The small Catholic high school I graduated from didn't have a Home Ec program. I watched my mom a lot (she taught herself to sew after she and my dad married) and wanted her to teach me, but I ended up moving away and getting a job after high school. Thanks to the urging of my Aunt Marie, I took a Singer Sewing Class (yes, Singer offered sewing classes at one time...when Singer still sold their machines in their own stores!). The course was 8 weeks long, and the instructor took only 8 ladies at a time so she could give each one attention. I didn't have a sewing machine at the time, but my mom always had a Singer, so I was able to take the class for half price.
Those few weeks of class served me well over the years. I made lots of clothes for my kids when they were small, and when my daughters were teenagers, I did a lot of prom dresses, not just for them, but for several of their friends also. At one time I had made a suit for my DH and people wouldn't believe me at first! I don't do a lot of sewing for myself anymore, but I do make christening gowns for family and special friends...and of course, I quilt!
Cooking? I learned that from Mom...don't do so many big meals any more, as only DH and I here most days...Come spring and fall, I have more fun, because we have 2 or 3 extra guys helping with field work.