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.

Spanish environment

Our team communicates, leads and responds in Spanish throughout games and activities. We use non verbal communication, music, and books to encourage picking up the language naturally. Kids practice Spanish when talking to teachers, and listening to instructions throughout the program.
Academic support

Let us know how we can support your students academically! Bilingual storytelling and reading are woven into our daily routine, encouraging a love for reading and stories in both languages. Our goal is to make learning engaging, by playing interactive games and teamwork challenges.

Recreational and movement activities

Keeping students engaged, active and having fun is a key part of our daily routine. We build community and strong friendships through movement in games, teambuilding, and sports matches. We walk to nearby parks, and enjoy the outside area of our site.

Art is another key part of our program that we use to promote creativity, confidence and self expression, through music, dance, acting and many more mediums!

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.

Cultural exploration is at the heart of what we do. Our diverse and passionate team brings a wide range of lived and educational experiences that enrich our programming every day. Kids engage with traditional games from around the world, dive into stories and art from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Indigenous communities, and celebrate Latin American festivities through music, dance, and delicious foods. These experiences not only broaden worldviews but also help children build appreciation for their own identities and the beauty in our differences!

At our Nokomis site, we offer after-school care along with a variety of one-hour enrichment classes Monday through Friday. These classes can be registered separately and are open to all, whether or not your child is enrolled in the full after-school program.

After School Program

2:00 - 6:00PM Monday - Friday

End the school day at BLC, with snack and planned activities. Our schedule changes daily and might include creative arts, STEM challenges, group games, and more—all within a vibrant Spanish immersion environment that celebrates language and culture.

By 4:00 PM, students from surrounding schools like Our Lady of Peace and Hale join us, either through pick-up or bus drop-off. Once everyone has arrived, students split into two groups: those heading to enrichment classes and those participating in a planned activity with our staff. Each day wraps up with a calming activity, helping students transition into the evening.

Classes

Classes vary based on the season and interests of everyone. Our repeating sessions have been cooking, taekwondo, STEM, art and theater. Scroll below to learn more!

Class Catalog

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

We also offer academic tutoring during the school year! We collaborate with the student’s teacher and support them in reaching the classroom’s academic goals. Register through our online Windom registration form and check the box for tutoring. There will be a choice to make these sessions bilingual, English or Spanish focused, as well as a choice for which subject to focus on.

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

During the School year

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.

During Summer break

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!

More information

Little Workers

Early Spanish Literacy Program Preschool

Now accepting Open Registration/ flexible schedule