Business Details
26 Years
experience
Bilingual High School Education in Minneapolis
El Colegio High School has been dedicated to bilingual education and cultural empowerment since its founding in 2000. Our institution integrates research-based teaching strategies with the cultural and traditional practices of the families we serve, creating a supportive environment where students are deeply known and individually supported. We prioritize academic rigor, leadership development, and community engagement, preparing students for success in college, careers, and as leaders in a bilingual, bicultural world. Our mission is rooted in honoring the talents of bilingual students and their families, fostering critical thinking, and promoting social justice.With a focus on identity, solidarity, intellect, and justice, we cultivate change-makers who contribute to equitable communities globally. Our staff, known for their expertise in diverse urban education, maintains a fully bilingual and licensed team committed to innovative, culturally competent practices. As a charter school authorized by the University of St. Thomas Charter Authorizing Program, we combine academic excellence with compassionate support for trauma-informed learning and community healing.
Services
Bilingual Education
College Readiness Programs
Cultural Enrichment
Community Engagement
Special Education Support
Ethnic Studies Curriculum
Senior Capstone Projects
PSEO College Credit Programs
Arts Integration
Family Support Services
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer a dual-immersion curriculum since 2000 with cultural and traditional practices integration
- 100% college acceptance rate for seniors since 2016 with career readiness programs
- Fully bilingual, licensed staff with expertise in diverse urban education
- Community-focused approach with trauma-informed learning and healing support
- Project-based learning with real-world impact through community service and internships
Services
Bilingual Education
Our dual-immersion program develops proficiency in English and Spanish while honoring students' heritage languages. Through culturally responsive teaching, we integrate language instruction with core academic subjects, fostering cognitive flexibility and cultural competence. This approach has contributed to our 100% college acceptance rate for graduates since 2016.
College Readiness Programs
We provide comprehensive college and career preparation through partnerships with UnidosUs and LEAP. Students receive personalized guidance on applications, financial aid, and career exploration. Our PSEO program allows qualified students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements.
Community Engagement
Students participate in service-learning projects, internships, and public art initiatives that connect classroom learning to community needs. Our building serves as a cultural hub for local organizations, fostering civic participation and leadership development through grassroots collaborations and advocacy training.
Ethnic Studies Curriculum
Our ethnic studies program explores historically underserved communities' contributions through courses like Afro-Caribbean Studies and Social Movements in Art. This curriculum is infused across subjects, promoting critical consciousness and social justice awareness aligned with our core value of justice.
Trauma-Informed Support
We provide a safe space for discussing immigration status and connect families with legal resources. Our trauma-informed approach includes counseling services and preparation for potential family disruptions, creating a supportive environment that addresses students' holistic needs.
People
Aracely Thomas
Head of High School
Aracely Thomas leads El Colegio with over 15 years of experience in bilingual education. She champions culturally responsive leadership and has expanded community partnerships to enhance student support services.
Yolanda Martinez Pineda
School Counselor
Yolanda Martinez Pineda provides comprehensive counseling services, focusing on college readiness and mental health support. With a background in bilingual social work, she helps students navigate academic and personal challenges.
Steve Asencio
ELL Teacher
Steve Asencio specializes in English language development, creating immersive learning experiences that bridge language gaps. His teaching methods incorporate cultural narratives to enhance language acquisition and student engagement.
Gilberto Viveros
Science Teacher
Gilberto Viveros teaches science with an emphasis on hands-on experimentation and real-world applications. He integrates environmental justice topics into his curriculum, connecting scientific concepts to community issues.
Landon Nelson
Student Engagement Coordinator
Landon Nelson coordinates student engagement initiatives, fostering leadership development through community projects. He organizes cultural events that celebrate student diversity and strengthen school-family connections.
Questions
What makes El Colegio's educational approach unique?
Our dual-immersion program combines bilingual education with cultural competency, using Freirean pedagogy and Barrio teaching methods to create culturally responsive learning experiences.
How does El Colegio support college preparation?
We offer personalized college counseling, PSEO programs for college credits, and partnerships with organizations like UnidosUs to ensure 100% college acceptance for graduates.
What community resources are available?
Our building serves as a community hub with cultural programs, legal support connections, and family engagement activities that extend beyond traditional school services.
How does the school address student well-being?
We provide trauma-informed support, mental health counseling, and safe spaces for discussing immigration-related concerns with culturally competent staff.
What extracurricular opportunities exist?
Students engage in community service projects, internships, public art creation, and cultural celebrations that connect learning to real-world applications.
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