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Tuition Assistance

Lakes International Language Academy is committed to improving access to the Kinder Prep Preschool program through a variety of tuition assistance programs. We know this can often be a complicated and time consuming process, and we are here to help!

QUESTIONS? 
admissions@MyLILA.org
651-252-6710

MINNESOTA EARLY LEARNING SCHOLARSHIPS (MELS)

Pathway I: Pathway I scholarships are funded through the MN Department of Education to families who meet eligibility requirements, and funds are paid directly to the program that the family chooses. This scholarship follows the child and provides a renewal option as long as the child remains age-eligible. To determine eligibility and apply online, visit the MDE Early Learning Scholarships Hub.  To request a paper application, contact the Area Administrator serving your county of residence.  

Pathway II: Pathway II scholarships are awarded to eligible families who enroll in a Parent Aware Rated Program that has been granted Pathway II funding. Kinder Prep Preschool is a Four-Star rated program. Pathway II scholarships are funded through the MN Department of Education and paid directly to the Kinder Prep program. To determine eligibility and apply for a Pathway II scholarship, complete the fillable application and email it to scholarships@mylila.org. You may also drop the application off at the Kinder Center or Lower School front desk. 

The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten application for the 2025-2026 school year opens on January 15, 2025. Do not complete the application below unless you are enrolling for the current school year. 

VOLUNTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN (VPK)
2024-2025 School Year

A third tuition assistance program is offered for families that meet eligibility requirements. Children must reside in Minnesota and be four years old on September 1 of the school year for which they're applying. VPK will provide full tuition assistance for the 2-, 3-, or 5-day program, pending the availability of seats. 

Who Should Apply for VPK? 

  • Families that do not meet eligibility requirements for a Pathway I or Pathway II Early Learning Scholarship. 
  • Families that have applied for a Pathway I scholarship and have been waitlisted. 
  • Families that are receiving, will be receiving, or qualify for assistance through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). 
  • Families that qualify for free or reduced price school meals, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children nutrition benefits), or other state programs. Application links for these programs can be found below. 
  • Families that qualify based on the maximum gross income criteria - see the chart in the Resources tab below. Eligibility verified by submitting proof of income - W2 form(s) and two current pay stubs for each adult legally responsible for support of the child applicant. 
  • Families experiencing a change in personal circumstances that may prevent them from enrolling, or maintaining their enrollment and completing the school year. 

  • In the event of high demand for VPK tuition assistance, priority will be given as follows: children that have an Individualized Education Program (IEP); child of a teen parent; children that have experienced domestic violence; children in foster care; children in need of protective services; children that have experienced homelessness in the last 24 months; children that have an incarcerated parent; children that has a parent in a mental health or substance use treatment program. 

2024-2025 School Year Application & Instructions

Applications are processed in the order they are received until seats are filled. They are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the school year if there are openings and funds are available.  Prior to completing the application, determine that you meet one or more of the eligibility requirements outlined above. 

IMPORTANT! Your application will not be processed until all supporting documentation has been received - e.g. pay stubs, W2 forms. To avoid a processing delay, submit your supporting documentation with your application. 

  1. Complete the VPK application. Supporting documents may be attached at the end of the application (preferred) or emailed to admissions@MyLILA.org. No application fee is required for VPK tuition assistance. 
  2. Complete the Application for Educational Benefits. While optional, completing the application is still important because your family may qualify for other benefits such as WIC nutrition assistance, discounted internet connectivity through the FCC, and sports, activity, and field trip scholarships or discounts.  Your application may also help LILA qualify for additional education funds and supports.  

Transportation

  • VPK students living within Forest Lake Area School District boundaries can utilize Forest Lake's busing for transportation to and from school. To determine whether or not you live within district boundaries, visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us and follow the instructions. 
  • Busing from the White Bear, Hugo, Ham Lake, and Blaine areas is also available to VPK students at no cost, however, families will be required to transport their child(ren) to and from a drop site in those communities. 

VPK & Other Resources