Practical Intelligence is a place to learn the skills that truly matter in life, in work, and in yourself.
→ Find us on the beautiful Mendocino Coast
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Learn the things You Actually Need -and want - to Know
This isn’t school as you remember it. Practical Intelligence is about real-world learning: building, growing, creating, and mastering everyday tools — both physical and digital. Learn with us, and walk away ready to use what you’ve learned.
At Practical Intelligence, learning is hands-on, diverse, and rooted in the real world. Our classes cover the full spectrum of skills you actually need to live, work, and thrive. Explore modern tech tools and digital literacy workshops that help you work smarter, alongside timeless life skills like communication, problem-solving, and personal development. Step outdoors to learn about biology, foraging, farming, and sustainable practices, or dive into outdoor education and survival skills that reconnect you with nature. We also celebrate the practical and creative arts — from woodworking and tool use to traditional crafts and native arts — giving you both functional know-how and creative expression. Whether you want to grow your own food, fix something with confidence, master new technologies, or simply expand your practical wisdom, Practical Intelligence offers engaging, real-world classes for every part of life.
“The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge”
— C.S. LEWIS
CLASSES, COURSES & EVENTS
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about our classes
At Practical Intelligence, classes are designed to be hands-on, social, and unforgettable. Some take place in the “Brews & Bytes” series — casual after-work sessions where you can enjoy a drink, relax, and still walk away with powerful new skills. Others happen out in the woods, beaches, and meadows, where the natural world becomes the classroom for outdoor education, foraging, and survival training. Still others are hosted on-site at local businesses, turning real workplaces into learning hubs where skills are taught in context.
No matter the setting, every class is built around the same philosophy: maximum learning, maximum fun. Our instructors keep the atmosphere engaging and stress-free, encouraging community, collaboration, and practical results. You’ll gain skills you can use right away, while also connecting with neighbors, local experts, and visiting learners in an environment that feels more like a gathering than a lecture.
AI is everywhere in the headlines, but most people still aren’t sure how to actually use it in their own lives or businesses. This hands-on, project-based course is designed to bridge that gap. Over 6 weeks, you’ll work on a personal or business project of your choice — whether that’s streamlining repetitive tasks, creating better marketing content, organizing information, or exploring creative uses of AI.
Each week, we’ll cover a practical topic, work individually on projects, and then come back together to share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and swap ideas. The vibe is casual and social: small group (max. 12 students) with a focus on real-world results. By the end, you won’t just “know about” AI — you’ll have built something useful with it for yourself!
This class is part of our Brews & Bytes Workshop Series. These after-work classes are held in a local restaurant with a fun, casual atmosphere and attendees are welcome to enjoy a frosty beverage and snacks of their choice.
Featured Course
Featured Course
At Practical Intelligence, learning is hands-on, social, and fun.
From casual Brews & Bytes sessions to outdoor adventures in the woods and on-site workshops at local businesses, our classes turn real places into classrooms.
Every experience is designed for maximum learning and maximum enjoyment — practical skills taught in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere where you connect, collaborate, and walk away with knowledge you can use right away.
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become an instructor
Do you have a special skill or interest that you’d like to share with your community? Would you like to earn some money on the side doing what you love most?
Contact us about offering a class or course through the Practical Intelligence platform. We would love to hear from you!