ABOUT
Learning In Style School provides quality education in English, computer, and citizenship in a supportive and respectful environment to immigrants and refugees from dozens of different nations. Our school is committed to making a difference in the lives of our students by offering personalized attention and a comprehensive curriculum. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential.
LIS School hires professional teachers who hold bachelor's or advanced degrees in Education, English, English ESL and/or English Teaching to Foreign Language Learners. We do not have volunteers teaching classes, but instead have them work one-on-one with students, or help support in-class teaching.
HISTORY
LIS was established in 1994 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (the “CSJs”) to serve adult learners in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. The school was first at St. Stephen’s Parish and moved to its current location on Nicollet Avenue in 2009. Early students were primarily English language speakers who hadn’t completed their high school education. As the neighborhood changed, so did the school’s focus: to meeting the needs of immigrant English language learners. More information on the CSJs is here.
Learning In Style was named by its founders - including founding director Agnes “Ag” Foley, CSJ - and reflects their recognition and appreciation of the various learning styles by which anyone successfully acquires knowledge and skills.
Accola
In 2023, after carefully considering how to ensure that ministries rooted in social justice continue to thrive, the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Ministries Foundation Board of Directors created a new independent, unified 501c3 non-profit. In the summer of 2024, this new organization was named “Accola,” which in Latin means “to dwell nearby” or “neighbor.”
This new organization aligns with the Sisters’ history of adaptability and willingness to grow and change. What was previously the Ministries Foundation is now the Advancement department of the new organization, and three ministries (or programs) -- Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality, Learning in Style School, and Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women -- are now housed within the new organization. More information on Accola is here.
Address
2200 Nicollet Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone
612.870.1814
