10 Must-Know Secrets Of Stillwater Community Education: Your 2026 Guide To Lifelong Learning In MN
Stillwater Community Education (SCE), a vital part of Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834), is the premier hub for lifelong learning and community engagement in the St. Croix Valley, offering a dynamic and updated catalog of programs for all ages. As of December 2025, the Winter 2026 catalog is live, showcasing a commitment to providing fresh, diverse, and accessible educational and recreational opportunities for residents of Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Afton, and surrounding communities. From specialized enrichment classes for adults to comprehensive youth development programs, SCE ensures that every community member has a pathway to pursue their passions, acquire new skills, and connect with neighbors.
The Stillwater Community Education department operates with a mission to serve the entire community, from birth through adulthood, by leveraging district resources like school facilities, expert instructors, and a robust online registration system via Eleyo. Whether you are a parent seeking high-quality school-age care, a professional looking to upskill, or a senior interested in creative arts, the current 2025-2026 programming cycle is packed with opportunities designed to enrich your life and foster a stronger Stillwater area community. The sheer breadth of offerings is a testament to the department's dedication to educational equity and community well-being.
The Stillwater Community Education Program Ecosystem: A Complete Overview
Stillwater Community Education is structured to cover every life stage, offering programs that span academic, athletic, artistic, and essential life skills development. The key to its success is the seamless integration with Stillwater Area Public Schools facilities and staff, ensuring high-quality, convenient options for all District #834 residents.
1. Adult Enrichment: Cultivating Hobbies and Expertise
The Adult Enrichment program is dedicated to lifelong learning, offering a wide variety of non-credit classes and special events for individuals 19 years of age and older. These courses are perfect for personal development, stress relief, and social connection. The current offerings for Winter 2026 are particularly exciting, featuring unique, hands-on experiences.
- Creative Arts: Popular classes include painting workshops, such as the "Split Rock Lighthouse - Easy Bob Ross Oil Painting" session, and specialized craft courses like "Fun with Resin, Polymer Clay & More."
- Fitness & Wellness: A robust selection of Adult Fitness and Athletics classes is available, including recreational leagues and instructional courses in basketball, kettlebells, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, yoga, and Zumba.
- Specialized Learning: Programs often include finance, history, cooking, and language classes, reflecting the diverse interests of the Stillwater community.
- Adults with Disabilities: SCE is inclusive, offering specialized courses like "Line Dance Fun for Adults with Disabilities."
2. Youth Development: Enrichment, Athletics, and Academics
Youth Programs provide academic and recreational opportunities for elementary and secondary age students, offering meaningful opportunities for young people to become involved in extracurricular activities.
- STEM Education: A major focus is on science, technology, engineering, and math. Partnerships with organizations like Tech Academy MN bring high-demand programs such as 3D Printing, Coding, and Engineering camps to the Stillwater area.
- Youth Athletics: This includes a wide range of sports programs and leagues designed for skill development and teamwork.
- Aquatics & Driver Education: Essential life skills are covered through swimming lessons and comprehensive Driver Education courses for teens.
- Theatre Arts: Opportunities for creative expression and performance are available through various theatre programs.
3. Essential Family and Child Care Services
Stillwater Community Education plays a critical role in supporting working families and early childhood development.
- Adventure Club (School Age Care): This high-quality, reliable school-age care program meets the needs of working families by providing before- and after-school care for students entering preschool through elementary school.
- Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): The Early Childhood Family Center (ECFC) offers a variety of ways for parents to connect with other parents of children from birth to age five, fostering a supportive network and providing essential parenting resources.
- Preschool Programs: SCE offers various preschool options, with limited scholarships available for Minnesota residents who are not yet five years old as of September 1st, based on family income.
4. FREE Adult Education and High School Completion
One of the most valuable, yet often overlooked, services is the Adult Education program. These classes are completely FREE of charge and are designed to help adults achieve their academic and career goals.
The Adult Education program typically meets for 38 weeks each year at the Early Childhood Family Center and provides a wide variety of educational opportunities, including:
- GED and High School Equivalency preparation.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
- Basic skills enhancement for career readiness.
- Preparation for college entrance exams.
5. The Stillwater Facility Rental Program
Stillwater Community Education manages the public use of Stillwater Area Public Schools facilities and grounds, a significant benefit for local organizations and residents. This process is governed by District #834's Facility Use Policy and is a key function of the Community Education Department.
- Available Spaces: The community can rent a wide array of spaces, including classrooms, gyms, pools, sports fields, theaters, and more.
- Process: Individuals or organizations wishing to rent facilities must contact SCE, often using an online system like Facilitron, and are required to provide proof of adequate insurance.
- Policy Note: It is important for renters to know that permits for scheduled community events may be canceled to accommodate unforeseen school functions or emergency changes, as per the 902 Policy.
6. Financial Assistance and Scholarship Opportunities
Stillwater Community Education is committed to accessibility, offering financial assistance to ensure all community members can participate, regardless of financial means.
- Youth Assistance: An organization partners with SCE to help youth find and pursue their passions by offering financial assistance for artistic, athletic, and educational-enrichment extracurricular activities.
- High School Scholarships: Stillwater Area High School seniors are eligible for a vast pool of local Community Scholarships, often exceeding $250,000, which are distinct from the general program scholarships but are part of the broader district support ecosystem.
- Preschool Scholarships: As noted, limited scholarships are available for Minnesota resident preschoolers.
7. Registration and Contact Details for 2026 Programs
Registering for classes is streamlined through the Stillwater Community Education online system, Eleyo. New users will need to set up an account, and it is always advisable to check the current Printed Winter Catalog or the online search feature for the most up-to-date schedules and availability.
- Main Office Address: 1875 Greeley Street South, Stillwater MN 55082.
- Main Office Phone: 651-351-8300.
- Cancellation Policy: For many programs, a full refund is possible if you notify the office by a specified date (e.g., June 30, 2026, for some summer programs). Always check the specific program's policy.
- Email: stillwatercommed@stillwaterschools.org.
8. Community Education Advisory Council (CEAC)
The SCE is guided by the Community Education Advisory Council (CEAC), which is composed of community members who meet throughout the year. The CEAC discusses current and future trends for the educational interests of the community, ensuring the programs remain relevant and responsive to local needs.
9. Stillwater's "Best Community for Music Education" Status
The quality of Stillwater Area Public Schools' offerings, which includes Community Education, is nationally recognized. Stillwater has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, highlighting the excellence in arts programming available to both students and community members.
10. The 2025-2027 Contract Cycle and Future Planning
The district is actively working toward settling contracts with all employee groups for the 2025–2027 cycle, which underpins the stability and future planning of all district programs, including Community Education. This forward-looking planning ensures that the quality and breadth of programs will continue to be maintained and expanded in the coming years, including the 2026-27 school year.
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