Business Details
Bilingual Catholic Education for K-8 Students in Minneapolis
Risen Christ Catholic School has established itself as Minnesota's only Catholic dual immersion institution, dedicated to nurturing students in mind, body, and spirit. Our educational model integrates bilingualism, multicultural competence, and Catholic values, creating a foundation for academic and personal excellence. With a curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading and mathematics education tailored for dual-language learners, we ensure students develop proficiency in both English and Spanish while meeting rigorous academic standards. Our affiliation with the Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS) and Boston College validates our commitment to innovative pedagogy.Through weekly Mass participation, service-learning initiatives, and partnerships with community organizations, we cultivate spiritual growth and social responsibility. Our faculty, many of whom are bilingual educators, implement research-based methodologies that have demonstrated measurable success in closing achievement gaps for English Language Learners. By maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention, we empower students to become confident, ethical leaders prepared for high school, college, and global citizenship.
Services
Dual Language Immersion
Catholic Faith Formation
After-School Enrichment
Athletics Programs
Family Engagement
Specialist Classes
Technology Education
Service Learning
Spiritual Development
Community Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We offer a nationally recognized dual immersion program fostering bilingualism and cultural competence
- Our graduates achieve 100% high school graduation and college enrollment rates
- Catholic values are integrated into daily curriculum and spiritual formation
- Bilingual staff supports families through culturally responsive communication
- We maintain 100% tuition assistance eligibility for qualifying families
Associations and certifications
- Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS)
- Boston College Roche Center for Catholic Education
- Seal of Biliteracy Pathway Award
What people say
Broadened worldview
Academic excellence
Cultural appreciation
Faith development
College readiness
Services
Dual Language Immersion
Our comprehensive dual immersion program teaches students in both English and Spanish across all academic subjects. Native English and Spanish speakers learn together, developing biliteracy while meeting state standards. Research-based methodologies ensure proficiency in both languages by 8th grade, preparing students for academic success and global citizenship.
Catholic Faith Formation
Faith formation integrates Catholic teachings into daily curriculum through weekly Mass, sacramental preparation, and virtue education. Students participate in service projects and cultural celebrations, deepening their spiritual understanding while respecting diverse backgrounds. This holistic approach nurtures moral character and community responsibility aligned with Gospel values.
After-School Enrichment
We offer diverse enrichment activities including urban debate, yearbook creation, and artist residencies. Partnerships with Augsburg University and COMPAS provide unique learning opportunities. These programs develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills while extending educational engagement beyond regular school hours through hands-on, experiential learning.
Family Engagement
Our family-centered approach includes volunteer opportunities, parent workshops, and bilingual communication. Parents participate in classroom activities and cultural events, strengthening home-school connections. This collaborative partnership supports student success through shared educational goals and culturally responsive practices that honor family heritage.
Academic Support
We provide targeted academic support through Title I tutoring and individualized learning plans. Our curriculum combines Amplify CKLA with Houghton Mifflin math resources, ensuring foundational skills mastery. Data-driven instruction addresses diverse learning needs while maintaining high expectations for all students, resulting in measurable academic growth and achievement.
People
Carmen Grace Poppert
Principal
Carmen Poppert leads with over 20 years of Catholic education experience, focusing on bilingual program development and community engagement. She champions equity in education while maintaining academic rigor.
Carlos Moreno
Athletic Director
Carlos Moreno oversees sports programs, bringing 15 years of youth athletic development expertise. He coordinates partnerships with Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board to provide comprehensive sports opportunities for middle school students.
Casey Gutierrez Thomson
Dual Immersion Program Coordinator
Casey Gutierrez Thomson specializes in dual language education, implementing research-based strategies that have made Risen Christ a model program. With decade-long experience in bilingual pedagogy, she supports teacher development and curriculum design.
Dana Alcal
Director of Community Engagement
Dana Alcal builds community partnerships and manages outreach initiatives. Her work strengthens family connections and expands resources for student success through collaborative programming and cultural events.
Nathan Meehling
Director of Business Administration
Nathan Meehling manages financial operations with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. He develops tuition assistance programs ensuring socioeconomic diversity while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Questions
What makes Risen Christ's dual immersion program unique?
We're Minnesota's only Catholic dual immersion school, combining faith formation with bilingual education. Our program uniquely integrates native English and Spanish speakers in a faith-based environment.
How does the school support family engagement?
We offer volunteer opportunities, parent workshops, and bilingual communication. Families participate in cultural events and classroom activities, strengthening home-school partnerships through regular engagement.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We provide urban debate leagues, yearbook creation, artist residencies, and sports programs. Partnerships with Augsburg University and COMPAS offer unique enrichment opportunities beyond standard offerings.
How does the school accommodate different financial situations?
Our sliding scale tuition ranges from $580–$4,375 with multi-child discounts. No family pays the full rate if they can't afford it, ensuring accessibility for all socioeconomic backgrounds.
What spiritual development opportunities exist?
Students attend weekly Mass, participate in sacramental preparation, and engage in service projects. Virtue education through Spirit Houses fosters character development aligned with Catholic teachings.
How are academic outcomes measured?
We track bilingual proficiency, academic achievement against state standards, and long-term success metrics. Graduates consistently achieve 100% high school graduation and college enrollment rates.
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