Cambridge Center for Adult Education

The Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE), housed beautifully in a historic space on Brattle Street, is, in my genuinely enthusiastic assessment and based on the delightful stories from friends who consistently take their courses, the absolute best local resource for accessible, non-degree lifelong learning and creative exploration in the entire Cambridge area. Everyone I’ve spoken with consistently raves about the incredible diversity of the class offerings, spanning everything from practical language skills and finance to fine arts and cooking, the engaged and passionate instructors, and the friendly, welcoming community atmosphere, emphasizing that it makes education feel exciting, low-pressure, and deeply rewarding for adults of all ages. I’ve learned from their narratives that the atmosphere is one of shared curiosity and active personal development, making it an exceptional place to pick up a new hobby, acquire a critical skill, or simply meet creative people. My subjective conclusion is that the CCAE is an irreplaceable civic asset and a true testament to the joy of continuous learning - you absolutely must browse their catalog and sign up for something new next term!

I took the intensive drawing bootcamp with Brett Xavier Gamache and really enjoyed it. Brett is a patient and generous instructor. He provided just the right amount of advice and instruction regardless of each person's level of experience. I have some drawing experience but it's been many decades since I took a formal class. Many of the techniques that Brett shared were familiar to me but good reminders. Most helpful was having Brett review my work at different points during the process, and offer advice on how to proceed. Thank you, Brett, for an enjoyable reintroduction to drawing. I look forward to taking another class. The CCAE could do better in communicating what to expect and in keeping the listing up to date. The description says it's 6 hours but it's listed as running from 10am-2:30pm. The supply list was incorrect so I purchased much more than I needed and didn't have items that I did need. They should also note that you only have about 30 minutes for lunch and Cambridge eateries can be very crowded on a Sunday. I would have brought a lunch.

I’ve taken a variety of classes here over the years, from French to graphic design to wine tasting. There is a lot of selection. Note CCAE classes are held in two different buildings - the other one is a little further up Brattle at the Blacksmith House.

My son is a special needs and I was looking to a place for him to go because he loves to paint and I found this place is the best that I could find in my life because he loves it and he doesn’t feel discriminated because of his needs, and I will recommend it to everyone who desires to learn is excellent environment, I can explain but i’m so glad I found it and I’m looking forward every two days that my son goes there to bring him there. Thank you so much.

I've taken two art courses here. One was wonderful--Jeremy Durling is a really good instructor and I would strongly recommend his figure drawing course. The other course (different instructor) was... less good. I would recommend buying a single admission if possible for the courses here as it seems like the quality varies wildly and the tuition is non-refundable.

I have taken an ESL Advanced course (Speaking For Business And Specific Purposes) several month ago. I will not recommend this course to anyone based on my awful experience. I was very disappointed that the instructor seems lack of teaching skills and his behavior/attitude is also not qualified to be an English instructor. During the course, the instructor performed very rudely and usually spoke offensive words to the students. His course is full of prejudices about the world that made me feel very uncomfortablely. I sincerely hope the instructor can step out of his stereotype and open his eyes to see the real world.

I heard from artist and art teacher friends that the place to learn about printmaking in Boston was the Cambridge Center because for many years Selma Bromberg has been teaching artists at all levels of experience to do printmaking. So when I retired I signed up for her class, and I have really enjoyed it. I had not done any printmaking before, and I had not taken an art class in almost fifty years. She is great with beginners, non-judgmental, low-keyed, and has a good sense of humor and wonder about the making of art. She is an expert artist who does beautiful work, but we are all equal in the process--as fellow learners--as we make art around her work table. The people in the class ranged from all ages and levels of experience and they often help and encourage each other. I did not need to know anything about drawing to make prints, and yet this class has encouraged me to read and study drawing and other artistic fields. Busy people come during their evenings or sign up for Open Studio. You learn something new in every class. It is such a great experience--try it!!!!! And the Center has a lot of other great teachers of drawing, gel prints, encaustics, etc. Plenty to learn!