Mission & History

Carondelet Catholic School is the parish school of Christ the King and St. Thomas the Apostle.  We are a community dedicated to educating the whole child by providing a strong academic program, teaching Christian values, and preparing students for a life of learning and service.

As part of our mission, we believe...

• in a Catholic Christ-centered environment where Christian values are taught, modeled, learned, and lived. 
• that it is important to provide a friendly and non-threatening atmosphere where creativity, uniqueness and self-esteem of each person are nurtured 
• in promoting life-long learning, personal development, growth in the faith, and encouraging responsible, value-based choices. 
• in educating the whole-child: spiritually; academically; intellectually; physically; emotionally; and socially. 
• that educational opportunity allows for a diversity where learning styles are honored, all individual differences are respected, and children are taught at appropriate development levels. 
• that all children are capable of learning and being creative, independent, and critical thinkers. 
• in challenging the students to be active stewards by sharing their time, talents, leadership, and creativity in the faith community. 
• that learning is not confined to the school building or to textbooks. 
• in education that builds skills and experiences that prepare students for living in the future as responsible adults in a humanly diverse global community.

In 2003 the name of Christ the King-St. Thomas the Apostle School was changed to Carondelet Catholic School. The School Advisory Council began its search for a new name in fall 2002, soliciting suggestions from parishioners, parents, students and members of the community. 

The name Carondelet was chosen to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), the religious order that first sent sisters to teach at both schools, beginning with St. Thomas the Apostle School in 1925, and later with Christ the King School in 1939. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet were a vitally important part of both schools. The two parishes and schools share common bonds, and this was a significant piece of their histories that they shared.

In 1992 the two South Minneapolis parishes merged their schools into one program. The Lower Campus, located at St. Thomas the Apostle, houses grades K-2. The Upper Campus, located at Christ the King, houses grades 3-8. The new name further unites our school community, honors our history, and recognizes those who have given us the gift of Catholic education.

More than 240 Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have worked at these schools, and the school is rich in their traditions of love of God, love of one another, leadership, service, and thirst for knowledge. The name also reflects the values and mission of the school: welcoming, Catholic, serving, with high academic standards. The story of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet is one of challenge and adaptabiltity. They have a tradition of working for social justice. Carondelet is proud to honor their work and mission with the adoption of the Carondelet name.