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Lyman Estate: Mansion and Landscape TourExperience and ExploreIn 1793, shipping merchant Theodore Lyman commissioned famed architect Samuel McIntire to design and build a Federal-style house for his family. Three additional generations also left their mark on the estate during their 150 years of ownership. Hear the story of the Lyman family and the architecture of the house during a tour of the mansion. Then, head outside to walk the rolling paths and garden trails of the 37-acre estate with your guide. Landscape and horticulture were always integral to the estate. This site was home to pleasure grounds, formal gardens, a working farm, greenhouses, and woodlands for over four generations of the Lyman family. See how the grounds have changed over time and explore that which has remained intact in spite of it.Adult Summer 2025
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WaitlistMah Jongg for BeginnersPlay a GameOne Bam! Three Dot! Nine Crack! Join the ranks of Mah Jongg enthusiasts nationwide who are reaping the social and intellectual benefits of playing this challenging tile game. No experience needed. By the end of the session, players will have mastered the basics: setting up the tiles and racks, dealing and passing tiles, choosing a hand by interpreting the Mah Jongg card, and playing a round. Note: You will need to purchase a 2025 Mah Jongg card from the instructor. The card costs $15.Adult Summer 2025
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Make Music, Perform and Use Your VoiceCategory
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Mastering the GrillCook and TasteNothing says summer like delicious food fresh from the grill. Come to Powisset Farm and learn the in’s, out’s, tips, and tricks for field to grill meals. Chef Thi will be grill master leading the charge on spicy, garlicky roasted harissa vegetables, stone fruit salad with arugula and goat cheese, and a briny, lemony herb chicken spiedini (all prepared on the grill of course). We will enjoy the meal we prepared in the beautiful setting of Powisset Farm. You will be given recipes to bring home. Limited to 12.Adult Summer 2025
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Mermaid & Pirate Adventures (WK2)Week 2: July 14-18 (rising grades 1-5)Plunge into the enchanting world of ‘Mermaid + Pirate Adventures’! Through imaginative play, creative art projects, and engaging activities, we'll explore the mystical realms of mermaids and the daring lives of pirates. Discover hidden treasures, craft your own mermaid tail, design a unique pirate flag, and even stage your own swashbuckling adventures. This immersive experience promises to spark creativity and instill a sense of wonder in every young mermaid and pirate enthusiast.2025 NCE Summer Explorations -grades 1-5
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Mermaid & Pirate Adventures (WK4)Week 4: July 28-August 1 (rising grades 1-5)Plunge into the enchanting world of ‘Mermaid + Pirate Adventures’! Through imaginative play, creative art projects, and engaging activities, we'll explore the mystical realms of mermaids and the daring lives of pirates. Discover hidden treasures, craft your own mermaid tail, design a unique pirate flag, and even stage your own swashbuckling adventures. This immersive experience promises to spark creativity and instill a sense of wonder in every young mermaid and pirate enthusiast.2025 NCE Summer Explorations -grades 1-5
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Middle School ProgramsPlease read all Middle School Registration Tips and Policies here. Please contact sari_musmon@needham.k12.ma.us with any ideas for future classes. Explore old & new hobbies, expand your mind, and engage with classmates!! The Needham Community Education (NCE) Middle School Programs offers high quality enrichment classes that appeal to all students. These fun classes, taught by Needham Public Schools staff and other qualified professionals, enable students to extend their learning beyond the classroom in a relaxed & social environment. Refund Policy: Participants may withdraw from a class and receive a refund, less a $15.00 processing fee, if you notify NCE on or before 2-weeks from the start of class. Refunds are made by check from the Town of Needham and may take up to four weeks to arrive by mail. No credits or refunds can be given after the deadline date, once a class begins, or for missed classes. Contact Us: For more information or questions about NCE Middle School programs, please contact Sari Musmon, NCE Program Director, at sari_musmon@needham.k12.ma.usCategory
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NCE Elementary After School ProgramsENROLLMENT ENDS 3/20 FOR SELECT AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES. WINTER/SPRING CATALOG LINK Please note that classes fill quickly. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment Policy: Students may only register for NCE classes at the school they currently attend, unless otherwise specified. Health and Safety: As NCE is part of the Needham Public Schools, NCE programs will adhere to all health and safety guidelines in place for Needham Public Schools. Program Director, Elementary: Anna_Cohen@needham.k12.ma.us Scholarships: Rita_Jarvis@needham.k12.ma.us Needham Community Education (NCE) offers a variety of enrichment programs for grades 1-5 (Fall) + K-5 (Spring), located at all Needham Elementary schools. NCE provides students with joyful and educational opportunities in the areas of visual arts, active play, science exploration, chess, technology and beyond. If you are looking to support your child's interests in a space that is welcoming and inclusive, NCE is the place for you!Category
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PopularNeedham Student Theater: Bright StarMake Music, Perform and Use Your VoiceNeedham Student Theatre (NST) is an organization run entirely by and for students that puts on an annual summer production for the public. This year, we’re excited to partner with NCE to put on "Bright Star” (school edition). The show is inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Open to rising 9th graders-20 year olds, NST aims to provide a safe and low-stress environment for students who want to have something fun to do during their summer evenings. No prior performing experience required. Participants will go through an audition process for the sake of role assignment, but everyone is guaranteed a spot in the cast. No preparation is required and the audition materials will be taught at the audition. Cast members may not be needed at every rehearsal.Adult Summer 2025
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On the Move: Transportation Fun (WK2)Week 2: July 14-18 (rising grades 1-5)In ‘On the Move: Transportation Adventures’, students will work together to construct their ideal transportation world. Build a railroad with bridges, tunnels, and a station, then conduct the trains on their winding journeys. Design an airport with runways and a control tower, then pilot airplanes and helicopters into the friendly skies. Create a construction site buzzing with dump trucks and bulldozers, and a race track where your matchbox cars can zoom to victory. Prepare for takeoff and let your imaginations take the wheel!2025 NCE Summer Explorations -grades 1-5
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On the Move: Transportation Fun (WK3)Week 3: July 21-25 (rising grades 1-5)In ‘On the Move: Transportation Fun’, students will work together to construct their ideal transportation world. Build a railroad with bridges, tunnels, and a station, then conduct the trains on their winding journeys. Design an airport with runways and a control tower, then pilot airplanes and helicopters into the friendly skies. Create a construction site buzzing with dump trucks and bulldozers, and a race track where your matchbox cars can zoom to victory. Prepare for takeoff and let your imaginations take the wheel!2025 NCE Summer Explorations -grades 1-5
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WaitlistOutdoor Morning YogaBe ActiveGet your Wednesday mornings off to a great start in this fluid yoga flow class–a gentle, breath-centered practice designed to calm the nervous system, release tension, and promote deep relaxation. Each session builds upon the last, allowing you to deepen your practice, enhance mind-body awareness, and cultivate a greater sense of balance. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and guided relaxation, you’ll develop tools to manage stress, improve flexibility, and transition into each new week with clarity and ease. Perfect for all levels, this supportive practice welcomes beginners and experienced yogis alike, offering a space to unwind, reset, and restore. Note: Please bring a yoga mat and yoga blocks. Limited to 10.Adult Summer 2025
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Oyster Shell DecoupageCreate and MakeDecorated oyster shells make beautiful accessories and great gifts! Decoupage allows you endless ways to customize your shells. Learn the technique and select three items you wish to make. Options include: trinket dish, wine stopper, napkin ring, jewelry tin and ornament. Note: A $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.Adult Summer 2025
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Oyster Shell WreathCreate and MakeUse decoupage technique to decorate oyster shells that you will then use to create a beautiful wreath–the perfect adornment for a summer home, or for a beach-lover. Note: A $30 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class.Adult Summer 2025
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PSAT Crash CoursePrivate School, college and grad school application related programsThis program for high school Juniors introduces first-time, standardized test takers to the PSAT and provides helpful strategies. In preparation for the October 11 test dateTest Prep Courses: Fall 2025-Spring 2026
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Parent UniversityParenting programsCategory
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Perspective Drawing WorkshopCreate and MakeHave you ever wanted to draw something in 3-D? In this introductory class, you will learn how to create amazing depth effects and master perspective drawing. Every object has three dimensions: height, width, and depth. Yet, in drawing, the artist only has a flat, two-dimensional surface to work on. This class will help you better understand perspective drawing, starting with exercises on basic shapes, landscapes, interior rooms, or cityscapes. Topics such as viewpoints, one-point perspective, two-point perspective, and three-point perspective will be covered, and maybe even a few optical illusion drawings. You will be guided through a series of exercises designed to master these important drawing concepts. Artists of all levels are welcome. A materials list can be found here.Adult Summer 2025
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Planning for Private School Entrance ExamsPrivate School, college and grad school application related programsIs your student applying to an Independent or Private School in the coming year? Unsure of which exam(s) are required for admissions? Join this informative virtual workshop to learn about the ISEE/SSAT exams and the current testing landscape in private school admissions. We will discuss the levels of exams, exam formats (paper vs. computer-based), overview of content, testing timelines, and how your student can prepare. Students and parents will leave with an understanding of the exam requirements, timelines, and resources.Adult Summer 2025
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Play a GameLearn to play a game or improve your game skillsCategory
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Prep & Tutoring for the ISEEPrivate School, college and grad school application related programsThis Middle Level ISEE course is designed for students who may be applying to independent/private schools for grade levels 6-8. The virtual nine-hour course, five-night workshop includes a proctored full-length practice exam, and it is designed to give students a complete overview of all sections of the ISEE. By participating, students will become familiar with powerful ISEE strategies and improve their knowledge of the most commonly tested topics - from finding slope to vocabulary-in-context. The skills and tips learned during this intensive workshop will provide a strong foundation for your student’s ISEE preparation. The course also will provide diagnostics that can guide further targeted preparation, either for the exam or in school. Benefits of NCE ISEE Prep Program: Learn new skills to improve test performance Online, so classes can be accessed from anywhere Small classes (limited to 14 students) Expert instructors (Sexton Test Prep Tutors) Practice exams Great value! Scholarship pricing for Needham students for those who qualify. Class size will be small with no more than 14 students at one time. Note: There will be an additional fee for required materials, with package prices ranging from $95-$300/student. For more information on the packages, contact Sarah Weiner, saw@sextontestprep.com. The materials fee that will be paid directly to Sexton Test Prep & Tutoring.Test Prep Courses: Fall 2025-Spring 2026
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Prep & Tutoring for the SSATPrivate School, college and grad school application related programsThis Upper Level SSAT course is designed for students who may be applying to independent/private schools for grade levels 9-12. It is a virtual nine-hour course that includes a five-night workshop, with a proctored full-length practice exam. It is designed to give a complete overview of all sections of the SSAT. By participating in this course, students will become familiar with powerful SSAT strategies and improve their knowledge of the most commonly tested topics - from analogies to slope. Students will also learn which resources and study methods give them the best chance of succeeding outside of class. The skills and tips learned during this intensive workshop will provide a strong foundation for your student’s SSAT preparation. Also, the course will provide diagnostics that can guide further targeted preparation, either for the exam or in school. Benefits of NCE SSAT Prep Program: Learn new skills to improve test performance Online, so classes can be accessed from anywhere Small classes (limited to 14 students) Expert instructors (Sexton Test Prep Tutors) Practice exams Great value! Scholarship pricing for Needham students for those who qualify. Class size will be small with no more than 14 students. Note: There will be an additional fee for required materials, with package prices ranging from $95-$300/student. For more information on the packages, contact Sarah Weiner, saw@sextontestprep.com. The materials fee that will be paid directly to Sexton Test Prep & Tutoring.Test Prep Courses: Fall 2025-Spring 2026
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Private Art Instruction in Pencil Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Colored Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Watercolor Painting and MoreCreate and MakeIn person or virtual NCE's talented art instructor, Eddie Bruckner, offers private/semi-private lessons both online via Zoom and in-person at your home! Lessons are a minimum of 2 hours long, and each registration allows for 1 person (or 2 people together) to schedule either two 2-hour lessons or four 2-hour lessons directly with Eddie. Open to students of all levels who wish to improve their artistic skills in the medium of their choice. Eddie is typically available for private lessons weekdays during the day as well as some evenings and weekends. Lesson packs are valid from January 1, 2025-June 30, 2025. There are no refunds or credits for unused time.Adult WS2025
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Private Art Instruction in Pencil Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Colored Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, Watercolor Painting and MoreCreate and MakeIn person or virtual NCE's talented art instructor, Eddie Bruckner, offers private/semi-private lessons both online via Zoom and in-person at your home! Lessons are a minimum of 2 hours long, and each registration allows for 1 person (or 2 people together) to schedule either two 2-hour lessons or four 2-hour lessons directly with Eddie. Open to students of all levels who wish to improve their artistic skills in the medium of their choice. Eddie is typically available for private lessons weekdays during the day as well as some evenings and weekends. Lesson packs are valid from June 1, 2025-September 15, 2025. There are no refunds or credits for unused time.Adult Summer 2025
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Private Language Lessons in French, Italian or SpanishLearn a New LanguageNCE's talented foreign language instructors offer private/semi-private lessons online! Each registration allows for 1 person (or 2 people together) to schedule either 4-hours or 10-hours of lessons directly with our instructors. Open to students of all levels who wish to improve their French, Spanish or Italian language skills. Instructors will find work with you to establish a mutually agreeable lesson schedule. Packs are valid through June 30, 2025. There are no refunds or credits for unused time.Adult WS2025