Founded in 1933, the Adult School offers classes ranging from practical to imaginative. They have single and multiple session classes. One example of a previous practical class was the five-session class, "Basic Accounting for Non-finance People." Previous creative classes include "Mixed Media and Illustrative Drawing" and "Water Color Painting." They also have multiple language classes including Spanish, French, Italian and more.
Most classes are held at Columbia High School (CHS) and South Orange Middle School. The main office is in the A-wing of CHS. Some art classes are held at private studios in South Orange and Maplewood but they are open to people from all over the region.
There are over 150 classes in the spring, summer and fall for adults and teens 14 and up.
The other two major programs of the Adult School are:
* A free ESL and GED-prep program. Classes are held at CHS and the Hilton Branch of the Maplewood Library. Five hundred people from 45 countries typically enroll.
* A four-week children's camp is offered each summer. Staff members are district teachers who offer creative and academic enrichment courses. Financial aid is available.