Best Schools for Continuing Education in Winnipeg
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5 Best Schools for Continuing Education in Winnipeg

In the world we live in, we go to school to learn about different things, get good grades, mingle with people, and, eventually, graduate so we can work our dream jobs.

But because the workforce continues to evolve, those who want to get ahead in their careers keep up by either working to get promoted or pursuing further education to expand their knowledge and skills.

On the other hand, others pick up where they left off and continue their schooling to achieve the future they want for themselves and their families.

So whether you’re seeking further education to become better in your chosen career or want to start that college degree you’ve been dreaming of, Winnipeg has a handful of top-rated schools that offer continuing education programs.

In this article, we will explore the best educational institutions that offer continuing education courses and classes to adults.

And while master’s and doctorate studies are prime examples of continuing education programs, we will also cover other suitable courses that enable adult learners to finish high school and enter college.

But before we jump to our list, let’s discuss how much you’ll need to pay to enrol in any continuing education program in Winnipeg.

How much does it cost to continue education in Winnipeg?

The cost of enrolling in continuing education schools in Winnipeg anchors on:

  • What courses or programs you’ll get
  • Whether you’ll choose to study on-site or online
  • If you’re living in Canada or you’re an international student 

Other aspects that contribute to educational costs may be the school you’re enrolled at and other miscellaneous fees (e.g. registration fees, distance learning course fees, and transcript fees).

To get a rough idea of how much it will cost to continue your education in Winnipeg, below is a price table of some of the most common types of programs covered by continuing education institutions:

PROGRAM PRICE RANGE
Diploma courses $10,000 – $15,000/year
Postsecondary degrees $2,500 – $11,400/year
English as Secondary Language$20/hour
GED trainingAround $230/class
Personal development $20 –$100/course
Corporate trainingUp to $10,000/trainee

Note that some educational institutions may offer free tuition fees to applicants who will qualify for their scholarship or financial assistance perimeters. For example, elderly students over the age of 60 or 65 may be granted free tuition fees.

What are the best schools to get a continuing education program in Winnipeg?

Now that you know the potential prices of continuing education programs in Winnipeg, let’s move on to the best educational institutions in Winnipeg to pursue higher learning. 

For this list, we chose schools based on the array of continuing education programs they offer, the pool of students they accept, the environment of the school, and the teaching quality.

Array of programs/courses – Does the institution offer courses that let people resume their studies or pursue the right training/knowledge for jobs?
Selection of students – Does the school accept learners from different backgrounds or does it implement strict protocols on whom to accommodate?
School/class environment – Does the school or class environment promote learning and productivity for adult learners, whether online or offline?
Overall teaching quality – Do the courses cover the necessary topics for learners to progress in their studies or career?

1. Winnipeg Adult Education Centre

Winnipeg Adult Education Centre Homepage
COURSES OFFEREDGrade 12 credit courses, pre-grade 12 credit courses, English as Additional Language, tutoring for all subjects, humanities, physical education, visual arts, and information and communications technology
WEBSITEhttps://www.winnipegsd.ca/winnipegadultedcentre
CONTACT DETAILSPhone: +1 (204) 775-0231

Fax: +1 (204) 956-5049

Email: [email protected]

ADDRESS310 Vaughan St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2N8, Canada
CRITERIARATING
ARRAY OF PROGRAMS/COURSES OFFERED★★★★★ 5/5
SELECTION OF STUDENTS★★★★☆ 4/5
SCHOOL/CLASS ENVIRONMENT★★★★☆ 4/5 
Promotes productivity★★★★★ 5/5
Clean, organized, and well-maintained★★★☆☆ 3/5
TEACHING QUALITY★★★★★ 5/5
Instructors are friendly and professional★★★★★ 5/5
Encourages learning and independence★★★★★ 5/5

At the Winnipeg Adult Education Centre (WAEC), people who want to finish Grade 12 to continue high school or college will finally fulfil their dreams of finishing school.

Former students appreciated this institution for helping them get on their feet and pursue their studies despite their age.

We like that because, after all, we believe education is a right and everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their goals.

Besides providing credit courses that allow people to enter higher levels of schooling, WAEC also offers an array of courses that expand students’ knowledge in different fields they want to pursue.

For example, let’s say you want to pursue law school after you’ve finished college. In that case, you may register for Law 40S and Global Issues 40S classes to get credits that may be helpful for law school.

Or, if you want to master the English language, both in spoken and written forms, you may enrol in WAEC’s English Language Arts program and study comprehensive English, literary English, transactional English, and English focused on indigenous literature.

WAEC also offers courses in mathematics, sciences, physical education, visual arts, and information and communications technology.

That said, its array of courses gives many adult learners the chance to earn credits that qualify them for high school and university. Additionally, both on-site and online classes are organized in ways that promote learning and critical thinking. 

From what we’ve seen, teachers are professional and friendly during classes. Former students also praised their instructors for treating them as adults and assisting them while they learn at their own pace.

Now, if you’re interested in availing of WAEC’s continuing education programs, there are  registration prerequisites before you get into the institution.

For example, Canadian citizens must present their Manitoba health card, transcript of records from previous schools, and documents supporting their name change (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, Canadian passport, or change of name certificate).

On the other hand, non-Canadian citizens may still apply to WAEC. They’ll just need to provide their Landed Immigrant or Permanent Residence documents, student visa, refugee status, and Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores if any.

Throughout its 150 years of providing learning opportunities to many, we’ve noticed that WAEC has been inclusive in the pool of students it accepts.

People from different cultures, genders, and sexual orientations can enrol and learn from WAEC’s top-tier classes. But we do see a downside in this inclusivity.

The school has been getting a lot of complaints about its COVID-19 vaccine passport protocol. Sure, getting the vaccine might be a tricky topic when it comes to human rights and the freedom of choice. 

However, we honestly think that WAEC’s implementation of the vax passport for on-site classes is a way to reduce the risk of contact and infection between students, especially unvaccinated ones.

That said, we suggest that applicants who are against the vax passport should instead opt for online classes. That way, they may still apply for courses they want while exercising their right to their health and body.

Pros

  • Courses in English, mathematics, science, and applied arts are available
  • Non-Canadian citizens can apply
  • Online and onsite classes are available

Cons

  • Non-vaccinated individuals might not be allowed to apply for on-site classes
  • Parking area isn’t that spacious

Customer Reviews

Helped me stop my struggle in my schooling experience!

The most respected and heard moment of my life so far. I am a fall through the cracks kid from early 2000’s…. life has been a STRUGGLE. That struggle stopped yesterday and thank you ever so kindly for treating me like an adult and seeing me as the human I am. You all do amazing work. – Kayla Shelly

Helped me ace Math 300.

I attended a long time ago but I aced my Math 300. Easy once all the ” filler ” stuff from regular school was eliminated. – J Wurmnest

2.  Seven Oak’s Adult Education Centre

Seven Oak’s Adult Education Centre Homepage
COURSES OFFEREDGrades 9 to 12 credits, applied mathematics, pre-calculus, comprehensive and transactional English, chemistry, biology, physics, various electives, and mature student diploma courses
WEBSITEhttps://www.7oaks.org/school/aec
CONTACT DETAILSPhone: +1 (204) 589-9852

Fax: 204-336-2751

Email: [email protected]

ADDRESS1747 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, R2V 1Z6
CRITERIARATING
ARRAY OF PROGRAMS/COURSES OFFERED★★★★★ 5/5
SELECTION OF STUDENTS★★★★★ 5/5
SCHOOL/CLASS ENVIRONMENT★★★★★ 5/5
Promotes productivity★★★★★ 5/5
Clean, organized, and well-maintained★★★★★ 5/5
TEACHING QUALITY★★★★★ 5/5
Instructors are friendly and professional★★★★★ 5/5
Encourages learning and independence★★★★★ 5/5

If you’re looking for a seemingly perfect educational institution for you to finish high school, the Adult Learning Centre (AEC) of the Seven Oaks Division is the right place for you.

Since its establishment in 1999, AEC has committed itself to helping adults attain their personal, educational, and career goals. 

It prides itself in helping students get their high school diplomas and move on to their dream colleges or pursue different career prospects.

One former student who graduated valedictorian in the high school course can’t thank AC enough for helping them get the credits they need for college and postgraduate studies. 

And like them, you can also pick up where you left off and continue your path to growth through AEC’s array of courses.

Most of AEC’s courses cover mathematics, English, and sciences. These subjects also have sub-branches that are required for finishing Grade 9, Grade 11, and Grade 12 credits.

Subjects are arranged in a hierarchy; meaning, you’ll need to finish certain subjects first before moving to more advanced classes and levels. That might be a little bit of a nuisance for some, but we think the school means well in implementing this policy. 

That said, you won’t feel overwhelmed with the number of lessons you need to take to get the credits you need to finish high school and go for postsecondary studies in the future.

Plus, happy students said that AEC’s teachers are friendly, patient, and professional. You will have mentors who will guide you in aspects you don’t understand, while also letting you become an independent adult and learn at your own pace.

Now, let’s talk about how AEC prioritizes its students’ wellness. Teachers are available morning, afternoon, and night, which means students can ask questions about lessons they don’t understand well.

AEC’s website also offers English and maths resources for those who need additional helpful content for these subjects.

And for students who are still unsure of the right school to go to, we like that AEC offers career counselling classes that give them information on the colleges, universities, and jobs they can apply to.

Overall, with excellent courses, friendly and professional teachers, and student resources, we honestly think AEC is a great place to continue your studies and pursue knowledge for your chosen career.

Pros

  • Offers credits for Grades 9 to 12
  • Student resources are available it is website
  • Career counselling is available to help students with their college or career choice

Cons

  • Student needs to finish 4 to 5 Grade-12 credits to qualify for mature student diplomas

Customer Reviews

Teachers are amazing and helpful!

This was honestly the best experience for schooling. The teachers are absolutely amazing and really do want to see students graduate and do good! The teachers help in anyway they can and are super understanding… especially if you have little ones at home. Great school. – Allison Kaylee Dawn

Great school with supportive staff.

Was always a great school, and since they moved it is much more convenient.  The teachers and staff are caring, friendly and genuinely want each student to succeed.  Staff are available from morning to late evening and are always extremely helpful. – Jeremy Bergmann

3. Seven Oaks Adult Learning Centre

Seven Oaks Adult Learning Centre Homepage
COURSES OFFEREDEnglish as a secondary language, applied mathematics, essential mathematics, life and work transitioning, credit for employment, psychology, global issues, and psychology
WEBSITEhttps://www.7oaks.org/school/adulteducation/
CONTACT DETAILSPhone: +1 (204) 586-8061

Fax: +1 (204) 589-2504

Email: [email protected]

ADDRESS950 Jefferson Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2P 1W1. Canada
CRITERIARATING
ARRAY OF PROGRAMS/COURSES OFFERED★★★★★ 5/5
SELECTION OF STUDENTS★★★★★ 5/5
SCHOOL/CLASS ENVIRONMENT★★★★☆ 4/5
Promotes productivity★★★★★ 5/5
Clean, organized, and well-maintained★★★☆☆ 3/5
TEACHING QUALITY★★★★☆ 4/5
Instructors are friendly and professional★★★★★ 5/5
Encourages learning and independence★★★★☆ 4/5

Yet another educational institution under the Seven Oaks Division, the Adult Learning Centre (ALC) specializes in mature student diploma courses – classes that help students ages 19 and older apply for community college or university.

So, let’s say you’ve finished high school at AEC and need additional credits to get your mature student diploma.

You’ll need to finish four Grade 12 credits with level 40S English and maths subjects to be qualified for college. On the other hand, for entering university you’ll need to finish five Grade-12 credits.

But what if you’ve had previous high school experience before and just need to take the required courses to be qualified for college or university?

Fortunately, ALC’s mature student diploma program has level 40S subjects that are required for completing the diploma and pursuing post-secondary studies.

Students may choose from the different English, math, and science subjects they’ll need to finish their requirements. Then, they may consult the career counselling page to help them choose a college or university.

Besides offering level 40S subjects for students to finish high school and get their mature student diploma, ALC also has subjects to help those aged 18 to 15 complete their Grade 11 credits.

Called BridgES, this program offers level 30S and 40S English and math to students who are struggling in these subjects. That way, they’ll get the right credits to move to Grade 12 and, eventually, university.

ALC’s intensive English classes may also help students qualify for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) certification and improve their Canadian Language Benchmarks score.

We honestly think that ALC’s array of intensive English and math lessons is excellent for shaping adult learners to be prepared for high school and college.

On the downside, a few students who have taken lessons for the mature student diploma said that their lessons could have been better.

Now, we think that this dissatisfaction could be due to the students’  experience with their teachers or the lack of support when it comes to difficult subjects.

Of course, learning styles differ from one another. That said, we honestly think consulting teachers to get clearer answers is crucial to learning at one’s own pace.

After all, being spoon-fed won’t always be beneficial; sometimes you’ll need to be self-reliant and seek the answers you’ll need to understand your subjects better. 

Additionally, we also think that some of ALC’s teachers may have to tailor-fit their teaching approaches to fit students of different ages. 

That way, students will learn effectively and teachers will be imparting useful knowledge and skillsets to adult learners who are aiming to reach their goals.

Pros

  • Offers Level 30S and 40S subjects to complete Grades 11 and 12
  • English as Secondary Language is part of the BridgES program

Cons

  • Some teaching approaches might need fine-tuning

Customer Reviews

A school that is diverse and accommodating. 

A diverse school with many people from different backgrounds. Staff are very welcoming and accommodating. The facility is clean, quiet and more on the small scale compared to the average high school. – Kelsey Semler

Teachers are helpful and professional!

I currently go to this school and it amazes me how caring and professional the teachers are. They’d always ask me if I needed help on something or if I am doing okay.  – Gabe Kawaguchi

4. McLeod Adult Learning Centre

McLeod Adult Learning Centre Homepage
COURSES OFFEREDEnglish as Additional Language, biology, physics, pre-calculus, applied math, psychology, and applied business technology
WEBSITEhttps://www.retsd.mb.ca/
CONTACT DETAILSPhone: +1 (204) 667-6193

Fax: +1 (204) 668-9309

Email: [email protected]

ADDRESS530 McLeod Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2K 0B5, Canada
CRITERIARATING
ARRAY OF PROGRAMS/COURSES OFFERED★★★★★ 5/5
SELECTION OF STUDENTS★★★★★ 5/5
SCHOOL/CLASS ENVIRONMENT★★★★☆ 4/5
Promotes productivity★★★★★ 5/5
Clean, organized, and well-maintained★★★☆☆ 3/5
TEACHING QUALITY★★★★☆ 4/5
Instructors are friendly and professional★★★☆☆ 3/5
Encourages learning and independence★★★★☆ 4/5

Another top-rated institution to get continuing education programs in Winnipeg is McLeod Adult Learning Centre in McLeod Avenue.

It prides itself in having helped hundreds of students get their high school diplomas and finish credits to apply for college and university.

Several students also thank McLeod Adult Learning Centre for helping them finish courses to advance in their careers.

In fact, one former student told us about how he was unwilling to take a course as part of his job requirement. But after weeks of classes with great instructors and new friends, he aced his course and is happy he enrolled at McLeod.

And like this student, we believe that you can also experience conducive learning environments to help you ace credits that will get you your high school diploma. 

Other than providing classes to complete your high school education, McLeod also offers missing or specific courses that enable you to enter your dream university.

For example, if you’ve graduated high school but lack prerequisite subjects for your chosen degree, McLeod has subjects that you can take to complete your degree or apprenticeship programs. 

Other than helping adult learners finish their studies, McLeod also offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes to non-Canadian citizens.

Immigrants and international students may pursue  EAL courses to improve their hold of the English language. Students will master speaking and writing in English, and perhaps apply for a LINC certificate and improve their CLB scores.

With diplomas and certifications in English, students can apply for language-related jobs in Winnipeg and abroad.

Now, if there will be any fine-tuning needed, it is perhaps with McLeod’s pool of instructors.

For example, one former adult learner didn’t like how her instructor was so mean towards the students. Despite having met good friends, she didn’t enjoy her learning experience due to her teacher.

With these, we think it is important for McLeod to assess its pool of teachers and remind them to stay professional and accommodating to students.

McLeod may be an adult learning centre, but being encouraging and patient are still helpful in helping people achieve their goals, no matter their age! Plus, former students will most likely recommend kind and friendly teachers to future students.

Pros

  • Offers specific courses for completing university/college application requirements
  • Has day and night classes to accommodate working adults

Cons

  • Teaching staff need to be friendlier and kinder

Customer Reviews

Reluctant at first, but satisfied in the end. 

Reluctantly had to take a course for a job requirement. From the registration process to the class I took it was a pleasure. I had Cody for an instructor, he was unbelievable, he was available before and after class for extra help, the other instructors engaged with all the students. The school is very fortunate to have such a great staff. Highly recommended.  Before registering keep in mind you may have to do the limbo to get into class – Mark Marino

Awesome school environment.

The environment of this school is awesome! After not being in school for several years it was very refreshing coming to finish my high school here as all the teachers were unbelievable kind and welcoming! I wish I would rate higher than 5 stars. – Kevin Schroeder

5. Canadian Mennonite University

Canadian Mennonite University Homepage
COURSES OFFEREDHigh school diploma credits, auditing classes, General Education Development (GED), extended education for credit, and extended education for cross-enrollees.
WEBSITEhttps://www.cmu.ca/
CONTACT DETAILSPhone: +1 (204) 487-3300

Fax: +1 (204) 487-3858

Email: [email protected]

ADDRESS500 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2, Canada
CRITERIARATING
ARRAY OF PROGRAMS/COURSES OFFERED★★★★☆ 4/5
SELECTION OF STUDENTS★★★★☆ 4/5
SCHOOL/CLASS ENVIRONMENT★★★★★ 5/5
Promotes Productivity★★★★★ 5/5
Clean, organized, and well-maintained★★★★★ 5/5
TEACHING QUALITY★★★★★ 5/5
Instructors are Friendly and Professional★★★★★ 5/5
Encourages learning and independence★★★★★ 5/5

As the only university to make it to our list, the Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a leading private educational institution that offers all sorts of courses for young and adult learners.

And although the Christian university has a limited array of continuing education courses compared to the previous four entries, we still think the school is an excellent place to take specific courses for certain requirements.

For example, if you’re eyeing a degree but aren’t sure you’ll do well in the required subjects, enrol in CMU’s auditing classes.

To audit a class means to enrol in subjects for no grade or credit. While doing so may seem like a waste of time and resources, we think it is a great way to assess whether you’ll push through with the courses you want.

Now, let’s say you want to continue your auditing classes and get credits for your chosen university course. CMU also has extended education programs that let students take specific courses to get the credits they need.

On the downside, admission will be based on an applicant’s high school or GED experience. Applicants with no high school diplomas or who haven’t entered high school at all may not qualify for this program, which, to be honest, we don’t really like. 

CMU accommodates cross-enrollees from other institutions that need to finish a specific course or subject in order to graduate on time.

For instance, let’s say you need just one subject to finish your degree, but the said subject is only offered by your home institution next semester.

If CMU offers that one subject in the current semester you need to finish, you may apply and enrol in the university to get the credits you need.

Now, let’s talk about CMU’s inclusivity when it comes to admitting students. The university may be grounded in Mennonite Christian values, but it is open to accepting students from different cultures, religions, sexual orientations, political affiliations, and economic standings. 

Yes, you don’t need to be Mennonite to be admitted to CMU! The school will embrace who you are and commit to giving you the best continuing education experience.

Pros

  • Open to students of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds
  • Offers auditing and cross-enrollee classes

Cons

  • Admission for some extended classes requires high school and GED certifications

Customer Reviews

Fantastic staff and charming school environment.

The university has character and charm. The buildings and grounds are well maintained.  However,  the best thing about CMU is the staff. Every single staff member I encountered,  from server at the coffee bar to  the vice-president of academics to the professors to the recruitment staff, was fantastic. The were attentive, knowledgeable and caring.

The place had a truly genuine atmosphere. – C G

A beautiful and well-maintained university.

The University is very beautiful,clean and well maintained.I am recommending this institution as a University worth completing your postgraduate and undergraduate degree courses. – Juliet Sewell

FAQs on the Best Continuing Education Institutions in Winnipeg


And that sums up our list of the best places in Winnipeg to apply to continuing education programs.

Remember, you can still fulfil your dream degrees and careers even if you’ve been out of school for too long with these educational institutions.

And if you’re looking for the best schools to send your kids or grandkids, check out the best preschools and private schools in Winnipeg.