ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT
The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School Association is a community-based school for all ages dedicated to lifelong learning. Our mission is to inspire, engage, empower and connect to our inclusive and diverse community through innovative education. Through a generous meeting of the minds and spirit, we strive for a better world.
The Adult School is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and does not receive any taxpayer funding. The school relies solely on the revenue from tuition and contributions from our vital community.
OUR PROGRAMS
More than 150 courses and lectures are offered in the fall and spring, with a modified schedule in the summer. These courses enrich the mind, exercise the body and feed the soul. Choices include art, music, business and finance, fitness and recreation, languages and technology. There is now increased programming for children during the school year which includes Suzuki violin and guitar lessons.
A children’s summer enrichment program is also sponsored by the Adult School. It is enjoyed by hundreds of kids and teens, and also employs many local high school students and teachers. This specialty program offers something for every child, whether an artist, athlete or scientist. The Children's Summer Program will be on pause for 2023 and will be back in the summer of 2024 -- re-envisioned and stronger than ever!
HISTORY
The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression – a beacon of hope where the community could gather and everyone could afford to take classes. We are the oldest operating Adult School in NJ and were named a Local Legacy in 2000 by the Library of Congress. We strive to keep our class prices down so that we continue the tradition that our school was founded upon – a community school where people can gather to learn, stay informed and be entertained.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School
17 Parker Ave. Maplewood, NJ 07040
Phone: (973) 378-7620
Email: schoolinfo@somadultschool.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Most classes are at CHS (Columbia High School) or online via Zoom.
School closings: No Adult School classes will meet if the public schools are closed due to inclement weather. Closings are announced on our voicemail message (973.378.7620) and are posted on the homepage of this website.
Refund policy: Refunds will be made upon request if a course is dropped at least one week (7 days) prior to the first class. A $10 cancellation fee will be charged. If the school must cancel a course or trip, full tuition will be refunded.
Trip refund policy: There is a cancellation fee of $15 for all day trips. In order to receive a refund, cancellations must be made before the registration deadline. Refunds will be made by original method of payment. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS MADE AFTER THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE. The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School reserves the right to cancel a trip if registration is insufficient.
ADMINISTRATION
Managing Director: schoolinfo@somadultschool.org
Business Manager: Natalie Provenzano, nprovenz@somadultschool.org
Communications Manager: Cat Delett, cdelett@somadultschool.org
Consultant: Eva Samo
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Co-Presidents: Amy Dahn & Bonnie Kenselaar
Vice President: Tracy Flanagan
Treasurer: Mary T. Francoeur
Secretary: Freddie Glucksman
Trustees: Ahmondylla Best, Bahati Best, Kerri Anne Burke, Richard Cohen, Zia Durrani, Roy Eismann, Rose Bennett Gilbert, Anne-Marie Hoxie, Judy Levy, Nonie Murphy, Rivka Nelson, Carol Petrallia, Gina Piccolo, Jeff Swingle, Gloria Turner, Emily Zacharias, Jill Zimmer
Trustees Emeriti: Sylvia Amato, Beth Branigan, Abraham Bunis, Margery Cohen, Michele Davis, Martha Gibson, Katherine Hilaire, Dallas Jackson, Laura Litwin, Dr. Nabil Marshood, Dr. Shirley Matthews, Patti Nathan, Kimberley Pryor, Audrey Rowe, John Willis
To become a Trustee, please fill out our application.
2023-24 SOMAS Board of Trustee Meeting Schedule
SOMAS Board of Trustees meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month (exceptions noted with an asterisk). Meetings are not held during the months of January, July and August. Meetings start at 7:15pm and are currently scheduled to take place at CHS unless indicated below.
Wednesday, Sept. 13 (Please contact the Adult School office for location details)
Wednesday, Oct. 11
Wednesday, Nov. 15*
Wednesday, Dec. 13
February: Board & Staff Retreat on Feb. 3 (snow date: Feb. 10)
Wednesday, Feb. 21*
Wednesday, Mar. 13
Wednesday, Apr. 17*
Wednesday, May 8 Annual Meeting, CHS Black Box Theater
Wednesday, June 12