Welcome from the Executive Director

Dear Prospective LILA Families,

More than 20 years ago, a group of visionary parents came together with a shared dream—to create a school that reflected the hopes they had for their children’s future.

They envisioned a language immersion school where students would become bilingual and biliterate, opening doors to expanded educational and career opportunities. They also believed that students should develop an international perspective by learning from diverse cultures through both the curriculum and an internationally-minded community of educators.

That vision became Lakes International Language Academy. Since opening its doors in 2004, LILA has grown from an elementary Spanish immersion school into a thriving PreK–12 International Baccalaureate World School offering both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese immersion, preschool, before- and after-school care, and comprehensive middle and high school programs.

As I begin my first year as Executive Director at LILA, I am excited to join a community with a rich history and strong commitment to excellence. I am passionate about providing every student with a high-quality education that inspires curiosity, nurtures academic achievement, and prepares young people to become caring global citizens. I believe that inquiry-based learning empowers students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and develop the confidence to make a positive impact in an ever-changing world.

While LILA has grown over the years, our purpose remains unchanged. We are committed to helping students achieve proficiency in their target language while mastering Minnesota academic standards and developing an appreciation for cultures both within our local community and around the globe. From preschool through grade twelve, inquiry is at the heart of our teaching and learning. We know that success is not simply about having the right answers—it is about cultivating the curiosity, resilience, and skills to ask thoughtful questions and seek meaningful solutions.

At LILA, we proudly live our mission of preparing tomorrow’s critical thinkers and global citizens through language acquisition and inquiry-driven learning. If this aligns with the hopes and dreams you have for your child, I invite you to learn more about our exceptional school community.

I look forward to welcoming you and your family to LILA.

Sincerely,

Nicole Rasmussen
Executive Director