Learn, make, move, play, improve, explore, taste and more...NCE has a class for you!
NCE Middle School Programs
Needham Community Education’s NCE Elementary program offers a wide array of after school classes at each elementary school at the end of the school day.
Summer Explorations 2026
Health and Wellness
Exercise and recreation classes
Fine arts and crafts
DYI, home, garden and skills classes
Humanities and science programs
Investment and financial planning classes
Parenting programs
Learn to play a game or improve your game skills
Special events
NCE Elementary After School Classes for Broadmeadow Students
NCE Elementary After School Classes for Eliot Students
NCE Elementary After School Classes for Mitchell Students
NCE Elementary After School Classes for Newman Students
NCE Elementary After School Classes at Sunita WIlliams
OPEN TO ALL: Student workshops, special events, parent programs
Private Music Lessons
Elevate your woodworking projects from ordinary to extraordinary by mastering the art of the butterfly inlay. This intermediate-level course is designed for woodworkers who want to add both structural integrity and a striking visual element to their live-edge tables or large slab projects. You will learn the precise mechanics of why and where to place a bow tie Dutchman, transforming functional crack stabilization into a signature design feature. Working with premium hardwood stability keys, our instructors will guide you through the critical steps of grain matching, structural evaluation, and layout optimization to ensure your inlay looks seamless and performs beautifully for generations. Hands-on practice is the core of this workshop, taking you step-by-step through modern routing methodologies (traditional hand tool method will be discussed). You will learn to scribe perfect outlines, clear waste material efficiently, and pare crisp corners using razor-sharp chisels. By exploring template routing techniques, you will gain the confidence to execute flawless, gap-free joinery on your own projects. Elevate your craft, prevent future wood movement split propagation, and leave this class with the specialized skills required to make your next tabletop a true masterpiece. Note: Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own safety glasses, mallets, marking knives and sharpened chisels. Routers will be provided. If you do not have tools, we have a limited supply for those who need them. Limited to 6.
Aaron Matheson is a furniture designer and woodworker based in Needham, MA, specializing in handcrafted furniture and functional woodworking rooted in clean design and traditional craftsmanship. Since founding his woodworking business in 2016, Aaron has designed and built a wide range of pieces—from small household objects and cutting boards to custom tables, cabinetry, and large-scale furniture commissions.
With a background working in the trades from an early age, Aaron developed a deep appreciation for working with his hands, quality materials, and thoughtful construction. His approach to woodworking blends practicality, creativity, and attention to detail, with an emphasis on helping others build confidence in the shop and enjoy the process of making. Aaron is passionate about sharing woodworking with makers of all skill levels and creating an approachable, encouraging environment where students can learn both foundational techniques and creative problem solving through woodworking. To see more of Aaron’s work go to: www.mathesonwoodwork.com
Peter Stein has been making wood furniture personally and professionally for over 25 years. As a graduate from the North Bennet Street School’s Cabinet and Furniture Program, he combines 18th century techniques and know-how with 21st century technology. In 2022, he opened Needham Furniture Makers, an innovative woodshop collective, providing space and machinery for professional and semi-professional woodworkers. After raising his kids in Needham for 20 years, he currently lives in Newton.
Aaron Matheson , Peter Stein
