Lakes International Language Academy - Lakes International Language Academy

Lakes International Language Academy - Lakes International Language Academy
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Lakes International Language Academy
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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.
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.
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
!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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Join Us in Congratulating Our Seniors!
Apr
6
2026
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about Join Us in Congratulating Our Seniors!
Kindness and Creativity! LILA Compass April 2026
(opens in new window/tab)
Apr
17
2026
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about Kindness and Creativity! LILA Compass April 2026 (opens in new window/tab)
A record-breaking Run for Time Dragon Theatrics Mamma Mia!
Mar
13
2026
Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this production to life. Our students’ hard work, talent, and dedication were recognized through Hennepin Arts Spotlight Education across multiple performance and technical categories for Mamma Mia! Following is a long list of honors.
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about A record-breaking Run for Time Dragon Theatrics Mamma Mia!
LILA Dragon Earns National Recognition for Chinese Language Achievement
Mar
13
2026
LILA’s very own second-grade Chinese immersion student, Prince Walkowiak, represented LILA at the 2025 National Chinese Language Education Achievements Exhibition, an online event showcasing outstanding student work from across the country.
Prince’s work was selected for display, and families can watch a video of him reading his story as part of the Grades K–2 exhibition.
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about LILA Dragon Earns National Recognition for Chinese Language Achievement
Dragons Fly on Snow Too: Julia Phingsten’s Breakout Ski Season
Mar
13
2026
Freshman alpine skier Julia Phingsten delivered an extraordinary winter season for Lakes International Language Academy, earning conference honors, state recognition, and invitations to compete at elite regional and national events—while proudly representing the LILA Dragons on the slopes.
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about Dragons Fly on Snow Too: Julia Phingsten’s Breakout Ski Season
The percentage of full immersion (K-12) program graduates who earned a bilingual seal or certificate.
LILA's graduation rate per 2024 Minnesota Report Card data.
The cost of tuition for
K-12 students. LILA is a
tuition-free public
charter school.
Total scholarships awarded
to the Class of 2025.
Upper School's Niche ranking among MN Charter High Schools.
The percent of Class of 2025 students on track to earn college credit before graduation.