Business Details
26 Years
experience
Bilingual College-Preparatory Education in Minneapolis
Founded in 2000, El Colegio is a public charter institution dedicated to providing bilingual and bicultural education in Minneapolis. Our mission centers on empowering students through academic rigor, cultural identity, and community leadership. We integrate research-based teaching with family traditions to create a personalized learning environment where every student thrives. With a focus on college and career readiness, we prepare graduates to excel in bilingual settings while fostering critical thinking and social responsibility.Our staff, deeply committed to urban education, brings diverse expertise in culturally responsive pedagogy. As a community anchor, we collaborate with local organizations to address systemic inequities and support immigrant families. Our innovative programs, including dual-language instruction and ethnic studies, reflect our core values of identity, solidarity, intellect, and justice. Over 90% of our graduates pursue higher education, embodying our vision of transformative leadership in a global society.
Services
Bilingual Education
College Prep
Cultural Programs
Community Engagement
Special Education
Career Readiness
Language Support
Student Counseling
Arts Integration
Immigrant Support
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized 1:1 academic support in a small-school environment.
- Our graduates achieve 100% college acceptance through dedicated college counseling.
- We provide dual-language education that honors students' cultural and linguistic heritage.
- Our community partnerships address immigration support and family needs directly.
- We integrate ethnic studies and social justice into all academic programs.
Services
Bilingual Education
Our dual-language program develops proficiency in English and Spanish while strengthening cultural identity. Students engage in immersive coursework that connects academic concepts to their heritage. This approach improves cognitive flexibility and prepares learners for global citizenship through cross-cultural communication skills.
College Prep
We provide comprehensive college counseling, application assistance, and PSEO opportunities. Our 100% college acceptance rate reflects personalized guidance and academic preparation. Students complete senior capstone projects demonstrating research and presentation skills required for university success.
Community Engagement
Students participate in service-learning projects, internships, and public art initiatives. Our building serves as a community hub for cultural events and grassroots organizing. Families engage through cultural celebrations and collaborative decision-making processes that shape school policies.
Ethnic Studies
Courses explore historical and contemporary roles of marginalized communities through Afro-Latinx, East Asian, and Chicano perspectives. Our curriculum challenges Eurocentric narratives by examining social movements, decolonization, and systemic inequities across global contexts.
Student Support
We offer individualized academic plans, mental health resources, and immigration legal connections. Small class sizes ensure teachers understand each student's learning style. Our staff maintains cultural competence in supporting diverse learners from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
People
Aracely Thomas
Head of High School
Aracely Thomas leads El Colegio with over 15 years of experience in bilingual education. She advocates for culturally responsive teaching and community-centered school models. Her leadership emphasizes equity in urban education and immigrant family support.
Yolanda Martinez Pineda
School Counselor
Yolanda Martinez Pineda provides academic and emotional support to students. She specializes in college readiness counseling and family engagement. Her work focuses on creating safe spaces for discussing immigration status and cultural identity.
Landon Nelson
Student Engagement Coordinator
Landon Nelson coordinates extracurricular programs and community partnerships. He develops initiatives that connect classroom learning to real-world social justice issues. His work strengthens student leadership through civic engagement projects.
Questions
What languages are offered at El Colegio?
We provide dual-language instruction in English and Spanish, with heritage language courses maintaining cultural connections for native speakers.
How does El Colegio support college readiness?
We offer college counseling, PSEO programs, senior capstone projects, and partnerships with UnidosUs to ensure 100% college acceptance for graduates.
What community programs are available?
Our building hosts cultural events, grassroots organizing, and family workshops. Students participate in service-learning projects and internships locally.
How does the school address immigration concerns?
We create safe spaces for status discussions, connect families with legal services, and prepare emergency plans for potential family separation.
What special education services are available?
We provide individualized support through licensed special education teachers and tailored learning plans for students with diverse needs.
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Reviews (1)
Mujer Fiera
Oct 10, 2016
Report
Every city across the country needs at least one of these cools committed to social justice, doing culturally responsible/relevant/responsive work. They should be a model to the rest of us!
