Lakes International Language Academy
Our Mission
To prepare tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language acquisition and inquiry-driven study.
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About LILA
Lakes International Language Academy provides an international education, preparing students with global competence for the 21st century. There is no tuition for students in grades K-12, and our fee-based 4-Star Parent Aware preschool program has a variety of tuition assistance options for qualifying families. Since 2004, parents have chosen LILA to help guide their children toward becoming responsible, caring, informed, curious, and engaged citizens.
Admissions
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year open November 1!
When you choose LILA for your children, you
choose a world of possibilities...close to home.
Successful global learning starts here.
Language Acquisition
Preschool students jumpstart Spanish or Mandarin Chinese language acquisition through play and guided activities. Students in grades K-5 choose a full language immersion program in either Chinese or Spanish. Grades 6-12 students continue building language skills through immersion, or they may opt for fast-track Spanish, Chinese or French.
No second language experience
is needed to enroll at Upper School!
International Baccalaureate
Education at Lakes International focuses on the whole child. We don’t see students as simply test takers. Our curriculum centers around a set of ten learner attributes defined by the IB Organization. These qualities help prepare LILA students to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners, ready to contribute to their colleges and universities, workplaces, communities, and the world.
Student Life
At LILA, we encourage learning beyond the academic day. Complementing our rigorous curriculum is an array of after-school choices including arts, athletics, clubs, and leadership programs. We host summer language immersion, math and reading camps, partner with the YMCA’s Youth in Government program, and more. We also offer a quality child care program with before and after care during the school year, as well as non-school day and summer care.
It’s ALWAYS busy here!
Get Involved
Families who valued a global education initiated LILA. They volunteered countless hours researching best practices, establishing policies, and so much more. We had a Parent-Teacher Organization before we even had a building! Our board of directors is comprised of parents, teachers, and a community representative, all elected by parents and staff. You’ll find many opportunities to use your time, talents and treasures to make a difference.
Alumni
Calling all alumni!
The new LILA Alumni Association is now forming! The association's goals are to keep alumni connected, provide opportunities to give back to LILA, and keep alumni current on LILA and alumni related news. Now is a great time to get involved, and help guide the future of the new association.
Careers
Our staff bring the world to our students every day - literally. Many of them have lived outside of the United States, residing on numerous continents around the world. Whether a teacher from another country, or an administrative assistant who lives in the local community, you’ll find LILA is truly a unique place. We have a great team, and a great culture. Be great with us.
What's Happening
By the Numbers
39
The number of bilingual seals and certificates earned by 55 graduates in the Class of 2024. Earning a seal or certificate provides up to four semesters of college credit.
95.6%
LILA's graduation rate per 2023 Minnesota Report Card data.
0
The cost of tuition for
K-12 students. LILA is a
tuition-free public
charter school.
$2.1M
Total scholarships awarded
to the Class of 2024.
9th
Niche.coms ranking among MN Charter Schools. LILA is ranked 39th in the state among all public schools.
100
The percent of Class of 2024 students on track to earn college credit before graduation.