Minneapolis Public Schools

Working with nature, you can turn ordinary yard and household waste into nourishment for your beautiful plants. We will learn several methods of composting, reusing water, mulching and creative approaches to have a healthy thriving garden.

Brighten your knowledge of different types of wire, circuit breakers, light switches, wall receptacles and how to replace them. Wire up and test three different circuits. If class is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Peel back secrets for tracking down all aspects of your home's history from the architects and builders, past residents and period photographs. During the second class you can bring your home research findings and any stumbling blocks you encountered to share with the class. If class is full, please enroll in the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available. This class is priced on a sliding fee scale. Please pay the price you are able. This helps to ensure that Community Education can provide quality opportunities for all of our participants.

Looking for ideas on improving your kitchen? We will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of open concept and how to make selections on cabinetry, layout, countertops and the task of putting it all together. Ann Haws owns and operates Mindful Kitchens. If class is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Curious about low-waste living but not sure where to start? This course offers realistic, approachable ways to reduce your impact—without guilt or going off-grid. From reusable swaps to mindful shopping, you will leave with tools and inspiration for a more sustainable, meaningful lifestyle.

In this class we will work with copper tubing, steel and PVC pipe, valves and fittings, learn their nomenclature, as well as how to identify and join them together. A “hands-on” application in class will teach you the technique of soldering/sweating copper tubing together and also solvent welding PVC pipe. Equipment, techniques, and questions will be reviewed.

Discuss the joy, benefits and the challenges of keeping chickens in an urban setting. Topics will include but not be limited to: Breeds, Nutrition/Feeds, Housing, Getting Started, Welfare Issues and Bio-Security. Participants will receive a certificate that is accepted by Mpls Animal Control; a prerequisite for issuing a permit to keep chickens. This class will be held on Zoom. If the class is full, please add your name to the waitlist.

An introductory class designed for those who want to learn how to install sinks and fix or replace that old faucet themselves. Emphasis will be focused on sinks, faucets, and tubular drainage for under the sink. Information will be presented on types of tools needed and their uses. If class is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

The Empowered Homeowner Four Part Series PART 1 - Inspections and Maintenance - The first two classes will lay the ground work for understanding the basics of inspecting and maintaining your home. We will start with the exterior: when to inspect, what to look for, and why it is important. PART 2 - Continuation of home inspections and maintenance, primarily for the interior of your home. This includes understanding possible environmental hazards like mold, asbestos, lead, and radon. PART 3 - Understand Homeowners Insurance Policies - We will walk through the different sections of a homeowners insurance policy. What to look for, what the terminology means, and how to save money! PART 4 - Repairs and Insurance Claims -- What do you do when you notice issues during your routine maintenance. When should you call a contractor? Who should you call? How do you screen or know they will do a good job? Additionally, we will talk about larger scale repairs and issues that may involve filing an insurance claim.

PART 1 - Inspections and Maintenance - The first two classes will lay the ground work for understanding the basics of inspecting and maintaining your home. We will start with the exterior: when to inspect, what to look for, and why it is important. PART 2 - Continuation of home inspections and maintenance, primarily for the interior of your home. This includes understanding possible environmental hazards like mold, asbestos, lead, and radon. PART 3 - Understand Homeowners Insurance Policies - We will walk through the different sections of a homeowners insurance policy. What to look for, what the terminology means, and how to save money! PART 4 - Repairs and Insurance Claims -- What do you do when you notice issues during your routine maintenance. When should you call a contractor? Who should you call? How do you screen or know they will do a good job? Additionally, we will talk about larger scale repairs and issues that may involve filing an insurance claim.

An introductory class designed for those who want to learn how to do basic home toilet repairs themselves. Emphasis will be focused on toilet removal, installation, and repairs. Also discussed will be the different types of sewer pipes used and how to maintain them. Information will be presented on types of tool needed and their uses.

This is a great class to begin your foraging journey and experience urban landscapes through a forager's eyes. Learn about the abundant edible and medicinal landscape all around you. Topics include: wild plant and mushroom identification, foraging ethics, safety, tools, legality and other resources. Locations will be in the Minneapolis/Edina area. We will email the location to you prior to the workshop. Workshop locations may vary depending on what is available at that time. The terrain is level, the pace is slow, and difficulty level should be easy, but may not be wheelchair accessible. No discounts. If Workshop is sold out, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a tickets become available.

Save money and extend the life of your windows by learning how to identify and fix common issues like sticky movement, drafts, cracks, or broken panes. This class covers sash cord replacement, glazing techniques, and the five key sources of window draftiness. Perfect for homeowners and DIYers interested in practical solutions and expert insight. Instructor Jack Bethke has taught window repair through Community Education since 1985. With carpentry experience dating back to 1979, Jack brings deep knowledge from decades spent as a crew chief, trainer, inspector, construction project manager, and energy auditor.