Back-to-school season is so back. Knox County Schools and several private schools will welcome students back on Monday, Aug. 10, and UTK hosts its first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 17.

For any post-grad Knoxvillians feeling left out of the fun, we've compiled a list of classes for adults throughout the area — organized by subject name, so you can feel like you're right back in high school. We've even starred what we consider "AP" classes, those that may require a little extra effort or experience.

English

Knoxville Writers Guild | The writers guild hosts monthly programs and quarterly workshops. Members can join writing groups for genres ranging from fantasy fiction to storytelling.

Center for English | Adults seeking to learn English can sign up for in-person or virtual classes at varying levels. The center also hosts digital literacy courses periodically for intermediate and advanced English speakers.

UT Personal Enrichment Course: Language + Writing | Hopeful novelists can take courses that help with the entire process, from writing to publishing and marketing your book.

🌟 Sundress Academy for the Arts | Head to this 45-acre retreat for a writing residence, or take part in the Sundress Workshop Series, a series of creative workshops on composition, revision, and creative development.

Home ec

The Cutting Edge Classroom | Learn from and cook hands-on alongside professional chefs. Upcoming classes include a Japanese Hibachi course on Aug. 23 + The Art of Homemade Gnocchi on Aug. 30.

Financial Education Program | Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union offers free financial workshops on topics like budgeting, fraud awareness, and financial psychology.

Fabric Workshop | Keep an eye on this Facebook group's events page for a variety of sewing and textile classes.

Gym

Circle Modern Dance | This studio offers beginner and open-level dance classes for adults. Bonus: Your first class is free.

The Pickleball Playground | Take a pickleball 101 or 102 course to learn the game that's grown in popularity. Those who are ready for an Honors-level course could opt for a clinic.

Intro to Climbing | Onsight Rock Gym offers 90-minute beginner climbing lessons for adults.

🌟 Studio Arts for Dancers | Studio Arts' Adult Ballet Fit classes require some previous dance experience — from there, it's designed to fit all levels.

History

East TN History | Delve into local history at upcoming lectures, programs, and workshops, like the upcoming Carson-Newman at 175 years lecture.

UT Personal Enrichment Course: History | The 2026 course features four guided tours through some of Knoxville’s most fascinating areas.

Art

Knoxville Arts Center | Try your hand at classes ranging from drawing and painting to jewelry and printmaking.

Fountain City Art Center | Take a one-off, multi-hour art course in mediums like watercolor and oil paints.

🌟 Might Mud Pottery | Mighty Mud offers six-week pottery courses open to beginner and intermediate levels. Each class lasts three hours, so come prepared to learn and work.

Science

Knox County Master Gardeners | Explore classes offered by local Master Gardeners, or join their live Facebook group on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 9 a.m. to learn gardening tips.

UT Personal Enrichment Course: Exploring the Night Sky | This four-week course will teach you to use binoculars and telescopes to see the night sky + you'll learn about the latest research expeditions.

🌟 Geology | This class is offered in November at Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program.