About Us

Our Program

Welcome To A World Of Learning Opportunities

At Lakes International Language Academy, students and parents experience an exciting academic approach that works from a global perspective to enhance individual achievement and build community connections. We combine two proven learning approaches to reinforce the global aspect:

• Spanish Immersion

Teachers speak Spanish nearly all of the time to deliver lessons in social studies, mathematics, science and technology, arts, and personal, social and physical education. Students accept learning in Spanish as the norm and adapt very quickly. The program is specifically designed for children of families that do not speak Spanish at home.

• Lessons Modeled on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program

Our curriculum meets the existing Minnesota standards and goes a step further to reinforce all major knowledge areas. Because we're currently pursuing the multi-year process required to achieve formal International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program accreditation, our curriculum also reflects components of this internationally recognized learning model. The same program was recently selected for public elementary schools in St. Paul, Minnesota.

A Proven Way To Learn A Second Language

Since the beginning of spoken communication, humans have learned their native language through immersion. This natural instruction method works especially well for children. They mimic beautifully. They’re eager and curious. And they’re less self-conscious than adults. Canadian schools have used immersion successfully since 1965 and nearly 400 schools in the United States offer immersion programs today. Currently, more than 4,000 students attend immersion programs in Minnesota alone.

Our Students Become Tomorrow’s Global Citizens

Lakes International students gain the knowledge and good study habits that come from a rigorous academic program as they develop literacy and proficiency in Spanish and English. Along the way, they learn to appreciate the world and its many cultures. They’re ready for greater challenges in secondary school and beyond.

An Educational Approach Based On Core Values

Originally inspired and shaped by parents, Lakes International Language Academy values children, families, teachers and the community as owners of the school. We believe our carefully selected faculty is the key to each child’s success and the success of the school. We share the International Baccalaureate Organization’s philosophy that seeks to develop students who are:

• Inquirers
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Risk takers
• Knowledgeable
• Principled
• Caring
• Open-minded
• Well-balanced
• Reflective

“Becoming bilingual opens the door to communication with more people in more places, and many parents want to provide their children with skills to interact competently in an increasingly interdependent world community.”

A Tuition-Free Choice For All Minnesota Students

Americans value choice, and charter schools offer an educational option for parents regardless of income, race, religion or their children’s academic or athletic capabilities. Minnesota leads the school choice movement. The first state to adopt tax deductions for education expenses, Minnesota also enacted inter-district school choice and charter schools before any other state.

As a public school:

• Lakes International must meet or exceed all state and federal requirements.
• Our students will achieve proficiency in English as well as Spanish.
• Lakes International charges no tuition and receives funding on a per-pupil basis by the State of Minnesota as well as from federal and private monies through grants or donations.

As a state-approved charter school:

• Lakes International provides a choice within the public school system for parents and students.
• We are held accountable for student results and fiscal responsibility by the Minnesota Department of Education.
• Our parents, teachers, and staff elect the school board, and the school is managed as an independent school district (#4116).

“We must strengthen public education by empowering parents with choice…The world is moving toward more choice, not less. Our education system must change to reflect these times—for all parents and all education, from all income levels.”