Lakes International Language Academy
| Lakes International Language Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
|
Forest Lake, Minnesota, Washington County, 55025 United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public, Elementary School, Charter School Grades Pre-K-6 |
| Established | 2004 |
| Director | Cam Hedlund |
| Enrollment | 691 students [1] (as of October 2013) |
| Website | Official site |
Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) is a language immersion school located in Forest Lake, Minnesota. It is a public charter school and therefore does not charge tuition.[2]
History
LILA was founded by a group of parent volunteers in September 2004.[3] Since its inception, the school has offered a Spanish Language Immersion program and in 2011, LILA expanded to include a Mandarin Chinese Language program as well.[1]
Teachers plan and deliver lessons at LILA using primarily the target language, or L2. Teachers are either native speakers of the target language, or have acquired near-native speaking abilities. Subjects such as social studies, mathematics, science and technology, arts, and physical education are taught in the L2. English, including reading and writing, is introduced as a formal subject in second grade.[2]
In spring 2009, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) awarded LILA accreditation in its International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The success of the program also spurred the Forest Lake school district to develop its own language immersion programs.[4]
Awards
- LILA earned the 2012 Award of Excellence in School Financial Management and Oversight.
- LILA earned the Alina School Health Connections grant.
- LILA earned a 2011 & 2012 National Promising Practices Award from the Character Education Partnership.
- LILA also garnered national recognition as a Finalist for the National School of Character Award in 2011.
- LILA was recognized as a 2010 National School of Character "Profiles in Character" award winner by the Character Education Partnership of Washington, D.C.
- LILA received the state School Finance Award from the Minnesota Department of Education in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.[5]
References
- 1 2 "Lakes International Language Academy". Minnesota Association of Charter Schools. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
- 1 2 "About Us". Lakes International Language Academy. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
- ↑ "Our History". Lakes International Language Academy. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
- ↑ Daarel Burnette II, "Cultural immersion in Forest Lake schools", Star Tribune, December 4, 2010.
- ↑ "Achievements". Lakes International Language Academy. Retrieved 2013-10-22.