Newton Community Education Youth Programs
Newton Community Education / Newton Public Schools Sites, 457 Walnut St, Newton, MA 2460
About
Newton Community Education Youth Programs offers children’s enrichment classes that run during the school year alongside after-school programs. The program also offers vacation programs with flexible morning, afternoon, and full-day options, as well as early release day “Kids Club” sessions that are set up as one-day mini-adventures with hands-on activities. In addition, the program runs enrichment and sports summer camps and provides access to equipment such as woodworking tools, a kitchen, a pool, pottery wheels, and athletic spaces.
• Ages: 3–17 years old
• Schedule: Email is monitored Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm, and on the start dates of evening classes
Newton Community Education Youth Programs is part of Newton Community Education, a self-sustaining arm of Newton Public Schools that offers learning and enrichment opportunities for all at a reasonable cost. Kids’ classes include areas such as visual arts, games and strategy, life skills, language and culture, music and performing arts, STEM-focused activities, sports, and preparation for college and tests. The organization states that its vision is to build a strong, inclusive community focused on learning, enrichment, and connection, and it offers programming for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents, beginners to more experienced participants. Newton Community Education notes that it is open to new and innovative ideas and that its course offerings are constantly expanding and updating.
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 an ordinance establishing the Newton Community Education Program. The leadership team includes Executive Director Kate Carpenter Bernier, Operations Team member Jeannine Phillips, Marketing Designer Arianna Ortiz, and Program Coordinators Sarah Housman (PreK–5), Robin Shaevel (Adults & Travel), and Natasha Padilla-Goddard (Summer & Teens). Newton Community Education states that it listens to and learns from community members, emphasizes equitable access, and provides financial assistance and scholarships to as many students as possible, with donations increasing the number and size of scholarships each term.
One parent reports that their children have taken many Newton Community Education classes over the years and that the team’s behind-the-scenes work is noticed. Another parent describes a 7th grade child’s acrylic painting vacation-week class as “wonderful” and “confidence building,” and says the class exceeded expectations. An adult participant reports taking cabinet making, piano, tai chi, bridge, and other courses, and notes that furniture built in the cabinet making class is still in use at home.
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
Newton Community Education Youth Programs is part of Newton Community Education, a self-sustaining arm of Newton Public Schools that offers learning and enrichment opportunities for all at a reasonable cost. Kids’ classes include areas such as visual arts, games and strategy, life skills, language and culture, music and performing arts, STEM-focused activities, sports, and preparation for college and tests. The organization states that its vision is to build a strong, inclusive community focused on learning, enrichment, and connection, and it offers programming for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents, beginners to more experienced participants. Newton Community Education notes that it is open to new and innovative ideas and that its course offerings are constantly expanding and updating.
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 an ordinance establishing the Newton Community Education Program. The leadership team includes Executive Director Kate Carpenter Bernier, Operations Team member Jeannine Phillips, Marketing Designer Arianna Ortiz, and Program Coordinators Sarah Housman (PreK–5), Robin Shaevel (Adults & Travel), and Natasha Padilla-Goddard (Summer & Teens). Newton Community Education states that it listens to and learns from community members, emphasizes equitable access, and provides financial assistance and scholarships to as many students as possible, with donations increasing the number and size of scholarships each term.
One parent reports that their children have taken many Newton Community Education classes over the years and that the team’s behind-the-scenes work is noticed. Another parent describes a 7th grade child’s acrylic painting vacation-week class as “wonderful” and “confidence building,” and says the class exceeded expectations. An adult participant reports taking cabinet making, piano, tai chi, bridge, and other courses, and notes that furniture built in the cabinet making class is still in use at home.
Last updated January 27, 2026.
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