Lakes International Language Academy
Lakes International Language Academy , led by executive director Shannon Peterson , is a public , tuition-free K-12 school . LILA offers full immersion Spanish and Mandarin Chinese classes for grades K-5 at its Lower School , and multiple language options are offered for grades 6-12 at its Upper School . LILA Kinder Prep also provides a fee-based preschool program for ages 3 and 4 .
As an accredited International Baccalaureate ( IB ) PYP , MYP and DP World School , LILA develops academically prepared , internationally minded , bilingual and biliterate citizens .
Since its 2004 opening , LILA has grown rapidly with around 1,400 total students . The school ’ s strong academic reputation , caring environment , financial management , and high parent satisfaction scores have attracted students locally and from a 30-mile radius . Increased demand prompted LILA to expand its Headwaters Campus in 2019 at 19850 Fenway Ave . N . in Forest Lake , for the Upper School . The Main Campus at 246 11th Ave . SE continues to serve K-5 , featuring a recently constructed pre-k and kindergarten Kinder Center .
FULL-IMMERSION SPANISH AND CHINESE INSTRUCTION
LILA Lower School ( 246 11th Ave . SE ) teachers speak the target language nearly all day to deliver lessons in all subject areas . The immersion model is specifically designed for children of families who do not speak Chinese or Spanish at home . School officials say children excel in immersion programs because they ’ re eager and curious . Immersion course options at the Upper School continue to expand students ’ second-language proficiency . However , students in grades 6-12 do not need previous world language experience and all Upper School courses are offered in English .
IB program promotes academic rigor , personal growth
IB curriculum strives to develop learners who are caring , knowledgeable , principled , balanced , open-minded , reflective , communicators , critical thinkers , risk takers , and inquirers . LILA students gain the knowledge and good study habits that come from a rigorous academic program as they gain literacy skills and proficiency in English and a second language .
AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION
Curriculum and partnerships have earned state and national recognition . The Minnesota Department of Education has named LILA a Celebration School for its continued
Area parks success in closing the achievement gap . In addition , LILA has earned the state and national “ Promising Practices in Character Education ” awards and a “ State School of Character ” designation .
ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS
LILA limits class sizes , one of the benefits of operating as a charter school . To fairly enroll students , LILA holds a lottery each year at 6 p . m . on January 15 . Parents must submit an application for each prospective student on the last day of school prior to Jan . 15 to be included in the lottery . If received after the lottery deadline , applications are placed on a waiting list . Forms are available at MyLILA . org / admissions . Siblings of current LILA students and children of teachers receive enrollment preference in accordance with state law . Any Minnesota child 5 years old on Sept . 1 at the start of the school year is welcome to apply for kindergarten , and students entering grades 6-12 from any Minnesota district , regardless of previous second-language experience , may also apply to LILA ’ s Upper School . Children who are 3 or 4 years old may enroll in the preschool program at LILA Kinder Prep .
FOREST LAKE
Bay Park – 9th Ave . SE and 18th St . SE , offers open space .
Bayview Park – Bay Dr . SE and 15th Ave . SE , offers a playground , half-court basketball , picnic tables , small parking lot and portable restrooms during summer months .
Beltz Park – corner of 11th Ave . SE and South Shore Dr ., is an active park for children and adults . In the winter , it ’ s one of two main parks in the city that has a hockey rink and warming house . Bixby Park – 2nd Ave . NW & 7th St .
SW , is a large natural open space .
Bridle Pass – 6558 210th Lane Ct . N , has a large , mowed open space , a picnic table , and a playground .
Cedar Park – 2nd Ave . NW and 7th St . NW , features playground equipment , including the popular Cedar Park Dragon , a small basketball court , and a gaga ball pit . New in 2018 is a large pavilion available to rent for special gatherings and events . A portable restroom is available during the summer months .
Clear Lake Park – 5803 213th St ., has a playground , small basketball court and open space .
Eagle Bluff Park – Farnham Ave . N and Farnham Dr . N , features a playground picnic table with shelter , and a small parking lot
AREA PARKS see page 26
Page 24 Forest Lake Community Guide • February , 2025