Your instructor, Chris Toy, is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created.

Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. 

All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops.

Note:  Fee includes a $50 non-refundable registration fee. 

Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight accommodations in the park. 

Comments from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“I learned so much that Chris taught me, and the recipes were attainable."  “Chris speaks slowly and encourages questions."

Your instructor, Mary Laury is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!

Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. 

All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops.

Note:  Fee includes a $50 non-refundable registration fee. 

Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight accommodations in the park. 

Feedback from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“Mary is a wonderful guide and a gifted teacher.”  “Very helpful watercolor instruction."

When you apply for US Citizenship, you complete an application and then you’ll have an interview. You will need to understand spoken English to participate in the interview. We can help you gain the skills you need to improve your English skills and citizenship knowledge to prepare for the interview.  

Call 664.7110, email adultedinfo@ellsworthschools.org or text 207.613.6460 to enroll in this class.  We will make an appointment for you to meet with our student advisor (in person or on ZOOM). 

Meet with an experienced career advisor to assist you in many aspects of planning the next steps in your work life. Whether you’re just entering the job market, ready to make a change or want support with the job search process, Annie Sargent is ready to work with you confidentially to guide you through your next steps and identify resources for more in depth research.  Ongoing enrollment. This offering is available both in-person and online. 

Email adultedinfo@ellsworthschools.org, or call 207.664.7110, and we will make an appointment for you to meet with our career advisor (in-person or on ZOOM). 

Unfortunately, this program will not be free.  This interest list will gauge interest in bringing this program to our community.  If you register here you'll receive alerts when schedules and pricing are established. 

Our program is working with Hancock County Technical Center to bring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program to Ellsworth. Classroom instruction, lab work, and behind-the-wheel training will be the components of the program.  Funding may be available to offset registration fees.

The ESD needs ed techs, bus drivers, cooks, and maintenance staff. This workshop gives you information about open positions and helps you navigate the application process. If you want a dependable job with good benefits, explore joining our team! Sometimes the application process can seem a bit daunting.  If you'd like free and confidential support in preparing your application, don't hesitate to reach out. 

For more information and assistance with the application process, call 207.664.7110 to schedule a free and confidential appointment with one of our career advisors.

Interest List Only - there will be a charge for the class. 

Are you struggling to maintain your dog's coat between grooms?  Have you always wanted to learn the basics to coat and skin care?  If so, this is the class for you!  Care for different coat types, maintenance of your dog's coat between professional grooming sessions, safely performing trims for maintenance will be covered, and more!  This is an in-person class.

The Ellsworth Adult & Community Education Center is working with the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce to bring relevant and individualized business training to our community. 

Invest in Your Customer Service is being planned for Spring 2025.

WorkReadyTM Credential is a workforce training program designed to prepare participants for the attitudinal and disciplinary rigors of employment and to provide a highly structured simulated work environment that encourages the behavior required for workplace success. 

Business Training-Designed for Your Employees We will design  a training to meet the unique needs of your business. We have experience with task analysis of specific jobs to design and deliver relevant training.  Examples have included training people to write effective notes in healthcare charts, reading instructions and writing notes in a variety of local settings, as well as technology training (ie, Excel and Google Suites for businesses and nonprofits).  These trainings are cost effective and responsive to the business needs.

Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce is offering funding for pre-hire training, incumbent worker training, and scholarships. We can assist businesses in accessing this incredible resource for accessing training! 

We are YOUR public adult education program.  Reach out to Annie Sargent, Director, asargent@ellsworthschools.org, 207.664.7110 (voice) 207.613.6460 (text) to learn more about how we can work with you to build a strong workforce in our community.