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Boston Center For Adult Education
Category: Education Adult Education Adult Education [Edit]
122 Arlington St(between Isabella St & Winchester St)
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-4430
- Nearest Transit:
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Arlington St @ Isabella St (9)
Tremont St @ Marginal St (43)
Berkeley St @ Columbus Ave (9)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
32 reviews for Boston Center For Adult Education
32 reviews in English
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Review from Susie R.
Cambridge, MA
9/26/2011
This place is awesome!
I've taken a Thai cooking class, a wine class, and some art classes here. Each one has been great. All of the instructors I've had were fantastic--knowledgeable and obviously happy to be doing what they were there to do. The instructor for the Thai class was a riot--so personable and made the class so enjoyable. I learned a lot and the food was delicious--which is saying something since I can not cook to save my life! The building is also really beautiful--very clean. The kitchens are first-class. The people who work there have always been really nice too when you come in.
It's also very close to Arlington T which makes it really convenient to go there after work. It's worth the spending money, in my opinion, if you want something fun to do--a very good value and a good learning experience. -
Review from Caroline G.
Boston, MA
5/8/2012
I was really looking forward to taking a class at BCAE, however, the class itself, the teacher, and the BCAE administrative staff are impossible to deal with. It's overpriced and it's all about self-promotion of the instructor.
If I wanted to play around with icing on a cutting board I would do that at home. And if I wanted to hear about your bridal cakes and designer wedding dresses I would go to a bridal show.
Oh and if you ever need to reschedule for a family emergency, as another patron mentioned with her sick infant daughter, kiss your money goodbye with no chance of rescheduling. -
Review from Kelsey F.
11/15/2011
Alright so I've only been to BCAE on two occasions but I absolutely love the facility and the concept! They offer a ton of great classes ranging from dance, to photography, to cooking, and a lot more in between.
I won a free cooking class here a few weeks ago thanks to Yelp Boston :) It was called Cooking With Wines with Diane Manteca. It was awesome. You make 4 dishes in the 3 hour class. She makes sure to get everyone involved and also explain everything everyone is doing. All of the food came out absolutely delicious! Oh and you are also provided with white and red wine to drink throughout the class - amazing!
The other occasion I was at the BCAE was actually over the period of 3 days that my company (small - about 10 of us) rented out a room in their building. They were really accomodating and friendly during the time that we were there. We also did a cooking class with Diane on this occasion as well. She switched up her class a bit just for us and made it into more of a competition. We had 2 teams, each team was given ingredients, and we were to make a dish out of it. It was then judged - such a unique and fun work event!!
BCAE offers a ton of classes that I want to check out. Some are a bit pricey but definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Kelly O.
9/14/2011
Always a fan of fun classes, I've taken a bunch of food/wine/dancing classes here at BCAE and have always had a great time (the 2 session Intro to Wine Tasting was especially helpful/excellent IMO... it didn't hurt that we had enough wine to get verrrry tipsy). Their facilities are pretty new (the kitchens are gorgeous, although they only really allow for a few people cooking at a time), the staff is friendly, the teachers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and I think they have one of the best course selections in the area.
Tip: try their Take for $10 which happens about once a year, you get an hour-long taste of what their classes are like (the cooking ones are especially a good deal, you get a meal plus recipes, it's a no-brainer!). Also, get on their mailing list because they have these awesome 'flash deals' where one single class is discounted only for a few days. -
Review from Bex M.
Boston, MA
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Got cultured, thanks to Yelp.
The place is so bright + white! I really like the current artwork on display and how each room has windows for you to sneak a peek to entice you to join and learn how to make cheese.
I took the Digital Photography class which taught this newb the basics of her dslr.
Definitely want to check out more classes in the future.
Don't worry, I won't forget you when I become a world renowned photographer or a professional cheese critic, Yelp. -
Review from Lisa S.
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've only taken one class here- Basic Cooking: Part I. I wanted to take a cooking class, and looked at many different options in the Boston area. This course was the closest to what I was looking for- an affordable class where we learn real skills, and prep and cook food each week. The class runs once a week for 4 weeks, 6-9 each night (although in reality, it's more like 6-930). When I found the class, the course was full, so I put myself on the waitlist. A few weeks later, I received a call, telling me that there was an opening!
I registered for the course and it was about $200. It seemed a bit steep, but now that I have been taking the course, it actually seems quite cheap! Lars, the instructor, is absolutely fabulous. He really knows his stuff. We do tons of prep work and knife skills (I've learned how to efficiently cut tons of different veggies). Each class we prep and make a few different dishes, and there is a lot of variety- soups, meat, eggs, etc. When I leave, I'm kinda exhausted from learning so much- Lars never stops talking, so you're constantly learning throughout the entire 3 hours. After you make each dish, everybody is welcome to eat it- it's always delicious, and there is always way too much food to finish! He also allows people to bring their own bottle of wine if they want to drink some.
Based on this course, I'd definitely take another class here. The registration was easy (online), the instructor is great, the class is affordable and BCAE is easily accessible via T (just a few blocks from the Arlington T stop). They do all different kinds of classes, so definitely check out their schedule if you want to learn something new! -
Review from Amanda L.
Brighton, MA
4/7/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I've taken a couple of classes at the BCAE (cooking/baking only) and I'm happy to say I've learned A TON from all the classes I've taken. I don't consider myself a novice chef/baker but I still was able to learn a few tricks and shortcuts that I didn't know before.
I haven't tried any other classes beside ones that are food related, but if the quality is the same as the food classes, then I will definitely try them out! -
Review from Tina D.
5/18/2011
I am a really big fan of pursuing new hobbies regardless of your age! I've taken some cooking classes, jewelry making classes, and art classes here and have had positive experiences each time. The staff is always friendly, the facility is wonderful and clean, and it is in a convenient location - just a short walk away from the Arlington T stop. The prices are not bad, though I am not sure how valuable it would actually be to become a member unless you really take a lot of classes. I also love how organized their website is. A helpful website really makes the searching/ordering process 10 times easier!
I will be back again and again for more wonderful classes!Listed in: How do I love thee? Let me…
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Review from Madhumitha N.
Seattle, WA
4/27/2011
I took couple of cooking and dance classes here, i like it. Instructors are friendly and have patient to answer your questions. And courses are not that expensive, very close to Arlington T stop and nice place to meet Boston locals.
I am looking forward to join more classes. -
Review from Melissa P.
Boston, MA
11/23/2011
I was fortunate enough to take an advanced Photoshop class at the BCAE. The class size was small, which was nice because we were learning some very technical skills and our teacher gave us more one-on-one attention than if I were to take the class at a local college. The course was taught by a very cool guy who talked like he was from the 30's. He had some great skills that he learned and made class entertaining by giving us small assignments. All-in-all it was a great experience and I got to learn some new skills that I use for fun and for work. I'd recommend this classes at the BCAE to everyone!
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Review from Liz G.
Cambridge, MA
7/28/2006 ROTD 10/3/2006
Last year, soon after graduation, I suddenly had the harrowing realization that, being both 21 and a college graduate with a real job, I was all out of excuses. I was an adult.
I wasn't really sure what to do about this. I didn't know much about being an adult. I didn't really eat vegetables, or clean the house, or take out mortgages or whatever it is adults do.
So I checked out the Center for Adult Education.
They were not offering classes in how to be an adult. Nor did they mean adult in THAT sense. But they did offer classes about numerous topics that I would imagine are of interest to adults. Some of them were interesting to fake adults like me as well.
I really wanted to learn more about being an adult. But after considering more tame subjects like cooking or yoga or writing (they really do have classes in, like, everything), immaturity got the best of me. I decided to combine learning with booze and registered for a wine tasting class.
The registration process was easy and the cost reasonably affordable, even for a fake adult like me.
My class was far more fun than I expected adult stuff to be. I learned tons about wine -- how to taste it, how climate and geography affect the grapes, how types of wine are made, and what wines I like and don't like. I also managed to get lit every Tuesday afternoon, since we got to try about 11 wines per class and I am a rather cheap date. In fact, most everyone in the class got a little giddy, including the teacher.
I did not learn much from my wine tasting class about generally being an adult. I still get a little nervous around vegetables and stuff. But I figure as long as adulthood does not preclude drinking on Tuesdays, I can get used to it. -
Review from Deepa C.
Somerville, MA
1/28/2008
I took a French Bistro Cooking class over the last two Monday nights. There was some good, and there was some bad. And there was a LOT of bacon.
First, I love love love the space. The converted house is amazing and I would love to come here everyday and learn languages and salsa dancing and all kinds of delicious food making. It has the old school Boston flavor that I love so much. One day, Comm Ave - you WILL be mine.
Moving on.
The cooking class was a lot of fun. I was a little disappointed. (Disclaimer: I am about to utter the most hated words on Boston Yelp). When I was in New York, I took a mocha class where we each had our own stations and made our own food and took it all home. Here it was one big kitchen and the teacher pretty much did the work. If chopping or sauteing needed to be done, someone would do that, but she ran the main ring. And then we all had a small serving of everything we made. It was kind of like an interactive cooking show. Nice, but I would have loved a room with 15 stoves and oven burners. Ah well. It was also only $65, so you get what you paid for.
The food was amazing. The teacher def knew her stuff. Some of the recipes I had already made (which made me feel smart) and the rest was really enlightening.
I would take another class here in a heartbeat. It is near work and the T (right at Arlington and Comm Ave), there are a ton of classes from which to choose. I lean towards cooking, but they have everything under the sun.
If you want to meet some people and learn some skills (no, not the bowstaff variety) check out the catalogue. See you in class!
oh - just a quick add. as soon as the chef noticed that i didn't eat anything with bacon, she started making some bacon free dishes so i could partake, i thought that was incredibly nice, since she certainly did not have to do that. snaps to considerate teachers! -
Review from Robyn L.
Belmont, MA
7/29/2006
If you're looking to learn something new in a social setting on a Friday night, you can look beyond the MFA and Museum of Science options, both of which my friends fondly refer to as meet markets. A more relaxed approach may be to try one of the Friday night classes at the BCAE.
I can vouch for the Friday Night Wine Tasting. If you hope to become thoroughly educated on wine, this is not the class for you. But if you want to learn some tips from a knowledgable instructor and share a few bottles of great wine with new acquaintances, you'll really enjoy this event.
Plus, if you sign up for one of the Friday night classes, you'll be invited to the BCAE's complimentary cocktail reception, held from 5:30-7:00 every Friday in its beautiful building near the Public Garden. Not sure I needed a glass of wine before taking a wine tasting class, but I really needed the snacks!
While I was there I realized some other people were taking a science class. I immediately thought chemistry and couldn't imagine who would want to do that on a Friday night, but it was actually a class called Ghost Science: Behind the Scenes of a Paranormal Investigation. (I think I know what I'm taking next time.) You'll want to check the schedule to see what classes are offered each week, but some others last night included choreographing your wedding, Indian cooking and shiatsu massage.Listed in: Friday Night Out
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Review from Allison C.
Weymouth, MA
11/2/2007
The prices are reasonable, the building is beautiful inside, the teachers I've had have all been great and the class sizes are small.
I love the BCAE. It is one of my favorite things to do. I've taken four cooking classes here (try and detect a pattern): Pasta Sauces I, Pasta Sauces II, Rustic Italian, and Tapas. Unfortunately there is not yet a Pasta Sauces 3. I keep telling myself that maybe next time I will take something besides cooking, like a language, dance class or pottery or something, but the cooking classes are so much fun that I never do. Maybe next time. -
Review from Bridget D.
Salem, MA
6/11/2008
I am going to be a voice-over artist and according to my instructor, possibly in voice mail systems. "Press 1 to hear your choices!" Or, if things take an awesome turn I will live out my dream to do cartoon voices or phone sex. Hooray! So keep your ears open for me.
I recently took a class at BCAE in how to get into voice-over work. It was a great class, very informative and worth the $50 price tag. It was super easy to sign up for on the http://bcae.org website. They offer tons of classes in a variety of fields. I think I was looking for a chocolate class and then I found the voice over one. Yippee!
The building that houses the classes is lovely and ornate and conveniently located in the Back Bay. The actual room my class was in looked like a study with many old books on the shelves. It was set up a little weird with three plastic fold out tables. One was quite askew such that you couldn't really sit at it. Also there was an air conditioner cranking away in the window, which made it a little hard to hear some of the low talkers.
It was a super hot day so the rest of the building was quite warm. When I took a trip to the ladies room I noticed a distinct smell permeating the upstairs. Eww gross, not that. It smelled as though a tray of fruit and assorted cheeses had been left out in the heat. Rotting canteloupe and soggy crackers filled my nose. Oh, the bathroom was a bit dirty too.
The only actual BCAE staff member I saw was a woman who sat in the lobby area. I asked her where my class was and for directions to the ladies. Both times she pointed me in the right direction, but without a smile or any sort of anything.
Aside from the minor unpleasantries, I am very glad I took this class. The class itself was super. BCAE has tons of offerings with convenient times. My class was a one time seminar but they also have classes that meet over several weeks. Whatever your pleasure. The prices are affordable and it is easy to sign up.
I need to do more adult things. Teach me! -
Review from Karen D.
12/20/2009
I've had a mixed bag of classes at the BCAE over the last few years.
Beginner and Advanced Beginner Guitar-Perhaps it's just that I'm not talented. I took two classes and while I did learn a bit, I still didn't know how to play a full song at the end and I even practiced. The teacher was nice and patient.
Exercise Ball Class-This at Boston Body. The class was very good and I got a lot out of it.
Flash-The instructor gave 1 hour of instruction (for a 5 hour class), told us to do the tutorials and he would be available for help. When I called to complain, I was told that no one else complained. I explained that I could have just done tutorials at home. They wouldn't give me a refund, but finally agreed to a credit, told me I had seven years to use it like a gift card and when I called to use it, I was told I had only one year to use it.
One class I took was about how to get articles published by Susan Johnston. This class was great and she was very knowledgeable. I feel like if I really wanted to get something in a magazine, I had some real tips on how to do it.
Lotions and Salves-The course said I would make some skin care products. I left with some goodies (and some not so goodies) and got some insight about what we put on our bodies. The instructor was very knowledgeable although she definitely marches to her own tune. -
Review from Kristy W.
Waban, MA
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I took a Cupcakes and Cocktails class here, and it was AWESOME! The instructor was great, the facility was gorgeous and it was very convenient to get to! Will definitely be back to take more classes!!!
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Review from Bianca T.
Lexington, MA
12/29/2010
So if you want to go to a badly organized class or would like to flush ~$100 go to BCAE. If ANYTHING goes wrong with your BCAE class, it will be the customer's fault. And don't expect to get any help from customer no-service.
I signed up for a 2 courses with BCAE. Both were public speaking courses. One got canceled and the other class....while it didn't get canceled... the BCAE somehow "forgot" to provide the class manuals and printouts. The class of ~20 had to share one booklet. For $100 I don't want to have to share materials after trekking through snow and ice. I had to call them and speak to several customer no-service reps to get them to even send me the class materials afterwards. When it was THEIR fault it wasn't available in the first place.
THEN when I want to finally use the credit for the canceled class, its GONE. /POOF/ The first male rep I talked to tried to be nice about the class credit disappearing. But I still get some speel about POLICY being they take credits from their customers after 1 year that it goes unused. You know what... That's a bad policy! Sounds kinda like someone's "End of year bonus".
I think if a customer pays for the classes in good faith and things go awry, the company should go the extra mile to make it right. Twice with 2 different classes BCAE did NOT do that. It pains me to write a bad review because I did liked my class instructor.....but she teaches at the Brookline Adult. Ed. and Lexington Center, too. I'll be going there in the future. -
Review from Lauren W.
Boston, MA
4/8/2008
I love BCAE!
It makes me sad that they're moving from the Gamble Mansion on Comm Ave it is part of the charm of all the classes that I have taken there. I enjoyed exploring a new classroom in the beautiful building.
My husband and I took the MA Real Estate Salesperson's Course here. Neither of us became realtors after taking the class, even though that was the original intent, but we looked forward to the class every week. The instructor, Norman O'Grady, was hilarious and very smart. We may not be realtors but next time we go to buy property we will be well educated!
I also took the Stress-Free Weekday Meals course with a friend. It was such a great way to spend the night. We got to eat a lot of food, enjoy wine and got some great new recipes.
The best Christmas that I ever received was a gift certificate for two classes at the BCAE. Now the challenge is figuring out what course I'm going to take next! -
Review from Corry B.
Dorchester, MA
5/14/2009
WARNING: This review comes with a Spoiler at the end. Marked with an *
So last year I tried to take a French I class at the BCAE (old location). People were nice. Teacher was nice. But OH MY GOD WAS IT BORING! It was worse than high school (cuz at least there my teacher was drunk sometimes and,like, entertaining). We did basic exercises from the book and when I asked if we were going to be speaking, which to me is the useful part of learning a language, she said "No, that's for Level II." So I dumped it after two classes, but the Nice Administrative People (NAP) let me roll over the $ I didn't spend as credit.
A year passes and the BCAE moves into this state o' the art building not far from Arlington green line station, and it's a really nice building, but strangely has no water fountains. I get an email from the NAP telling me that it's time for me to use or lose my credit. So I look at the extensive, brightly colored, catalog and decide that the Singing Workshop fits my schedule.
Despite my glory on the karaoke mic, I am terrified to sing in front of people in any kind of serious, non drunk, audience over the age of 6 way. And now I am, if not cured, able to sing a medly of Carole King songs to the 10 people who took the class with me.
The teacher, Jane is AMAZING. She has 30 years of experience of basically being incredibly nice to people and making them feel fine about their (terrible) voices. It's this uberpositive, feel-good space, and you have piano accompaniment and nobody judges you (except yourself, but in the presence of Jane even my inner judge felt thinner and clear-skinned and light and frothy).
The class was a mix of people, the age range was like late 20's/ early 30's and then jumped to 70something, and I'm not gonna lie when I say part of what I learned was to look at my feet and breathe so I didn't succumb to one of my classic giggle fits when 89 year old falsetto man did his thing. But now I feel a little bit better about my voice and if I ever get enough $ for a class again might try another.
***************************SPOILER: SKIP THIS SECTION IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THIS CLASS AND LIKE SURPRISES****************
A secret that I hope doesn't scare you away: you have to get up and sing by yourself the very first class! Ack! There is not too much pressure, and you can bow out if you feel super wussy, but oooh, it's scary, and, for the adrenaline head rush you get, worth it. -
Review from Catie C.
8/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I just finished taking a freelance writing class here which was very much well worth it.
Very informative. The instructor showed how to get started as a freelance writer and the whole process. She also provided tips and links.
As for the center, it's very clean and the furniture seems pretty new. Very welcoming. -
Review from Kim K.
12/29/2009
I've now been to 3 cooking classes at the BCAE, one in the former location and 2 in the new location on Arlington Street.
The quality of instruction of the courses have been stellar. I really felt I learned a new skill and that the value was well worth it.
I can't wait to take the Digital Photography class in a few months! -
Review from Danielle M.
Boston, MA
1/14/2010
Taking classes always makes me feel good about myself- I appreciate academic-settting learning so much more than I did in undergrad( there's something about shelling out the cash yourself that inspires consistent attendance) I walk out feeling so much smarter and ready to take on the world.
But to get that brain-power gratification and not spend an arm and a leg for it ( what is that commercial that keeps running where the girl holds up a model arm, and a leg?) ........the BCAE is your place to get your student thing on. Classes are very affordable- and if you are taking classes at any college around here as a non-matriculated student that does not qualify for financial aid, you know that satisfying your desire to learn new skills is not a cheap venture. So the Boston Center for Adult Education provides that for Boston area professionals. An opportunity to learn website design, cooking, entrepreneurship, languages, hell, even brazilian dance technique.
The school facility is well-designed and T-accessible. The instructor I had was very accomodating, patient ( my Adobe Indesign learning was a bit sophomoric at its beginning) and very streamlined in following his curriculum. I peeked into the kitchen/teaching studio where they do the wine tastings and cooking classes. The students looked like they were so much fun; I momentarily wished I was going into the "Appetizers by Region" course instead of my desktop publishing class. Oh well, maybe next month I'll put that on my higher learning agenda.
The only thing I would suggest for the BCAE is to widen the savings/discount gap for tuition prices for members. I paid $150 for my class (not a member) but if I was a member I still would have paid $125. I just think if you are going to pay to be a member, you should get more of a deal. Or maybe a few free classes per year. A freebie would definitely motivate my membership.
So, if you're in the mood to better yourself with out breaking the bank, a BCAE class is a good investment. -
Review from Sarah C.
Boston, MA
10/8/2009
I have only taken one class here. This is the only reason that I am trying to avoid jumping to conclusions and giving it only 1 star. However, I took the World of Chocolate Class. Here is the course description:
"The most elegant and tantalizing chocolate desserts are all the more decadent when prepared with high quality chocolate and cocoa. Work with some of the finest chocolates and cocoas in the world as you prepare delicious chocolate desserts. The menu may include chocolate creme brulee, chocolate souffles, chocolate mousse, and chocolate cheesecake or molten lava cake."
My intention was to learn about different types of chocolate to enhance my recipes. I also wanted to learn about using chocolate in different forms.
The instructor did nothing more than have us follow recipes that used chocolate. Only one kind of chocolate was used for all of the recipes, and the instructor couldn't talk about why this chocolate was so great except that he really liked it.
I tried to ask questions about using different forms of chocolate, and the most he could tell me was that different kinds of chocolate have different sugar contents. He couldn't even point me in the right direction when I asked where I could learn more about different kinds of chocolate.
I admit that it was fun to bake in such a nice kitchen. But I never would have paid $54 just to follow a recipe. -
Review from 'amy e.
Cambridge, MA
8/27/2008
Classes That You Are Unlikely To See In BCAE's Catalog:
WHAT'S FOR DINNER? ENDANGERED SPECIES!
In our desperate attempt to fight the natural selection of mother nature (and inevitable destruction by mankind), we've lost the knowledge of generations' past for preparing some truly delectable meals! Did you know that African Elephants taste like chicken while Blue Whale has a distinct flavor somewhere between beef and pork? Or that the Florida Cougar can only be eaten in small amounts because of the toxic mercury content in their meat? Students will learn the basics of skinning animals like Tigers and Alligators, how to best season and prepare the meat of Pandas (sautee in butter with a little cilantro!) and Rhinoceros (BBQ!), and what best accompanies a dish like Grilled Whooping Crane (potatoes au gratin) or Fried Siberian Sturgeon (its own eyeballs, fried). Time permitting, we will also cover the theory in how to prepare and serve dodo, including which wines best accompany the meal!
ZOMBIE ATTACKS, ADVANCED COURSE
Students are taken beyond the basics of zombie lore and survival tactics to learn how to aggressively attack and destroy the zombie hordes that are descending upon us! We will cover the basics of using flamethrowers safely, a variety of guns and knives, and how to calmly establish - in a life or death situation - whether your loved one has become one of them. We will also discuss strategies for creating and maintaining a stronghold against the undead army, including how to fortify the location, govern the survivors, ration your food and weapons, and determine who can (and should) be sacrificed for the greater good. Students are encouraged to have survived the Beginners' course at least once, preferably twice.
TOXIC WASTE AND LANDFILLS! A WALKING TOUR.
Thirty years ago, the residents of Love Canal discovered their peaceful little Boston suburbia was built over several tons of chemical waste, the ghosts of which plague current and former residents to this day. Boston's colorful industrial history has ensured that if you look hard enough, you can find waste anywhere in this area! Our historical tour will begin with the layers of PCBs at the bottom of the Charles and work its way out to Woburn, MA! Bring a bag lunch, face mask, and a geiger counter, if you have one. Please also wear sensible walking shoes - we've got a lot of ground to cover!
FRIDAY NIGHT - LET'S TASTE ALCOHOL!
Can't tell the difference between a glass of Chablis and a shot of whiskey? (Or don't need to?) Not sure what to mix them with, and whether it's appropriate to mix them at all? Want an excuse to hang out with a bunch of other drunk 20- and 30-somethings and maybe score a date (or more)? Come join us as we explore the wonderful world of alcohol: the variety, the sights, the smells, the tastes, and most importantly, their impact on us! The tuition includes a materials fee for our bar. Please bring enough for cab fare home!
LEARN TO FINGERPAINT
Join us in this supportive, learning environment! We'll join the ranks of 2 year olds everywhere as we learn, first, how to paint on every surface in the house and then not to wash our hands before eating dinner. We'll eventually graduate to using paper and refine our strokes until we are creating recognizable shapes and landscapes. Note: our first class will cover primarily theory, but students are encouraged to wear old clothing or bring an apron to class. You will receive a materials list in the first class; expect to spend about $40 on supplies.
DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE!
It's the fitness trend that's sweeping the nation! If you've never run around in a circle trying to catch the guy who's "It," you've been missing out your entire life! Come realize the laughter of this exercise and practice your skills in running and tackling in a safe and encouraging space. We will cover the rules of "Duck, Duck, Goose" and its many variations, and play the game while forgetting the stresses of our everyday lives! Wear comfortable clothing, running shoes. Kneepads will be provided.Listed in: Like to Make Stuff?
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Review from Jackie C.
Boston, MA
3/19/2010
Unfortunately I never got to take a class here because the service has been terrible.
I was interested in baking/cooking classes, and registered for a class called Cupcakes and Cocktails, which was to take place on Friday, Feb. 26. Kind pricey at $50 for the class, $18 for materials, and $6 to register for one night, but I figured what the heck - learning to make cupcakes that taste like cocktails would be a neat party trick. My friend was also in, so I registered the two of us.
A few days before the class, I got an email and a phone call to inform me that due to a scheduling conflict (they overbooked the room) that the class would need to be rescheduled to March 12. Unfortunately I had a friend coming into town that weekend, so I couldn't make the new date, so I asked them to give me the refund instead. When they quoted me the refund price, they did not include the registration fee. When I asked why, they said it was their policy that they do not refund the registration fee under any circumstances. Well, it would be one thing if I had cancelled, but it was their fault that they overbooked the room (I was ready to come on Feb. 26 as scheduled). Ridiculous! I had the call escalated to some manager-level person, but we played phone tag for weeks before I got in touch with her.
Here's the worst part. I got a reminder email the day before the rescheduled class to remind me to come. They never cancelled my registration, and I checked my credit card, which they charged for the full $148. I spent 30 minutes at work trying to call them, but their automated phone messaging system lets you wait about 2 minutes on hold before flipping to voicemail (so you can't even stay on the line for someone to assist you). Its irritating to have to hang up and call back all day while at work, and the whole time I was worried they were going to withhold my whole payment.
The manager finally got back in touch with me and told me no way no how would I ever get my $12 back, but she'd issue a refund on the rest. I was able to negotiate with her and she agreed to let me apply the balance to another class. My schedule's really busy and I'm not sure if I can reschedule so I may have to forgo the $12.
BCAE has tons of cool offerings, and had this Cupcake class worked out I probably would take more (was looking at a 3-week Baking Basics class), but this experience kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. If I end up taking a class, I'll make an addendum to this review and report back. -
Review from Ron Q.
Boston, MA
12/18/2010
The BCAE is an exceptional place that offers great enrichment classes.
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Review from Louise A.
Winston-Salem, NC
5/28/2007
I highly recommend taking a class at the BCAE. I took Intro to Wheel throwing (pottery) and it was amazing. I am a poor grad student so I even got a scholarship, making it a no brainer. The other classes look interesting...and if I had the money I'd be taking alot more of them. I plan on coming back for more pottery classes for sure.
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Review from Natural A.
Boston, MA
3/25/2009
Learning is a lifelong process. Boston Center for Adult Education helps you on your journey! I have taken a Cape Verdean Creole class, Spanish class and a swimming class through the BCAE. There is a great selection of classes and they are reasonably priced. Add this to your bucket list, take a class though the Boston Center for Adult Education.
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Review from Teju P.
New York, NY
3/6/2010
This was the first time I visited the new space - after they moved from Back Bay. The test kitchen used for cooking demonstration is a dream. I can't wait to take another class there again!
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Review from Laura P.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2007
I've taken a variety of courses here: Indian Cuisine, Cheese tasting, career and personality type stuff, meditation for people on the go (not the exact title, but never mind. It was a completely useless course and I don't see it on the current schedule), Italian, Alexander technique, and yoga. 4 stars because I can't give it a 3.5. The Italian class really wasted my time. Together with the aforementioned meditation class they were bombs. The Alexander technique class was merely OK and came with a free personal consultation but to get the consultation would put me on the commuter rail to some suburb- forget that. I really enjoy the yoga classes taught by Portia. She's really alert to your sensitivities and provides alternative stretches to help. In a perfect world, I'd do the cheese tasting class hosted by Formaggio Kitchen, yoga, and some other healthy mind/body class every time the course catalog comes out.
Listed in: Edibles & others that I miss…
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Review from Diana R.
Manhattan, NY
3/1/2010
I love it here!! I am just finishing up a 7-course Irish Step Dancing class and it was so much fun. I had been looking to try Irish Step for years, but was always intimidated by dance studios. The BCAE was the perfect answer. My class was unintimidating and everyone seemed to want to be there for the same reason - to have fun and learn something new. Our instructor, Rebecca, was great and very patient/helpful! She made every class fun and productive. The center itself is awesome. It's in a very convenient location, the administration was easy to deal with, the waiting area is nice/clean, the dance room was large, and the kitchen looked fabulous - I can't wait to try a cooking class. I'm planning on trying many new classes at the BCAE after seeing how unintimidating of an environment it is. Definitely do something outside your comfort zone... it is the perfect place to try something brand new!
