Nokomis
Before and after school program
Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church
Welcome to our Nokomis site! We foster a bilingual environment in shape of programming that brings together diverse perspectives, and encourages cultural exploration, celebration, and new friendships.
This site welcomes students from all Minneapolis public schools, as well as surrounding private schools in the area. Emerson, Hale and Green Central being the most popular. We want to welcome and bring together native Spanish speaking students as well as those learning Spanish as a second language, and create a community where we can learn from one another, create meaningful memories and make new friendships. We strive to embody our slogan: two languages, many cultures and one amazing place.
What we offer at Nokomis
Our Program
Our program runs year-round and is divided into four sessions: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Registration deadlines are listed on our flyers and news updates—but if you missed the deadline, don’t worry! Reach out and we’ll do our best to find a spot if space allows.
Your child will explore Latino cultures, guided by our diverse and passionate team who bring a wide range of lived and educational experiences. They’ll engage with traditional games from around the world, dive into stories and art from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Indigenous communities, and celebrate Latin American festivities through music, dance, and delicious foods. These experiences not only broaden worldviews but will also help your child build appreciation for their own identities and the beauty in our differences!
At our Nokomis site, we also offer a variety of one-hour classes Monday through Friday around taekwondo, art, cooking, theater and more. These classes can be registered separately and are open to all, whether or not they are enrolled in the full after-school program.
2026 School Schedule and Prices
- 2:00–6:00pm
- Emerson Elementary (with bus)
- 26.50/day
- 3:30–6:00pm
- Hale & OLAP (walk with BLC staff)
- 20/day
- 4:00–6:00pm
- Green Central (with bus)
- 21/day
- 7:30–10:30am
- Pre K & Kinder age
- 36/day
- 7:30–10:30am
- 1st–2nd grade
- 30/day
Before School Program
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 - 10:30am
We have a new before school program for Pre K - 2nd graders aimed for families who need support walking and waiting for the bus while having their child experience culture and the Spanish language. Your kiddos will start their morning with creative art projects, Spanish games, fun movement activities and new friends. Our team will walk your kids to Hale and OLAP, or wait with them during their bus pick up. This will be an amazing way to start the day!
After School Program
Your BLC kid will end the school day with snacks and planned activities. Every day will be different, Monday may include creative arts, Tuesday will be all about STEM challenges, Wednesday might bring group games or a dance session, Thursday may bring a trip to Triangle park, Friday will be movie night. There are so many different ways their day will end– all in a welcoming and vibrant Bilingual environment celebrating language and culture.
4:00 PM, is when even more students from Hale, Our Lady of Peace, Field and Green Central students join the excitement. Your child will meet so many new friends, and discover so many new activities!
Classes
Whether your little one is part of the after school program or not, they are welcomed to join what February is bringing: Theater, Taekwondo, Cooking, and Art with Ann at BLC Nokomis! Scroll below to learn more.
Empowering the next generation
Discover our enrichment classes throughout the school year
Registrations Now Open
Summer Camp
During June and July, BLC offers several weeks of all-day camps at Nokomis Heights on Mondays through Fridays. Camp activities include art and crafts, physical activities, reading time, Lego building, outdoor activities and more. Each Friday the students go on a field trip: past field trips have included water park visits, Como Zoo, and nature programs. Students can register for as many weeks as they are interested in.
Extra Academic Support
One on One Bilingual Tutoring
Support your students’ academics with BLC tutoring during the school year. Your child will work on English or Spanish communication, reading, writing, and / or math, with licensed teachers and university students.
Sign up using the Nokomis Site Registration form below.
Allow us at least one week to find a fitting instructor. We will contact you promptly.
Learn about our programs during no school days
Care during academic breaks
We will be open for non-school days during the academic year for full day care or days we call “Release days”. These days are themed and will have a routine similar to our Summer camp, that is in line with the theme. We’ve had pajama day, music day, animals and more!
Release day dates (no school day care):
September 23
October 2
October 15
November 4
January 23
March 20
We are not open for MEA break, spring break, or winter break unless listed above.
Learn more about our summer camp! Hosted at our Nokomis site, during June – August we offer camp you may register on a week by week basis. Weekly field trips, swimming, trips to the park and cooking!
Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church
FAQs
This site is 70/30 Spanish/English, and throughout the day the kiddos are communicated and led in Spanish. A majority of students come from Emerson and Green Central, Spanish Immersion schools, while a handful come from Hale, and Our Lady of Peace.
Yes! All levels are welcomed at BLC, many students speak English, and there are staff who translate so everyone feels comfortable.
Although Nokomis Heights Lutheran church kindly hosts our summer camp, we are not affiliated with any religion. There is Christian art around the space, but they are never part of our conversations or activities throughout the day.
We allow schedule changes at any time. We ask for changes to be done a month in advance, or a schedule change fee will be applied if we have to change invoices before the next month.
There is a two day minimum for both our before and after school program.
There is a two day minimum. All kiddos need to be able to go to the bathroom by themselves. Drop off any time between 7:30 – 10:30am. Let us know their school start times, and whether they need to be walked to Hale, OLAP or the time their bus will pick them up from our Nokomis site. Families must arrange transportation with their schools.
Little Workers
Early Spanish Literacy Program Preschool
Now accepting Open Registration/ flexible schedule
