By Jaimie Julia Winters
Looking to learn a new skill such as sign language, kickboxing, Japanese, or charcoal sketching? For over 40 years, Kearny Adult School has been offering lifelong learning through evening courses and community education programs rooted in the town’s rich industrial and immigrant history. While traditionally offering English as a Second Language classes, Kearny’s Adult School has expanded to offer art, fitness, and foreign languages.
The program continues to serve Kearny’s diverse adult population by offering vocational, academic, and enrichment classes, held at Kearny High School. And in 2025, the school added a third semester, May through July.
“While many Adult Education programs are closing their doors, Kearny’s is thriving,” Director Patrick Cassidy said.
Kearny Adult School provides community members with opportunities to participate in a wide range of educational and recreational activities. Classes are designed to reflect community interests in continuing education, physical fitness, and creative expression, Cassidy said. Whether you choose yoga, ESL, or ceramics, you can expect a welcoming and productive learning environment.
The teachers are part of the Kearny Board of Education, Cassidy said. Classes are 22 dates, with tuition $130 to $160 – the new Japanese class is only $60.
Many students replace their gym membership with the school’s fitness classes, Cassidy said.
“Students become like a little family,” former teacher Barbara Toczko said about the welcoming environment of Kearny Adult School.
Classes begin Jan. 14 and run through March 19.
Below is a list of courses, tuition, and times:
- ESL $160 6:30 – 8 p.m.
- Yoga $130 (7-8 p.m.)
- Zumba $130 (6-7 p.m.)
- Shadow Kickboxing Cardio $130 (7-8 p.m.)
- PowerBands: $130 (6-7 p.m.)
- American Sign Language I $140 (6:15-7:30 p.m.)
- American Sign Language II $140 (5:00-6:15 p.m.)
- Ceramics $160 (6:30-8 p.m.)
- Art: Drawing/Painting $130 (6:30-8 p.m.)
- Pilates $130 (6-7 p.m.)
- GED/High School Equivalency $160 (6:30-8 p.m.)
- Conversational Spanish $140 (5-6:15 p.m.)
- Conversational Japanese $60 (5-6:15 p.m.)
Learning art, a new language, or a new fitness routinene as a lifelong learner significantly boosts mental well-being, cognitive function, and social connection, particularly in older adults, by lowering dementia risk and increasing morale. These courses can enhance creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, while reducing stress and social isolation, according to Psychology Today.
Registration can be completed online, but tuition must be paid in person by attending a payment night at Kearny High School, 336 Devon St. Payment nights are scheduled for Jan. 8 and 12 5–7 p.m. Accepted forms of payment include cash, check or money order made payable to Kearny Adult School. For more information, visit the Kearny Adult School online.
