About
Newton Community Education – Young Learners Programs offers children’s enrichment classes that take place primarily in elementary school facilities and usually run alongside after-school programs. The program also runs February Vacation Programs from February 17–20 at Angier Elementary School, which include hands-on STEAM, art, and sports options with flexible morning, afternoon, and full-day schedules and free extended dropoff and pickup.
• Ages: 3–17 years old
• Schedule: Email is monitored Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm, and on the start dates of evening classes
According to early records, the continuing education program in Newton began in 1870 with two courses in civic education, and in 1991 the Newton Board of Aldermen passed Ordinance No. T-187 establishing the Newton Community Education Program. Newton Community Education is a self-sustaining arm of Newton Public Schools that offers learning and enrichment opportunities for all, with a stated vision of building a strong, inclusive community focused on learning, enrichment, and connection.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Kate Carpenter Bernier; Operations Team member Jeannine Phillips; Marketing Designer Arianna Ortiz; and Program Coordinators Sarah Housman for PreK–5, Robin Shaevel for adults and travel, and Natasha Padilla-Goddard for summer and teens. The program emphasizes equitable access, provides financial assistance to as many students as possible, and offers scholarships that are supported by donations each term.
Newton Community Education states that it listens to and learns from community members, aims to keep its offerings balanced for the whole Newton community, and provides opportunities for citizen involvement in planning and developing community services while maximizing access to school and municipal facilities. Families and participants have shared feedback such as appreciation for the range of classes over the years, noting children having fun in many classes, and one parent describing a February vacation acrylic painting class for a 7th grade student as “wonderful” and “confidence building,” with the class exceeding that parent’s expectations.
Last updated January 27, 2026.
• Ages: 3–17 years old
• Schedule: Email is monitored Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm, and on the start dates of evening classes
According to early records, the continuing education program in Newton began in 1870 with two courses in civic education, and in 1991 the Newton Board of Aldermen passed Ordinance No. T-187 establishing the Newton Community Education Program. Newton Community Education is a self-sustaining arm of Newton Public Schools that offers learning and enrichment opportunities for all, with a stated vision of building a strong, inclusive community focused on learning, enrichment, and connection.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Kate Carpenter Bernier; Operations Team member Jeannine Phillips; Marketing Designer Arianna Ortiz; and Program Coordinators Sarah Housman for PreK–5, Robin Shaevel for adults and travel, and Natasha Padilla-Goddard for summer and teens. The program emphasizes equitable access, provides financial assistance to as many students as possible, and offers scholarships that are supported by donations each term.
Newton Community Education states that it listens to and learns from community members, aims to keep its offerings balanced for the whole Newton community, and provides opportunities for citizen involvement in planning and developing community services while maximizing access to school and municipal facilities. Families and participants have shared feedback such as appreciation for the range of classes over the years, noting children having fun in many classes, and one parent describing a February vacation acrylic painting class for a 7th grade student as “wonderful” and “confidence building,” with the class exceeding that parent’s expectations.
Last updated January 27, 2026.
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