About

Richfield Community Education

Address: 7145 Harriet Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423
Main Office: 612-243-3000
Fax: 612-243-3067

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

About Us

The Central Education Center

Your home for lifelong learning!

The Central Education Center is a community hub of information and access. This former elementary school now serves all ages through a variety of programs, classes and services. We are a fully-staffed learning environment for the entire Richfield community!

Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Phone: 612-243-3000
Fax: 612-243-3067
e-mail: communityeducation@rpsmn.org

In addition to Richfield Community Education, programs located at the Central Education Center include:

Head Start
MIRA

The History of Community Education

100 Years of History

The concept of schools being a center of community life goes back a century in the United States. Progressive educators of the time, including John Dewey, Jane Addams and urban planner Clarence Perry, first envisioned the model of schools that serve as the center of neighborhood social life and the agent of neighborhood-based social services, while also educating children. In response to the social disruption of American life with the coming of the industrial age, community-based education provided a source for creating both social cohesion and improving the lives of community residents.

The “lighted schoolhouses” of Flint, Michigan, provided the next evolution of community education in the 1930s. Under the name Community Education, these programs were developed to serve children and working parents in the evenings. This became a model throughout the country. Principles taught in Community Education trainings then are still in use today:

Citizen involvement in community problem-solving and decision making—citizens have a right and a responsibility to be involved in determining community needs and in linking those needs and resources to improve the community;
Lifelong learning opportunities for learners of all ages, backgrounds and needs;
Use of community resources in the schooling/education curriculum;
Opportunities for parents to become involved in the learning process of their children and the life of the school;
Optimum use of public education facilities by people of all ages;
Coordination and collaboration among agencies and institutions;
Partnerships with business, industry, and schools; Everyone shares responsibility for educating all members of the community
Utilization of volunteers to enhance the delivery of community services.

The role of community education in building a literate and educated society has been critical in the history of our country. Today, the societal upheavals of the information age are as profound as those of the industrial revolution, and the need for community education as a resource and center of community life and learning is just as great.

Partnerships

Our Partners

At Richfield Community Education, we were founded on the belief that communities organizations need to collaborate in order best meet the needs of the community. As such, we are proud of all of our partnerships here in Richfield and the work that we do together to help ensure all Richfield residents have the tools they need to excel.

The City of Richfield: We partner with the City of Richfield on numerous events and activities, including our youth release day and summer programs.
Head Start: Parents in Community Action, Inc. (PICA) operates Head Start and Early Head Start preschool classrooms at the Central Education Center as a part of their South Branch services to families. Registration dates take place on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Learning Exchange: The Learning Exchange serves the communities of Richfield, Edina, Bloomington and Eden Prairie with customized community education classes and services for adults with disabilities. Learn more about the Learning Exchange and the courses available.
Metro South: Metro South Adult Basic Education (ABE) is a consortium of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield. The mission of Metro South is to support the efforts of all adults who wish to improve their lives through literacy, education, career development and lifelong learning. Metro South functions as a bridge, connecting adult learners to important next steps in life. These include new or better jobs, expanded careers, further education, and improved family and community effectiveness. Learn more about Metro South and the programs we offer.
MIRA: MIRA (Módulo de información recursos y apoyo) partners with Richfield Community Education to provide the community, and particularly the Latinx community, with easy access to resources and referrals in a safe and welcoming environment. MIRA has office hours at the Central Education Center Monday through Thursday.

Advisory Council

Community Education Advisory Council

Community Education encourages all ages to participate in lifelong learning and community involvement. We strive for cooperation and coordination of programs and services to maximize District and community resources.

Our advisory council is made up of local residents who are representative of the community to advise the staff and School Board on matters of planning, growth, development and evaluation of Community Education. The council addresses programs and services for early learning, youth, teens, adults and families.

Our advisory council serves an important role in shaping the services and programs of Richfield Community Education. Minnesota statute requires a representative council to meet at least four times annually.

For the 2023-24 year, we will meet on the following days from 6-7:30 p.m.:

Monday, Sep. 25, 2023 (in-person)
Monday, Oct. 24, 2023 (online)
Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 (online)
Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 (online)
Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 (online)
Monday, April 22, 2024 (in-person)

Calendar

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April 2024

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Sun, Mar 31

Mon, Apr 1

Early Childhood Family Education Registration for 2024-25 Opens

Tue, Apr 2

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Thu, Apr 4

Fri, Apr 5

End of Quarter 3/Midterm

Sat, Apr 6

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Wed, Apr 10

No School, All Grades (Professional Development Day)

Thu, Apr 11

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- Central Education Center - Preschool
- Districtwide Events
- Enrollment Events
- Release Days
- Richfield Community Education

Share your talent: Teach a class!

You can instruct a Community Education course to teach others a skill or hobby that you have. We are always looking for new instructors and classes. It’s a great way to get involved and to help other lifelong learners learn and grow in their areas of interest.

Contact

Community Education

communityeducation@rpsmn.org
Phone: 612-243-3000

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