About Us

Cambridge Center for Adult Education is a non-profit organization providing a wide range of high-quality, low-cost educational experiences in Cambridge, Boston, and surrounding area since 1870.

Who We Are

CCAE provides high-quality, place based experiential education. Located on historic Brattle Street in Harvard Square, we welcome students from all walks of life to come together and create, explore, and grow in our wide-range of classes. From art and cooking to languages and literature, join us and have fun, make friends, and learn in the heart of Harvard Square.

  • Diverse Classes
  • Fun and Supportive Atmosphere
  • Welcoming Community
  • Knowledgeable Instructors
  • Central Location
Discover Our History

Hours & Calendar

Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9am–9pm
Friday: 9am–7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am–4pm

*During our building closure, our hours of operation will be weekdays from 9am - 8pm. Registrations can still be made online at any time or you can contact us at 617-547-6789 ext. 1 and info@ccae.org. These times are subject to change as we work to reopen for limited in-person classes.*

Office closed and no classes held on:

  • Indigenous Peoples' Day, October 12
  • Veteran's Day, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Holiday, November 25 at 5pm - November 27
  • Christmas Holiday, December 24 & 25
  • New Year's Holiday, December 31 & January 1

Term Schedule

Fall Online and In-Person Classes Registering Now
Fall In-Person Classes Start Monday, October 5
Winter Online Classes Open for Registration on Wednesday, November 18

Classroom Locations

42 Brattle Street and 56 Brattle Street
Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.547.6789

CCAE Map

Register for Classes!

View All Classes
September 14
Fall Online Classes Start
October 5
Fall In-Person Classes Start
November 18
Winter Term Registration Opens

Upcoming Events

View CCAE Events Calendar
September 24
Conversations on the Edge: Policing in Cambridge: The Issues, The Future, The Budget
September 30
Unique Needs Of Solo Agers: Building Health, Community, and Emotional Support - Gonson Daytime Lecture & Discussion
October 7
School Policing: An American Function - Gonson Daytime Lecture & Discussion

Our Mission

The Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE) is one of the most broad-ranging and innovative communities of adult learners in the country. CCAE, which provides affordable education to all members of the community, is a welcoming place committed to experiential, lifelong, face-to-face learning that is distinguished by students and faculty of different racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, religious, and economic backgrounds. CCAE has for 150 years been a friendly home to people thirsty for knowledge—a place to grow, create and thrive.