Adult Programs

Adult men in classroom working on assignment — Adult Education

We believe you are never done learning! That is why our Adult Learning Program offers hundreds of classes for community members to challenge themselves and grow. Topic areas include computer courses, dance, financial planning, fitness, hobbies, music, language, personal growth and wellness, cooking and more. New classes are offered weekly and vary widely. Rediscover the joy of learning with no grades or papers–just the pure satisfaction of discovering something new.

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Teach a Class

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.

The link for the Winter/Spring, Summer and Fall 2025 Call for Course Proposals is below.

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

Winter/Spring 2025: Classes run January 6-May 30, 2025

Summer 2025: Classes run June 9-August 22, 2025

Fall 2025: Classes run September 8-December 19, 2025

Download Adult Instructor Handbook

Submit a Winter/Spring 2025 Proposal

Submit a summer 2025 Course Proposal

Submit a Fall 2025 Course Proposal

Adult Basic Education

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.

Adults with Disabilities

Eden Prairie Community Education is currently working on new programming to provide lifelong learning and community involvement opportunities for adults with disabilities. If you have ideas or suggestions for future programming, please contact the Community Education office at clee@edenpr.org

Adults with Disabilities Instructor or Volunteer

If you would like to teach a class as an instructor or volunteer to help with an adults with disabilities class or event, please contact the Community Education office at clee@edenpr.org with any questions.

Submit an Adults with Disabilities 2025 Course Proposal

Adult Driver Education

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.

Family School
English Classes for EP Parents

Family School typically offers:

Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds
Free English classes for adults during preschool
A baby and toddler classroom (free childcare for younger children)

Family School takes place in person during the mornings two days a week depending on your current English level.

Preschoolers who are 3 years old by September 1 attend morning Little Eagles classes at Lower Campus. Preschoolers who are 4 years old by September 1 attend morning preschool at your assigned elementary school. Half-day preschool scholarships may be available for 3 and 4 year old preschool students. Busing may be available for 3 year old students, but is limited to those who qualify. All 4 year old preschool students can ride a bus for free. See the Little Eagles Preschool page for more information.

All adult English students and any other children 5 and under who are not enrolled in preschool will attend classes two days a week at Lower Campus. Adult classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays or on Tuesdays and Thursdays, depending on your English level. We offer a beginning/intermediate and an intermediate/advanced class as part of Family School. The Family School classes will not be the right level for everyone, but we will help connect you to a class that matches your English level if you cannot attend Family School.

Childcare may be available if space allows for babies, toddlers, and other children who need care while a parent attends the English class at Lower Campus. Care is free, but space is limited.

Registration is open for the 2025/2026 academic year for our adult learners, you can register here. If you have a child who will be 3 or 4 by September 1, 2025, be sure to register for Little Eagles Preschool/Pre-K to secure a spot (space is limited). You may also reach out to the following staff members for more information:

Olivia Antilla, oantilla @edenpr.org, (952) 975-6968
Saida Sharif, ssharif@edenpr.org, (952) 975) 7254 (Soomaali)
Pamela Orellana, porellana@edenpr.org, (952) 975-7206 (Español)

“Family School helped me boost my learning experience of the English language and engage with many different people from different backgrounds. It also gives me flexible time so that I can attend the school while my kids are at pre-school”

Abdirahman
Family School 21-22 participant

“Program curriculum and teacher encouragement makes me enthusiastic to come to this program and never want to miss the class. My kid also got a chance to learn new things to learn with teachers and friends. I keep spreading news about the program to the most extent. Everyone has to get a chance to learn about this program.”

- Priyanka, Family School 19-20 participant

Family School FAQs

What does Family School include?

For the 2025-2026 year, Family School is offering in-person learning.

Family School offers:

Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds
Free English classes for adults during preschool
A baby and toddler classroom (free childcare for younger children)

The adult and baby/toddler classes are provided free. The program is designed so parents can go to class while their 3-4 year olds attend Little Eagles Preschool. A limited number of Little Eagles scholarships and busing for preschool students are available to qualifying families only. There is no busing for parents or for children in the baby and toddler.

Can I attend Family School?

Family School accepts adults who have:

An English test score in the right range for the class and
A commitment to come to class in the afternoon at least 80% of the time (busing for adults is not provided)

Priority is given to:

Parents with young children*
Families who live in Eden Prairie

*Family School is designed for parents with young children, but any eligible adult (even those without young children) can take the English class if space allows and they are interested in learning about topics related to parenting.

Will there be childcare?

Children who turned 3 or 4 before September 1, 2025 can enroll in morning Little Eagles Preschool at Lower Campus (for 3 year olds) or their assigned elementary school (for 4 year olds). The adult English class is scheduled so parents to go to class while their child is in preschool.

Childcare may be available if space allows for babies, toddlers, and other children who need care (but are not enrolled in preschool) while a parent attends the English class at Lower Campus. Care is free, but space is limited.

Will there be busing?

For the 2025-2026 year, all 4 year olds attending half-day preschool at their boundary school will receive free bus transportation. Only eligible 3 year old preschool students will receive free bus transportation.

No busing is offered for parents or younger children.

If transportation assistance is needed, Community Education staff can help adults apply for SouthWest Transit's Transportation Assistance Program, which gives a discounted price for SW Prime passes. Contact Reta Johnson at 952-975-7030 for more information about the Transportation Assistance Program.

Is there a cost?

English classes and the baby and toddler classroom (childcare) are free of cost for all families.

Little Eagles Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds may or may not be free. Those who qualify for preschool fee assistance based on income and other factors may receive scholarships. Families who do not qualify for fee assistance will need to pay for preschool. See the Little Eagles Preschool page for more information.

What level is the class?

How do I register for the 2025-2026 Family School Program?

Families register separately for adult classes, childcare (baby and toddler class), and preschool.

Parents should register their preschool eligible children (children who will be 3 or 4 by September 1, 2025) using our registration website or can call 952-975-7200 for help. All parents are asked if they are interested in Family School while registering their children for preschool. If you select yes, you will be contacted by a Community Education staff member about next steps.

Parents/adults should also begin their 2025/2026 application process by registering for the waitlist or reaching out to one of the people below for more information or help registering:

Olivia Antilla, oantilla @edenpr.org, (952) 975-6968
Saida Sharif, ssharif@edenpr.org, (952) 975) 7254 (Soomaali)
Pamela Orellana, porellana@edenpr.org, (952) 975-7206 (Español)

After you test and are placed in the appropriate level class, we will help you register any other children who need childcare while you attend your English class.

Why do I need to test?

We need to know your English level so that we can place you in the right class, which makes learning easier for everyone in the class. If someone is at too high or too low of a level for a class, it is harder for them and the other people in the group to learn. Metro South ABE is also required by law to test within 12 hours of enrollment, and it is best to test before starting a class.

How do I register for a testing day?

Begin by registering for the waitlist or contact one of the people below for more information or help registering:

Olivia Antilla, oantilla @edenpr.org, (952) 975-6968
Saida Sharif, ssharif@edenpr.org, (952) 975) 7254 (Soomaali)
Pamela Orellana, porellana@edenpr.org, (952) 975-7206 (Español)

Testing days with childcare are hosted periodically by Eden Prairie Schools Community Education. You can also contact Metro South directly at msabe@isd271.org as they offer testing more regularly at other locations.

Fee Assistance for Adult Enrichment Programs: Fee assistance is available for adult enrichment classes for families with low incomes. Complete this form to get started. Someone from our department will follow up with you to discuss your options.

*Per department policy, families who have an overdue balance in any of our other Eden Prairie Community Ed. programs are not eligible for fee assistance.

Adult Education