Adult Learning

Eden Prairie Community Education is always looking for new and exciting courses to offer. Do you have a special skill, talent or new class idea to share with others? Community Education offers life-long learning for all ages, with classes taking place before and after school, during the evenings, and on the weekends.

TEACH AN ADULT ENRICHMENT CLASS

For each upcoming season, we open up an online proposal form for potential adult instructors to complete. This provides an opportunity for those who are passionate about sharing their expertise with others to describe a course we could offer in partnership. The Adult Program staff reviews proposals and makes decisions based on customer requests, enrollment data, and current trends in adult learning.

We are no longer accepting proposals for summer 2023. The link to our fall 2023 season is below. We have not yet opened the call for winter/spring 2024.

Here is some of the information you'll need to complete the online proposal:

• Name and contact information
• Class title
• Class description
• Preferred format (virtual or in-person class)
• Dates and times you want to teach, preferred days of the week
• Information about course materials
• Your instructor fees (description and amount you charge, optional or additional supply fees you will collect from students)
• Preferred minimum and maximum number of students
• Facility and room preferences, room set-up and equipment needs
• Instructor Bio (optional)
• Additional Class Information (optional for website)

After submitting a proposal during an open call period, we will contact you concerning the status of your proposal and to schedule an interview if we would like to offer the class. Please complete one course proposal form for each class/section you wish to teach. We will accommodate requests for classes, dates, and times whenever possible. Contact the Community Education office at clee@edenpr.org with any questions.

ADULT ENRICHMENT TIMELINES

Fall 2023: Classes run September 11-December 22, 2023; course proposal is now closed

Winter/Spring 2024: Classes January 3-May 24, 2024; course proposals are preferred by November 10

View Current Adult Courses Adult Instructor Handbook Submit a winter/spring 2024 Course Proposal

Eden Prairie Community Education partners with Metro South and the communities of Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield to bring basic adult educational opportunities to the Eden Prairie community. 

Classes are offered in the areas of GED test preparation, high school diploma programs, English as a Second Language (ESL), and basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Residents may take a course at any of the four locations as classes and offerings vary per location.

• GED Test Preparation: These classes, small groups, and tutors help learners improve their reading, writing, and math skills in a supportive environment as they prepare to take the General Education Development (GED) exam. Students can also study for the GED using an internet based curriculum which allows the flexibility to study at home or anywhere with an internet connection.

• Diploma Programs for Adult Learners: Both daytime and evening classes are offered for adult learners who are working to complete the requirements of a high school diploma.

• English as a Second Language (ESL): Classes are offered at many different levels to adult learners from a variety of countries. Classrooms are located in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield. Eden Prairie Community Education and Metro South partner to offer Family School for English language learners. Visit our Family Literacy page to learn more about how this program serves both adults and young children whose parents want to learn English.

• College Preparation: Assists adult learners with specific goals of learning to read better, learning math skills, and improving writing abilities. Learners work at their own pace in a supportive environment, before taking a college entrance exam or trade test.  

• Career Pathways:  Classes offered in a variety of in-demand career-areas to help prepare adult learners for the workforce.  Most classes lead to certifications, credentials or school credits.

To learn more about these opportunities and to register, visit the Metro South website. If you have questions, please contact Metro South at (952) 681-6170.

Learning Exchange

Learning Exchange is a collaborative effort among the Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Edina, and Richfield Community Education Departments to provide lifelong learning and community involvement opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Learning Exchange offers a variety of customized classes, special events, training, and accommodations to include adults (18 and older) with disabilities in community education activities. Some of the many opportunities available are classes in:

• Independent Living Skills: cooking, home maintenance, self-defense, and skin care
• Personal Enrichment: relationship skills, music and art appreciation, and internet use
• Social Enrichment and Creative Expression: acting, seasonal crafts, and dance

To receive a class flyer, email Janet at jclarke@isd271.org or call (952) 681-6121. For current activities visit ARLEmn.org.

Accommodations and interpreters for adults with disabilities wishing to participate in community education classes are available by making a request at least 10 business days before the class. For additional information or to make a request, contact Janet at (952) 681-6121.

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TRAIL (Transportation Resource to Aid Independent Living)

TRAIL provides transportation to AR&LE (Adaptive Recreation and Learning Exchange) participants living independently/semi
independently who have completed the TRAIL registration process. For more information about TRAIL, contact Jill at (612) 401-6395 or
trail@reachforresources.org.

Our Community Education Department does not offer driver education for adults. If you are not a high school student and are 18 years or older, feel free to contact Midway Driving School, who offers driving lessons for adults. You may also call (612) 623-4132 .

If you are looking for teen driver education, check out our youth program partnership with Safeway Driving here.

Our Family School program is intended to support entire families in their learning. Family School offers free English classes for adults, Little Eagles preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, and an infant and toddler classroom for younger children. Adult English classes are provided by Metro South Adult Basic Education, and children's classes are staffed by early childhood educators. 

Family School is part of a broader partnership with Metro South Adult Basic Education and other community organizations aiming to expand English learning opportunities for English language learners in Eden Prairie. Over the 2018/2019 school year, we gathered information from parents, teachers, and community organizations and piloted several new family literacy programs in Eden Prairie to better meet the needs of local families. Family School continues to serve more and more families in their educational journey each year. Find more information by visiting our Family Literacy programming page.