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Adult Education
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About Adult Education

Through our Adult Education program, we hope to provide quality lifelong learning experiences that are accessible to a wide range of community members, including high school students.

View the current catalog.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy. You may withdraw from a class and get a refund (less a processing fee) if you notify us at least one week before the class begins. For classes less than $200, the processing fee is $10. For classes over $200, the processing fee is $30. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds or credits for missed classes or for withdrawals less than one week prior to the start of a class. Refunds are made by check from the Town of Needham and may take up to four weeks to be processed. If you wish to withdraw, please contact NCE by phone or email.

Contact Adult Program Director, Charly Nanda, with any questions charly_nanda@needham.k12.ma.us

Be a Better You
Be Active
Cook, Taste and Decorate
Create and Make
Develop Professional and Technology Skills
Do It Yourself and Learn from the Pros
Expand Your Mind
Experience and Explore
Invest and Plan
Learn a New Language
Make Music, Perform and Use Your Voice
Parent Programs
Play a Game
Special Events

Featured Courses

Italian Caffè: Size Matters: All About Quantity
Learn a New Language

This program is designed for students who are already proficient in the skills taught in the intermediate levels, until chapter 16 in the Prego Textbook. You will need to purchase the Prego textbook (editions 6, 7 or 8). If you miss a class, you may view the recording or schedule a half-hour private lesson with the instructor ($39, purchase at nce.reg.eleyo.com or by phone with NCE). Limited to 8.
Adult Fall 2026

Classic Petits Gateaux (French Tea Party Cookies)
Cook, Taste and Decorate

You admire them in Parisian boulangeries – delicate, perfect French cookies. Join guest chef Clarisse Maugis in this special hands-on class to make classic petits gateaux, or tea party cookies. You’ll make madeleines, the sweet vanilla sponge cookie with perfect “humps,” and create two types of delightful langue de chat, with soft middles and lovely crisp edges. Limited to 12.
Adult Fall 2026

Handcrafted Evergreen Wreath
Create and Make

Decorate your door with a gorgeous holiday wreath that you will create using fragrant evergreen boughs. The experts at Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens will demonstrate a simple wreath-making technique before giving you the opportunity to dive in and create your own, embellishing it with a variety of natural materials. Please note: A wreath frame, materials, and tools will be provided, but you can always bring your own garden scissors or shears or other objects you’d like to add to your wreath. Limited to 8.
Adult Fall 2026

Aging to Perfection: A Sip-and-Talk about a Planful Approach to Thriving in Place
Invest and Plan

It’s not always a fun topic to think about—but it’s an important one: aging. Planning ahead can reduce stress, minimize reliance on others, and help ensure access to high-quality, personalized options that align with your lifestyle. Join us for a light, interactive conversation about aging in place. We’ll explore emerging trends in technology and housing, along with practical considerations such as advanced planning and how to pay for care. Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres as we connect in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The goal of this session is to provide you with a clear, thoughtful framework to guide your planning and help you make informed decisions about aging on your own terms.
Adult Fall 2026
Starting Soon

Fearless Flower Arranging
Create and Make

If you love flowers and want to learn how to easily create gorgeous arrangements for your home, this is a fabulous introduction to floral design. With an abundant selection of flowers to choose from, learn techniques and basic design principles from experts. Leave with the confidence to create gorgeous flower arrangements. Limited to 15.
Adult Fall 2026
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