Guadalupe Center embodies an important mission: ‘Transform Lives Through Education.’ Since its inception in 1966, Guadalupe School has been a beacon of hope for disadvantaged children and non-English speaking adult immigrants in Salt Lake City, Utah, by providing the educational support they need to improve their lives.
In 1966, Our Lady of Guadalupe parish founded The Guadalupe Center on Salt Lake City’s west side with support from Father Jerald Merrill of the local Catholic diocese. What began as a gathering place for the city’s Hispanic community evolved into educational programs under the guidance of Suzanne Weiss. La Morena Cafe opened at the Guadalupe Center to provide food, fellowship, and job training for the Center’s participants. Proceeds from the successful restaurant funded further outreach initiatives in the form of the Adult Education program, which provided English as a Second Language instruction to recent refugees and immigrants.
Recognizing the educational challenges faced by her adult students’ children, Weiss embarked on establishing Guadalupe School’s children’s program in 1970, which has since evolved into the Charter School we know today.
Acknowledging the significance of early intervention, Weiss helped to establish the Early Learning Center in 1992, providing vital programs such as In-Home Family Support, Toddler Transition, and Preschool. These initiatives underscore Guadalupe School’s evolution into a nationally recognized public charter school addressing both academic and broader community exigencies. In 2014, Guadalupe School opened its new location in Rose Park, putting all five programs under one roof for the first time. Guadalupe school now serves over 1,000 adults and children from birth through sixth grade annually, many of whom are the most vulnerable.
As an institution of education, Guadalupe School extends its outreach to students and families from communities that are often marginalized and excluded from mainstream social, economic, and educational spheres. Predominantly residing at or below the federal poverty line, these individuals grapple with food, housing, and employment insecurities. The language barrier exacerbates their plight, hindering success in traditional educational settings. Through its five primary educational programs, emphasizing English literacy, Guadalupe School equips students with a robust academic foundation while furnishing indispensable support services to nurture their educational journey. At its core, Guadalupe School is more than an educational institution; it is a steadfast and nurturing community that believes in providing equitable opportunities for all to lead fulfilling, prosperous, and joyful lives.
