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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: The Pathway I scholarship is funded through the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to families who meet eligibility requirements. Funds are paid directly to the program that the family chooses, and the scholarship follows the child. A renewal option is available as long as the child remains age-eligible. To determine eligibility and apply online, visit the MDE Early Learning Scholarship Hub. To request a paper application, contact the Area Administrator serving your county of residence.

PATHWAY II: The Pathway II scholarship is awarded to families through an eligible Four-Star Parent Aware Rated program that has been granted Pathway II funds - LILA's Kinder Prep Preschool is a Four-Star rated program. Pathway II scholarships are funded through MDE and paid directly to the Kinder Prep program. If the family chooses a new program, the Pathway II funds stay with Kinder Prep. To determine eligibility and apply for a Pathway II scholarship, complete the application and email it to scholarships@mylila.org. You may also drop off the application at the Kinder Center or Lower School front desk.

Scholarships will begin being awarded on July 15th to eligible applicants who have submitted all required documentation. Awards will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are distributed. Pathway II scholarships are typically partial tuition scholarships.

If, upon review of the MELS guidelines, you determine you will not qualify for a Pathway I or Pathway II, please contact scholarships@mylila.org  to discuss applying for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) tuition assistance. 

VOLUNTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN (VPK)

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? 

  • 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 qualify for Educational Benefits (aka free and reduced price school meals). Information and the application can be found on the Nutrition Services page. 
  • Students identified as English language learners. 
  • Students identified as American Indians. 
  • Families that have experienced homelessness in the last 24 months. 
  • Students identified through health and developmental screening with a potential risk factor that may influence learning. 
  • Students in foster care, kinship care, or in need of child protection services. 
  • Students whose parents are migrant or seasonal agricultural laborers. 
  • Students whose parents are incarcerated. 
  • Students defined as at risk by the school district. 
  • 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. 

  • 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 that has a parent in a mental health or substance use treatment program. 

Instructions & Application - PLEASE REVIEW THOROUGHLY

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. Applications for assistance MUST be submitted annually. Award letters will be sent within 2-3 weeks of receipt of the application and ALL supporting documentation. 

HOW TO APPLY

  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 important because your family may qualify for other benefits such as discounted internet connectivity through the FCC, sports, activity, and field trip scholarships or discounts, and other benefits.  Your application may also help LILA qualify for additional education funds and supports.  
  3. IMPORTANT REMINDER! Your application will NOT be processed until ALL supporting documentation has been received - e.g. pay stubs and W2 forms as outlined above. To avoid a processing delay, submit your supporting documentation with your application. 

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