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Youth Language Classes (Age 3- 17)

Bilingual/Advanced Courses: 

Saturdays 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.


2026 CALENDAR

WINTER/SPRING TERM: February 14 – May 16

Winter Open House (& Festa della Befana)  Sunday, January 4, 2026

NO classes on March 14 and April 4.  

Cost: $290 for first child, $260 for second (or third, etc.) child.


Course Information:

The Advanced/Bilingual track is designed for students with previous exposure to Italian; we recommend at least one parent speak Italian in the home or have regular opportunities to interact with Italian-speaking family members, such as during the summers. The 60-minute full-immersion weekly lessons are conducted by university-educated instructors with native fluency in Italian and target improving confidence in speaking and comprehension, as well as increasing vocabulary and grammatical understanding. 



Upcoming events

    • 04 Jan 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Register


    JOIN US in celebrating a favorite Italian holiday with fun activities for children! Experience one of the many cultural and language-learning opportunities for kids and families at the ICC Youth School Winter Open House.

    Stop by our fabulous location in the North Loop’s Traffic Zone Building.

    Meet our teachers, see our classrooms, explore our extensive library, and learn about upcoming classes and events—and more!

    Discover this beloved tradition, uniquely Italian:

    → Read a story about La Befana
    → Sing a song about La Befana
    → Write a letter to La Befana
    → Create crafts inspired by La Befana
    → Taste traditional sweet treats called “i Befanini”
    → And… MEET LA BEFANA!!

    “Buona Befana!”



    • 24 Jan 2026
    • 08 Feb 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • 250 Third Avenue N. Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 14
    Register


    Join the ICC Youth School in preparation for this year’s Carnevale di Venezia by designing, creating, and decorating your own traditional papier-mâché mask. (In Italian, it’s called maschera in cartapesta!)

    Learn this world-famous craft from long-time ICC member Kayte Norini (of South Minneapolis’ Powderhorn Arts and Theater fame!), who will lead this two-part workshop.
    In Session 1, each student will create a mask design, build the armature (frame), and cover the surface with cartapesta.
    In Session 2, the mask will be dry and ready for decoration! The sky’s the limit when it comes to color, shine, and bling.

    Don’t miss this truly memorable event—a hands-on, super-fun cultural learning experience for all ages!

    (This event is recommended for children ages 8 and up.) Parents and grandparents are welcome to listen in on the historical explanations; however, space around the mask-making table is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot!

    Vi aspettiamo!

    • 14 Feb 2026
    • 11:15 AM
    • 16 May 2026
    • 12:15 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625 Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 7
    Register


    Join us for a 60-minute, in-person, full-immersion lesson designed for preschool kids and kindergarteners who have previous exposure to Italian and the opportunity to hear Italian at home.

    These lessons will focus on vocabulary building and oral communication skills through interactive songs, stories, games, and imaginative play. We will also emphasize contemporary Italian culture, traditional holidays, and geography.

    After each lesson, families will receive an email summary of the topics and activities covered in class. This email will include links to the music, online games, or videos used in class, giving families the option to reinforce the material at home throughout the week. 

    Activity Book included!

    NOTE: NO classes on March 14 and April 4.

    • 14 Feb 2026
    • 11:15 AM
    • 16 May 2026
    • 12:15 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625 Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 7
    Register

    Explore our engaging 60-minute in-person lessons, designed for early elementary school children (1st-3rd graders) who want to immerse themselves in the Italian language or who have Italian-speaking backgrounds at home.

    These sessions aim to boost students' confidence in speaking and listening comprehension while introducing them to fundamental reading and writing skills in Italian. Activities are diverse and include interactive elements such as singing, dancing, acting, role-playing, and educational games.

    Following each lesson, families will receive a comprehensive email summary detailing the topics and activities covered during class. Additionally, we provide tailored suggestions for supplementary materials to facilitate continued practice and reinforcement of learning throughout the week.

    Activity Book included!

    NOTE: NO classes on March 14 and April 4.

    • 14 Feb 2026
    • 11:15 AM
    • 16 May 2026
    • 12:15 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625 Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 6
    Register

    Join our 60-minute, in-person, full-immersion Italian lesson designed for Upper Elementary and Middle School students with prior exposure to Italian or the opportunity to hear Italian at home.

    In this engaging course, students will:

    • Focus on vocabulary building and oral communication skills
    • Practice reading, writing, pronunciation, and spelling
    • Expand cultural competency

    Students will have a structured and progressive learning experience by engaging in dynamic activities while following an age-appropriate workbook. Our dynamic activities include role-plays, music, movement, games, and crafts, all conducted entirely in Italian. We also emphasize contemporary Italian culture, traditional holidays, and geography. 

    After each lesson, families will receive an email summary of the topics and activities covered in class. We will also provide suggestions and links for optional exercises to review and practice at home during the week.

    Use this link to purchase book, Espresso Ragazzi 1 with e-book access code.

    NOTE: NO classes on March 14 and April 4.

    • 14 Feb 2026
    • 11:15 AM
    • 16 May 2026
    • 12:30 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625 Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 6
    Register


    Explore our engaging 75-minute, in-person, full-immersion lesson for teens with previous exposure to Italian, or students who are bilingual in another romance language.

    Students will improve precision in their speaking and listening comprehension skills, build confidence in communicating with peers, expand their vocabulary and use of more complex grammar while deepening their cultural competency through comparisons informed by readings, writings, audio-visual media, and their own experiences. Discussions will be entirely in Italian and students will have the chance to engage with College-Board materials designed to prepare them for an eventual Italian AP Exam.

    Students will have a structured and progressive learning experience by engaging in dynamic activities and following an age and level-appropriate textbook. After each lesson, families will receive an email summary of the topics and activities covered in class, along with specific exercise suggestions to practice the material during the week.

    NOTE: NO classes on March 14 and April 4.

    Please use this link to purchase book Espresso Ragazzi 1, incl. e-book access code.

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250 Third Ave. N, Suite 625
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 295-4111

The Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St. Paul is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization © Italian Cultural Center All Rights Reserved
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