced offering of classes so that our program is convenient to the whole Newton community. We also hold some programs off-site. Our adult classes primarily fit into these categories: Art & Photography; Crafts; Music & Film; Languages; Writing, Speaking, and Literature; Computers & Technology; Money & Real Estate; Business & Career; Home & Garden; Food & Drink; History & Events; Games; Mind, Body, & Soul; and Dance & Fitness. Young Learners During the school year our children’s enrichment classes are held primarily in the elementary school facilities and usually run alongside the After-School programs. We also offer a successful enrichment and sports summer camps. Our kids’ classes primarily fit into these categories: Visual Arts, Games & Strategy, Life Skills, Language & Culture, Music & Performing Arts, STEM, Sports, and College & Test Prep. What Sets us Apart Creative Programming We are open to new and innovative ideas. Our course offerings are constantly expanding and updating to cater to peoples varying interests. We are people-driven We listen to and learn from community members. Our expert instructors We offer programming for the whole family, from beginner to experts, toddlers to grandparents, and everyone in between. We also emphasize equitable access and provide financial assistance to as many students as possible. We are for everyone Our instructors have been teaching for many years and have built trusting relationships with community members. Exceptional Facilities We have access to high-quality equipment and spaces thanks to Newton Public Schools. This includes woodworking tools and space, a kitchen, a pool, pottery wheels, athletic spaces, and more! In addition to access to NPS schools, we also offer daytime classes at the WPS Institute in Newton Centre. Lifelong Growth & Community We provide tangible skill-building opportunities and experience to make big life transitions easier. From prepping for college to getting ready to retire, or making a career a major change, NCE has programs available to help you. Our History According to early records, the continuing education program in Newton began in 1870 with the offering of two courses in “Civic Education.” In 1991 the Newton Board of Alderman passed Ordinance No. T-187 establishing the Newton Community Education Program: Its purpose is to provide educational, cultural, avocational and social programs and activities. This program shall carry out the functions, which were previously carried out separately by the Community Schools program and the Newton Public School’s division of Continuing Education (Adult Ed). The intent of the program is to: provide individuals with opportunities for personal enrichment; provide meaningful opportunities for citizen involvement in the planning, determination and development of relevant community services and maximize access to school and municipal facilities for these activities. The Newton Community Education Program shall be under the control of the School Committee and overseen by a public commission.
