Lakes International Language Academy

Lakes International Language Academy 4116 is a public IB World School that strongly emphasizes Spanish and Chinese language acquisition for K-12 students, while meeting MN academic standards.

A TUITION-FREE CHOICE

Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), a public IB World School serving grades K through 12, offers its students and parents an exciting academic approach unique in Minnesota. LILA seeks to deliver a high-caliber education from a global perspective that combines second-language acquisition with a proven inquiry-based learning approach, enhancing individual achievement, and building community connections. LILA prepares tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language acquisition and inquiry-driven study.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

In K-5, teachers develop and teach nearly all daily lessons in the target language, including social studies, mathematics, science and technology, arts, and personal, social and physical education. Students accept learning in their second language as the norm. Teachers introduce English as a formal subject in second grade. Our program is specifically designed for children of families who do not speak Spanish or Mandarin Chinese at home. More than 400 U.S. schools offer immersion programs. In Minnesota alone, over 10,000 students attend immersion programs. In grades 6-12, students continue (or join for the first time) their IB journey. The Middle Years Programme centers inquiry, international-mindedness, collaboration, and connection. The Diploma Programme in grades 11-12 rigorously prepares students for success in post-secondary endeavors. Language acquisition continues, and students can add a third language, too.

AN IB WORLD SCHOOL

Education at Lakes International focuses on the whole child and centers around a set of 10 attributes that encourage children to grow into inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Our curriculum encourages students to become active and compassionate lifelong learners. The IB framework draws on proven research and best practices from around the world. Nearly 50% of our teachers and student support staff are BIPOC or come from outside the U.S. LILA opens doors to the world for your child.

A CARING COMMUNITY

Students and parents partner with highly qualified teachers and staff to create a school climate that inspires achievement and fosters understanding and respect for others. Strong parent and staff involvement at all levels supports and drives the mission of the school. Lakes International, founded by parents, continues to strive for excellence while maintaining a small school atmosphere amidst growing demand for dynamic, innovative learning. LILA's Commitment to Belonging centers the LILA Community (students, families, and staff) which includes people of varied racial and ethnic backgrounds, home languages, belief systems, socioeconomic statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, political affiliations, and abilities. We endeavor to see each child as an individual and to recognize their strengths and needs, in order to provide an equitable education to each student. We are grateful for our diverse LILA Community.