Adult Education Classes
You may want to delve into a topic that's always interested you, or pursue a creative hobby, or finally research your family history. Led by experts in a variety of fields, our adult education classes can help you jumpstart or elevate your next learning endeavor.
Adult education classes meet in person at the Newberry or online.
Registration for the Fall term is open! The Winter/Spring schedule will be posted in mid-December.
The Learning Experience
In addition to engaging lectures, many classes are conducted as discussion-based seminars or hands-on workshops. Instructors create a warm, friendly, and intellectually stimulating learning environment by facilitating conversations among the class. Through a lively exchange of knowledge, participants learn from each other as well as from the instructor.
Instructors are experts in their fields, with extensive experience teaching in either traditional or non-traditional settings.
Registration and Pricing
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis using our online platform. When you've found a class that sparks your interest, you can register by following the link provided on the individual class page on our website.
Members at the Author level ($100/year or above) receive a 10% discount on the regular registration price. Members at the Literati level ($250/year or above) get early access to register for classes before registration opens to the public.
We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on the regular registration price for seniors over the age of 60 and to students who have a valid student ID. A senior or student discount cannot be combined with a member discount. Only one discount can be applied per registration.
We now offer our classes at three different price options: Regular, Community Supported, and Sponsor. Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. Please choose the registration price that best fits your situation.
After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email from us. The email will include everything you need to know before the first day of class, including check-in procedures and information about the course reading list. We'll also let you know if there are any assignments for the first class meeting. Leading up to the beginning of your class, you’ll receive reminder emails from us as well.
A minimum of seven registrants are needed to run a class. If a class doesn't have at least seven students, it will be canceled. In the event that your class is canceled, we will give you a full refund.
To request a refund, please cancel your registration in Learning Stream or email us.
The Newberry retains a 10% cancellation fee.
- For one-day and two-session classes, tuition (minus the 10% cancellation fee) is refundable up to 24 hours before the class begins.
- For multi-session classes longer than two sessions, tuition (minus the 10% cancellation fee) is refundable until 24 hours after the first class meeting.
- Full refunds are only granted in cases of emergency.
Teach a Class
Adult education classes revel in the depth, complexity, and joyfulness of the humanities. We welcome proposals for classes that explore the humanities in dynamic and accessible ways.
Questions?
Get in Touch
Contact us at (312) 255-3700 or via email at adulteducation@newberry.org
Our office hours are Tuesday through Thursday,
10:00 am–6:00 pm Central Time.
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