Shop & Support LAA!     

General Info about LAA

What is the Mission and Purpose of Lourdes Adult Academy?

The Lourdes Adult Academy is a non-profit, co-sponsored effort by Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Pastoral Council and the Lourdes Respect Life Group to bring affordable, college-level learning to West Orange and its surrounding communities.  The “mini-courses” offered are generally abridged versions of humanities, social science and religion courses that are offered and taught in area colleges and universities.  As lovers and sharers of the Gospel of Life, the Academy sponsors strive to enlist the services and expertise of skilled, knowledgeable and reputable teachers and speakers within and beyond the Archdiocese of Newark who are faithful to Catholic Christian teachings in all areas of the faith, as well as Professors and Instructors with specific expertise in general philosophy, politics and humanities courses.

Who is eligible to enroll in courses at Lourdes Adult Academy?

 LAA invites and welcomes all adults and high school seniors over the age of 18 from all communities, professions, businesses, faiths, and backgrounds.

 

Why should I consider attending Lourdes Adult Academy?

Why not consider LAA?  The Lourdes Adult Academy does not offer degree or certificate programs but can benefit adults, college students and even high school seniors in many practical and affordable ways!  College students and high school seniors can “preview” courses that they anticipate taking at the college level and learn the subject matter in a relaxed, non-competitive environment while maximizing their chances to obtain higher course grades and GPA’s.  Adults who have been away from college for years, or perhaps even decades, are given a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and development, irrespective of their religious and secular beliefs, and to catch up on current issues and modes of thought.  Those considering a return to college or grad school have a convenient and affordable option at LAA also.  Enrollment at LAA before making the large financial and personal commitment that formal post-secondary educational institutions require can help you become more comfortable and confident as you make your decision and embark on your formal studies.  A little thought (and each new course offering) can provide many more reasons for you to expand your heart and mind and start down the road to a happier, more meaningful life.  We offer fun and interesting adult activity courses too for those who simply want to unwind or try a new and different experience.

 

What kind of commitment is required by your mini-courses?

Our humanities mini-courses are designed to provide many of the substantive concepts and principles actually taught in the college and university settings to our busy students in 2, 3 or 4 90-minute sessions.  The required Registration Fee includes a books and materials fee and students will be provided with course texts at the first class meeting.  Students are encouraged to spend approximately 30-45 minutes preparing for each course session thereafter.  With no test or exam prep, you can make the most of each course in the manner that best suits your needs, goals and interests – and you may take as many or as few courses as you wish at your own pace and convenience.

 

When are LAA courses offered?  

The Spring/Summer 2009 Session at Lourdes Adult Academy will begin in late April with a Free Lecture Presentation and will continue with our course schedule from May through mid-July 2009.  Click on the menu tab "2008 Calendar" to the left to view our event schedule for 2008.  Check back in March 2009 as we anticipate the addition of new courses for 2009!    

Where do your classes meet?

Our courses meet in the inviting, air-conditioned Chapel on the grounds of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in West Orange, New Jersey during the Spring/Summer session (May through mid-July).   Courses involving recreational activities will generally meet at the location specified in the course description.

 

What are the costs of registration and course tuition?

All Fees and Tuition are suggested or recommended donations designed to cover the administrative, operating and marketing costs of the programs and courses offered. 

A Registration/Book fee of $20 per course is payable at the time of registration.  Registration within five business days of a course start date requires full payment of course tuition and payment of a non-refundable $35 Late Registration Fee.  Course tuition fees vary depending on the content and subject of the course and range generally from $35 to $99 per course. 

 

How can I register for a course?

Click on the “Enrollment Info” menu tab to the left and check out the 5 quick, easy and convenient methods to register.

 

Can I purchase Gift Certificates for others?

Of course.  Simply send an inquiry via e-mail to info@lourdesadultacademy.org and we will forward the necessary information to you via e-mail.  Gift Certificates can be purchased for a specified course tuition or in any of the following amounts:  $20, $35, $50, $75, $100, $125 and $150 and must be redeemed within three (3) years of the issue date.

 

By virtue of your completed enrollment in any substantive Humanities or Religion course, you are entitled to a Gift Certificate, redeemable for future course offerings, for each adult whom you refer in accordance with our Student Referral and Rewards program.  Further details of the SRR program are provided upon completion of your course enrollment.