Edina Community Education Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

Edina Community Education offers a wide variety of programs designed to enrich the lives of community members of all ages. From early learning for preschoolers to engaging adult education courses and activities for school-aged children, there's something for everyone. Registration for all class sessions typically closes three business days before the start date, but the Community Ed office can be contacted for late registration, although space may be limited.

Early Learning Center Programs

The Edina Early Learning Center's Preschool preK programs provide a play-based learning environment that helps students grow, learn, and develop physically, socially, emotionally, in language and literacy, and in thinking (cognitive) skills. The curriculum is designed to help students meet the State of Minnesota Early Learning Standards.

Half-Day PreK

The half-day preK program is designed for families seeking a balanced, enriching educational experience for their young learners within a shorter time frame. With a focus on social-emotional, emergent literacy, and numeracy skills, this program provides children with engaging, play-based learning activities in a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and independence. Prices listed include a daily snack and all class materials and supplies.

Full-Day PreK

The full-day preK program caters to families seeking a balanced, enriching educational experience for their young learners for a six-hour day. It offers a more in-depth focus on social-emotional, emergent literacy, and numeracy skills through play-based learning activities in a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and independence. Students will also eat lunch and have movement breaks throughout their day. Prices listed include lunch, snack, and all class materials and supplies.

Childcare for Preschoolers

For families needing childcare before or after preschool, flexible options are available. Children are escorted by classroom staff to and from the childcare space when this option is added to the weekly schedule. Enrolled children enjoy a variety of age-appropriate academic and play-based activities, including playground/gym time, creative art projects, circle time, and self-directed play. Quiet time and an afternoon snack are also provided. Enrollment in an Early Learning Center preschool class is required for eligibility.

Read also: About Grossmont Community College

Full-Day Monthly Tuition Cap

A monthly tuition cap is available for full-day preK families. Affordable childcare options are available with tuition that will not exceed $1,630 per month per student (combined preschool and childcare fees). Families can choose the childcare schedule that works best for them while staying within their budget.

Youth Programs

Edina Community Education offers a variety of programs designed for school-aged children.

Drop and Play

Drop and Play classes offer two hours of fun for toddlers and preschoolers aged 2-5 years. The first 90 minutes are drop-off time, providing opportunities for children to play, create, and socialize. Parents join their children for a circle time led by an early childhood educator during the last 30 minutes of class.

Kindergarten Readiness

For children entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2026, a series of activities combines experiences for both children and parents. Each week focuses on a different aspect of the transition, such as practicing riding a bus, Q&A sessions with Edina Kindergarten teachers, and discussions led by a Licensed Parent Educator on managing the emotions associated with this significant milestone. This program is designed for children aged 4-5 years.

Outdoor Explorers

These classes allow children to engage all their senses as they move, create, communicate, and socialize in an outdoor setting. This non-separating class meets at an Edina park in the fall and spring, and at the Early Learning Center in the winter. It’s an opportunity to meet new friends while learning and enjoying the seasons of Minnesota. This program is for children aged birth-5 years.

Seasonal Explorers

Families and caregivers can enjoy time together learning, playing, and exploring each of Minnesota's seasons in one of our preschool classrooms. Teachers lead the group in songs, stories, and activities related to the season. This program is for children aged 6 months-5 years.

EFK Coding Club - Code a Board Game

The Engineering For Kids CODING Club unlocks creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and technology skills through hands-on coding challenges. Students develop 21st-century skills while creating projects they can proudly share with family and friends. Each 6-day session introduces a new coding activity, blending fun with real-world learning. In the "Code a Board Game" session, students learn to code, test, and create their own interactive board game using the beginner-friendly Bitsbox platform. They design the game board and tokens, and code dice mechanics, bringing all the pieces together into a playable digital game. By the end, they'll have a custom board game they can share and enjoy on a mobile device. Students need to have basic computer, keyboard, and mouse skills to type in code.

Edina Gymnastics

Edina Gymnastics is designed to provide a flexible, more affordable option for gymnastics while catering to the needs of each individual gymnast and family. Whether your gymnast is preparing to join high school gymnastics or is an elementary school student looking for a low-pressure experience, this is a great option! Gymnasts will be thoughtfully placed in a group during practice, where they can best succeed. The coaching team is composed of high school/college-aged veteran coaches who have been involved with the program for some time, plus adult coaches who are currently coaching the Edina Gymnastics program. Gymnasts build their skills, compose routines, and feel like they are part of a team!

Edina Winter Open Chess Tournament

The Edina District Winter Open is a fun, fast-paced tournament perfect for new and experienced chess players of all skill levels. Divisions are based on sign-ups, ensuring players compete against others with similar skills. The tournament is welcoming to rookies, with explanations provided before play begins.

Adult Programs

Edina Community Education offers a variety of programs for adults, including the popular Great Decisions series and other enrichment opportunities.

Great Decisions

Great Decisions is one of the most popular adult events. Foreign policy and global issues are explored through background information and policy options for critical issues facing America each year. The Great Decisions program was created by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), which encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications.

Due to its popularity, Great Decisions is now offered at the Edina Community Center to accommodate more participants. Instead of registering for the entire series, participants can register for individual dates.

Great Decisions Coffee Hour Topics

9/20 9am to 11am with Duncan McCampbell - The Breathtaking Rise of China: This session details the 16 discrete factors that came together to fuel China’s rise from poverty and isolation in the late 1970s to global prominence in less than a human lifetime. The discussion will pivot to the reasons why almost all of these factors can no longer be leveraged by the government of China to fuel further growth. This is a bad state of affairs for China which, thus far, has not mustered the will to change its outdated economic model. But a rapidly slowing-even flatlining-Chinese economy will also have negative consequences around the world. Now, China’s two largest and closest geopolitical “partners” (Russia and Iran), are regionally unpopular, heavily sanctioned, embroiled in costly wars, and are no longer able to underwrite their struggling proxies. Some tough discussions are now taking place in Beijing. Come, let’s talk about these things as the world’s geopolitical deck shuffles.
10/25 9am to 11am with Todd Lefko - US-Relations with Russia: The US and Russia have spent many decades as competitors, enemies, and sometimes friends. Russia is defined as within the "Axis of Evil", the producer of the war with Ukraine, and the promoter of disinformation and untruth throughout the world. The discussion will address how the US can get along with the Russians in the future, and how we deal with those nations which disagree with our vision of the world.
11/8 12:30 to 2:30pm with Christi Siver - The Ethics of War: In contemporary conflicts, civilians seem to be suffering the most. Yet, according to international law, specifically international humanitarian law or the law of war, civilians should be entitled to the greatest protection. Christi Siver, professor at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, will discuss the role of international law in both defining ethics in war and providing leverage to those who seek to hold states and individuals accountable. The discussion will cover what international humanitarian law is and how it can be enforced, and how changing military technologies are putting civilians at greater risk.
12/6 12:30 pm to 2:30pm with Jay Shahidi - The Future of Human Rights & Democracy: Navigating a Divided World: As the mid-21st century approaches, the global landscape for human rights and democracy faces unprecedented challenges. The hard-won progress of past decades is at risk. Jay Shahidi will lead a critical examination of these pivotal questions and a discussion on what lies ahead for fundamental freedoms and democratic governance worldwide.

Other Adult Enrichment Opportunities

Embroidery Sampler: Learn a variety of embroidery stitches and create an embroidery sampler. This class is suitable for beginners and those looking to expand their repertoire. Jan Hagerman, who appears regularly on WCCO sharing her DIY knowledge, will lead the class.

Facility Use

The ECC Fitness Room in the basement of the ECC is only available during the summer due to conflicts with Edina sports teams during the school year.

Driving Education

Safeway Driving School provides a comprehensive driver education program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and responsible driving. The program is open to students aged 14.5 to 18, offering flexibility and convenience for families.

Program Details

30 hours of classroom instruction: Covering a state-approved curriculum to prepare students for their permit exam.
6 hours of behind-the-wheel training: Individualized, hands-on driving lessons with professional, experienced instructors.
Flexible scheduling: Convenient class times and driving sessions designed to fit your student's busy schedule, with easy make-up options available.
State certification: Upon completion of the program, students receive all necessary documentation to apply for their Minnesota driver’s license.

Important Timelines and Planning Tips

Students have one year from the end of the classroom portion or their 15th birthday, whichever is later, to complete their three, 2-hour, behind-the-wheel lessons. Safeway recommends 30 days between each behind-the-wheel lesson, with the final lesson completed about 30 days before the potential road test. Regular practice with a supervising driver is essential for building confidence and skills.

Why Choose Safeway?

Experienced instructors: Highly trained, patient, and dedicated to helping students succeed.
Proven success: With over 50 years of experience, Safeway is the largest driving school in Minnesota.
Focus on safety: Emphasizing defensive driving techniques and responsible decision-making.
Local convenience: Classes are offered right at Edina High School.

Additional Information

For more information regarding registration, cancellation, and building information, please read the Adult Programming Overview page on the Edina Community Ed website.

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