Learn things. Have fun. Make friends.
Small in-person classes around Somerville and Cambridge, taught by people who love their subject. Anyone can join, and most classes cost less than a dinner out.
Classes run in semesters, and the next one is taking shape. Leave your email and we'll tell you when the catalog goes live.
From the FractalU catalog
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? We'll tell the story of how Fractal Boston began and give you an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved. Meet new members and longtime ones.
Mon, Oct 12, 2026 · Free
How it works
Pick a class
Browse the catalog and find the one that pulls at you. New semesters start a few times a year.
Apply in five minutes
Classes stay small, so instructors read a few quick answers to make sure the room works for everyone. Almost everyone gets in.
Show up
That's the whole trick. Come once a week, meet some people, learn the thing.
What it's actually like
Classes stay small, usually a dozen people or fewer. You can ask the obvious question.
One evening, or a few weeks of evenings. The catalog says exactly what you're signing up for.
Cafes, community spaces, sometimes a living room. Exact addresses are shared once you're confirmed.
From people who took one
“The exercises were fun, and really tested my creativity and ability to think on my feet.”
“Accessible, well paced, concrete results, interesting ideas, well prepared.”
FractalU Boston is part of Fractal Boston, a community in Somerville that runs events, dinners, and this school.
Your questions, answered
Do I need experience?
No. Classes assume you're starting from zero unless the description says otherwise, and the description will say so plainly.
I won't know anyone.
Most people arrive alone. That usually lasts about ten minutes; a class of ten has a way of turning into a group chat.
What does it cost?
Instructors set their own prices and keep them low on purpose. Plenty of classes are free; paid ones go straight to the person teaching.
Who teaches these?
Your neighbors. Anyone can propose a class, and our team reviews every proposal before it goes in the catalog.
What if I have to miss a week?
Life happens; instructors know that. The application asks what you can attend so nobody has to pretend.
Catch the next semester
Leave your email and we'll write when the next catalog goes live. No newsletter, just the one note.