Arlington Community Education Spring Registration Now Open

Arlington Community Education (ACE) spring registration is now open. Catalogs are on the way to Arlington mailboxes, featuring hundreds of classes for adults, youth, and families. The catalog is also viewable online at ArlingtonCommunityEd.org. Most classes begin the week of April 24 and run through mid-June.

There are nearly 250 adult classes, with a mix of in-person, outdoor, and online options. Evening classes will be held in the new building at Arlington High School and at Gibbs School, plus during the day at the Community Center (formerly Senior Center) and other locations around town. Nearly 40 walks, hikes, and bike rides will help get you out into the glorious sunshine. Cooking offerings have nearly doubled, with new instructors offering cheese tastings, French tarts, Turkish cuisine, and more. A continuing partnership with the nonprofit organization Scholarium brings programs taught by academics on topics including the dead sea scrolls, evolution and what makes us human, and Buddhist philosophy.

ACE Kids enrichment classes will be held after school at all campuses, and there are also evening and weekend offerings for youth, as well as nearly a dozen family classes for adults and children to enjoy together. Outdoor offerings include Soupy’s Nature Club, spring running programs, and a new hiking club that culminates in a full-day adventure in the White Mountains. Spring VacationFun! will run at Ottoson from April 18 through 21, with morning, afternoon, and full day programs for grades K–8. SummerFun!, which runs July 5 to August 11 for grades 1-9+, is also enrolling, with more than 100 fun and creative classes in arts & crafts, cooking, movement, games, dance, music, theater, STEM, and more. New this summer are weeklong afternoon art intensives for high schoolers, including pottery, metalsmithing jewelry, sewing, and leatherworking.

This term’s catalog features artwork by Cover Art Contest winner Freya Jackson. An Arlington resident, Freya has been painting custom pet, house, and landscape oil portraits since her time studying studio art at the University of New Hampshire. She is especially drawn to translating unique, character filled scenes and capturing the beauty of a moment. Freya’s portrait “Teddy” illustrates her ability to convey the expression of our beloved animals and the way they communicate with unspoken mannerisms to those who care for them most. Find more of the artist’s work at freyaemilyjacksonart.com.

“We love Freya’s artwork, especially the thoughtful details, patterns, and vibrant colors,” said ACE Director Jen Rothenberg. “The composition of ‘Teddy’ is so intriguing, making us curious about what is just beyond that door, and reminding us how much we can’t wait to get outside to enjoy the fabulous spring weather. Plus that dog is super cute!”

If you do not receive a printed catalog in the mail and would like one, catalogs are available in news bins near Capitol Theater and Trader Joe's. You can also view the entire catalog and register for all classes at ArlingtonCommunityEd.org, as well as join the ACE email list to get information on course offerings. Many classes fill quickly and under-enrolled classes are cancelled, so be sure to reserve your spot early.

VisitArlingtonCommunityEd.org or email [email protected] for more information.

Arlington Community Education is a program of the Arlington Public Schools that is completely supported by tuition received from our courses. ACE provides affordable education and enrichment for residents of Arlington and surrounding communities.