Academy of Learning in Retirement


Through volunteerism, the Academy of Learning in Retirement (ALIR), believing in lifelong learning, recognizes and utilizes its members’ wealth of experience and abilities to achieve educational stimulation in the arts, history, literature, languages, and sciences.


  • How It Works & Membership
  • ALIR FAQs
  • Important Dates for Fall 2023

    Monday, Aug 14 - Online payment opens for Fall; payment required to register

    Monday, Aug 21 - Registration for classes opens; ongoing throughout term

    Wed, Sept 6 - Instructors’ Meeting | Orientation for new students

    Monday, Sept 11 - First day of Fall classes

    Monday, Oct 2 - First Luncheon

    Monday, Oct 23 - First day of 2nd 6-weeks classes

    Tues, Oct 24 - Second Luncheon

    Week of Nov 20-24 - Thanksgiving break. No on-campus classes; NEISD closed Thurs, Nov 30 Third Luncheon

    Tuesday, Dec 5 - Art Exhibition and Performing Arts Show

    Friday, Dec 8 - End of Fall term

     

    About


    Academy of Learning in Retirement

    The Academy of Learning in Retirement (ALIR) began in 1989 as an extension of the University of Texas at San Antonio, with a founding vision of an all-volunteer learning academy offering a variety of intellectually stimulating classes to an over-50 crowd. Growth and space considerations necessitated a move from ALIR’s initial home at the Institute of Texan Cultures; happily, the North East Independent School District (NEISD) welcomed ALIR to its Community Education Department in the spring of 2006. In 2020, as a 501(c)(3) corporation, ALIR had a student body of more than 650 senior San Antonians when the COVID-19 pandemic challenged it to begin offering courses online. Although now fully back to a curriculum of in-person classes, ALIR continues to offer Zoom-based, online classes to those who are limited in mobility as well as those who prefer online learning.

    Mission Statement


    Through volunteerism, the Academy of Learning in Retirement (ALIR), believing in lifelong learning, recognizes and utilizes its members’ wealth of experience and abilities to achieve educational stimulation in the arts, history, literature, languages, and sciences.
     

    Contact


    Classes are held at 8750 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, Texas. There’s ample free parking.
     
    For questions or more information, contact Rhonda McRae, ALIR Facilitator, at (210) 407-0167, or visit www.neisd.net/Page/875  and click on ALIR.