Although every college is different, I will try to give general answers and, when appropriate, I will explain the unique features of Assumption College's Center for Continuing and Professional Education program. This is a fear that will quickly vanish once you begin your classes. Most continuing education programs are geared for returning adult students and you will be in classes with people who are from 20-80 years old. Even if you find yourself in a class with younger students, you will discover that you need not worry about being left behind. Most professors welcome the opportunity for having adults in their classrooms because they find them to be very motivated and conscientious students.
Adults bring a lifetime of experiences to share and their presence adds to the learning environment.
I want to go back to school, but I don't know where to start. Start the process by calling a college's admission's office or continuing education office. Many colleges operate programs for adults or evening programs under the continuing education office and their daytime programs under the admissions office. Once you determine the correct department at the college you are interested in, ask the staff person for a catalog describing their programs. A catalog will answer many questions about the college and whether they have the programs and courses that are right for you.