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LILA Global

A group of people, likely students, are seated on benches in an outdoor setting with a building and trees in the background, and a sign indicating an %22International Student Program%22.

Welcome to LILA Global

A one-year international student program that integrates academic excellence, cross-cultural immersion, and U.S. college readiness into a transformative high school experience in Forest Lake, Minnesota—one of the nation’s safest, most family-friendly communities.

 

Program Highlights

 

World-class International Baccalaureate Academic Experience

Academic Excellence

LILA is an authorized provider of the International Baccalaureate programme continuum.

Grade 10 students take preparatory coursework aligned to the IB Diploma Program via the IB Middle Years Program, ensuring strong academic foundations for:

  • Critical thinking
  • Research and writing
  • Interdisciplinary learning
  • Global citizenship
  • 21st Century skill development 
  • World language and English-language development

This prepares students for success whether they return to their home nations or continue studying in the U.S.. 

Homestay Immersion

Global Learning Starts at Home 

Students will live with carefully selected and fully vetted American host families who provide:

  • A safe, stable, and culturally rich home environment
  • All meals and daily support
  • Transportation to and from school as needed
  • Inclusion in family activities, holidays, and community life

The homestay experience provides authentic English immersion and invaluable cultural understanding, modeled after leading U.S. homestay-based international programs.

College Readiness

Opening Doors to Universities Worldwide

The LILA Grade 10 International Program includes a structured College Readiness Pathway, designed to introduce students to the U.S. university system. Components include:

  • Academic advising and personalized pathway planning
  • Workshops on U.S. college admissions expectations
  • Guidance on selecting high school courses for competitive admissions
  • Introduction to standardized tests and requirements
  • Mentorship sessions with LILA counselors and faculty

This ensures early and informed preparation for students considering future U.S. university study.

University Visits

Campus Visits

Global Futures

Students participate in scheduled college visits to multiple well-known institutions across Minnesota and the Midwest region. Visits typically include campus tours led by university guides; classroom and student-life observations; admissions presentations; and opportunities to meet current university students.

Universities visited will include public research universities, private liberal arts colleges, and highly ranked national and regional institutions.

Safe and Supportive Environment

A Trusted Environment for Global Learning

Forest Lake, Minnesota, is consistently recognized as one of the safest and most welcoming communities in the United States. Students benefit from:

  • Low crime rates
  • Clean, natural surroundings (lakes, trails, outdoor recreation)
  • A close-knit suburban community
  • Easy access to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area and an excellent international airport

The school places the highest priority on student well-being, with dedicated coordinators supporting international students throughout the year.

Full-Year Grade 10 Enrollment at LILA

International students enroll as full-time Grade 10 students at Lakes International Language Academy. They engage in a comprehensive American high school curriculum infused with global competencies and language development within the IB’s “gold standard” curriculum.

Students participate in a dynamic and supportive school community focused on academic challenge, cultural awareness, critical thinking development, and personalized learning.

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