Opportunities for Adult Learning Around Chattanooga
There’s a quote that says, “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.” And while life is a pretty great teacher, there are also plenty of fantastic teachers all across the Scenic City. Interested in refining your culinary prowess? There’s a class for that. Want to know more about making your own soap? There’s a class for that, too. With so many opportunities for adult learning at your fingertips (literally – some of these are virtual classes), it’s time to master a useful skill, explore a new pastime, or simply study a core subject. What are you waiting for?
Chattanooga School of Language
Maybe you’re planning a trip to France next summer, or maybe you’re hoping to house an exchange student from Germany. Whether you have a “reason” to or not, it’s never too late to learn a new language! At Chattanooga School of Language, a team of passionate language instructors are ready to help you achieve your language learning goals with quality, highly relational language instruction. Just a few of the languages taught include American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Korean, and Spanish. Check the website to see if a group class, customized lessons, or corporate instruction makes the most sense for you!
Chattanooga Theatre Centre
Aspiring thespians need look no further than the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. Although the Theatre Centre is a busy place – with 11 productions that reach 30,000 people every year – the organization also makes education opportunities for both children and adults a priority. For example, in the spring of 2022, area adults took advantage of classes covering improvisational comedy, beginning and intermediate tap, and beginning theatre dance. These classes are designed to be fun, educational, and inspire your imagination. The Chattanooga Theatre Centre website stays up-to-date with the latest offerings, so keep checking back for information on classes for fall of 2022.
The Chattery
From calligraphy to cake decorating, mixology to mastering Excel, organization tips to essential oils, there’s always something fun and informative being taught at The Chattery – the city’s own woman-owned, nonprofit learning collective. Since 2014, The Chattery has conducted more than 1,000 classes involving 12,000 learners. Classes are often dreamt up by members of the community, and there’s even a tab for submitting ideas for classes on The Chattery website! In-person classes take place at The Chattery’s space on Rossville Avenue, while online classes can be taken by anyone, anywhere. Note that all classes are for ages 16 and up unless noted on the website.
Crabtree Farms
Since 1998, this sustainable urban farm has been a fixture in the Chattanooga community, offering fresh local foods and plants as well as tours, classes, U-Pick days, and more. In fact, education is one of the core tenants at Crabtree – and it shows in the stellar lineup of classes and workshops available throughout the year! Lifelong learners can explore subjects such as beekeeping, canning, soap making, and mushroom cultivation. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to secure your spot early online if you’re interested in a specific class.
Dance Tonight
There are tons of benefits of learning to dance – there are the health benefits, of course, but it’s also great for lowering your stress levels, stimulating your creativity, and spicing up your relationships. So, learn the art of dance at Dance Tonight, where a mirrored studio provides the perfect setting for tackling the tango or refining your rumba, no matter your age or ability. The studio’s trained instructors teach two types of ballroom dance: rhythm dances (bachata, merengue, rumba, salsa, samba, East Coast swing, and West Coast swing) and smooth dances (foxtrot, tango, and waltz). Both private lessons and group classes are offered.
Mountain Arts Community Center
Located on Signal Mountain, the Mountain Arts Community Center (MACC) is dedicated to visual, musical, and theatre arts programs. Through the MACC’s efforts, learners of all ages have access to classes ranging from studio painting and pottery to improv, ballet, piano, and basket weaving. Both the excellent pool of teachers and the variety of classes offered make this option a no-brainer if you’re at all interested in the fine arts. For detailed information about dates, cost, teacher bios, and more, visit the MACC website at signalmacc.org.
Scenic City Clay Arts
Start (or continue!) your clay education at Scenic City Clay Arts, a community clay arts studio in downtown Chattanooga. Here, you’ll have access to classes on everything pottery: wheelthrowing, handbuilding, kiln maintenance, sculpture – you name it, they probably have it. Depending on your skill level, you can choose between beginner and intermediate/advanced classes, and best of all, you’ll have your own carefully crafted pieces like bowls and cups to take home with you after class. Class scholarships are even available based on financial need, so nothing need stand in your way of seeing your ceramics dreams realized.
The Sweet & Savory Classroom
Are you in a cooking rut? Want to expand your culinary horizons? The Sweet & Savory Classroom, operated by Jeff and Heather Pennypacker, allows you to do just that! Choose from virtual and in-person classes and learn to make everything from Neapolitan pizza and homemade pasta to tamales, ramen, pastries, hand-rolled sushi, and much more. Special date night classes are also offered and are the perfect opportunity to connect with your significant other while making (and enjoying!) a gourmet meal. Highly trained instructors guide you through the whole experience from beginning to end, meaning that kitchen newbies are just as welcome as seasoned home chefs.
Townsend Atelier
Prepare to channel your inner Picasso. Townsend Atelier offers art instruction for the beginner and the expert artist, taught by professional artists and art educators. Conveniently located in The Arts Building on Chattanooga’s Southside, the organization conducts classes on painting, drawing, sculpture, print making, and mixed media. Just a few of the upcoming classes to get excited about include “Landscape Painting Fundamentals,” “Drawing the Torso,” and “Experimenting with Paper Weaving.” Note that pre-registration is required for all classes.
