In the fall of 1994, Learning in Style (LIS) opened its doors at St. Stephen’s Parish in South Minneapolis. The school welcomed students whose history with education had not been successful, but who now as adults knew that they needed to complete at least the equivalent of secondary education. The mission of Learning in Style was to offer learning and success to those who had fallen between the cracks in the public school system.

Within two years, however, it became clear that there was another need in the neighborhood. Many new immigrants from around the world had come to the United States unable to speak English. They were not equipped with the language skills necessary to secure employment and take their place in this society. At this point, the composition of Learning in Style’s student body became mostly non-English-speakers. LIS had evolved to a new mission – the English language education of adult immigrants. And with that a larger space was rented at Calvary Baptist Church nearby.

In the years since:

  • Learning in Style has registered nearly 5,000 students from over 85 countries
  • The faculty and staff have grown from 4 to 20
  • LIS moved into the newly-renovated CSJ Ministry Center at 2200 Nicollet Avenue
  • LIS has two fully-equipped computer labs
  • LIS opened a Children’s Room for students to use while they are in class

Currently, at any given time there are more than 200 students enrolled.

Over the years, the faculty of Learning in Style has always included many Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, most of whom already had long professional histories in education. Several School Sisters of Notre Dame and other valued friends with teaching experience have joined the faculty in recent years. Included on the staff are former elementary, secondary and college-level teachers and administrators as well as people with experience in other fields such as technology, communications and social work.

In the 1999-2000 school year, Learning in Style joined the Minneapolis Public School Consortium of Adult Basic Education (ABE). 

Questions about Learning In Style? Contact us at info@lisschool.org or 612-870-1815.