What if learning wasn’t confined by borders? That’s the story of the International School of Los Angeles. It is also known as the Lycée International de Los Angeles LILA. This school stands as a beacon of bilingual education in Los Angeles.
Established in 1978, the International School of Los Angeles began with a simple vision. The founders wanted to create a school that prepares students for an increasingly international world. They had just a small house in Van Nuys and seven students.
The school adopted the French educational system as its foundation. Over time, the International School of Los Angeles has evolved. It now has multiple campuses and over 1000 students. The International School of Los Angeles has earned a reputation for placing graduates in top universities worldwide.
The International School of Los Angeles offers a unique educational experience. It has a French immersion track from preschool through 12th grade. This prepares students for the French Baccalauréat. There is also an international high school track. This prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12.
Both programs share a common goal. They aim to produce bilingual critical thinkers. They want students to be open-minded, confident, and caring global citizens. The school promises its students a future filled with opportunities. These opportunities come from being bilingual critical thinkers. They will have access to two of the most rigorous academic credentials.
The International School of Los Angeles has multiple campuses. The Burbank campus serves secondary students in grades 6 to 12. It is located in the Rancho Equestrian district. This area is known for its equestrian zoning and connections to Griffith Park riding trails. The one-story building was originally built by General Motors for training. It now houses classrooms, labs, an auditorium, and sports facilities.
The Los Feliz campus is for preschool through 5th grade students. It is the largest campus. It has been at its current location since 1992. The original buildings were designed by architect John Lautner. They are classified as a historic-cultural monument.
The Pasadena campus serves students from preschool through 5th grade. It is located in the heart of Pasadena near Pasadena City College. It features a two-story building with classrooms, a library, and play areas.
The West Valley campus also caters to preschool through 5th grade students. It offers a nurturing environment for children to flourish. The campus includes permanent and modular buildings. It has a library, computer lab, and playground.
The International School of Los Angeles follows the French Ministry of Education’s academic program. It does this in a bilingual context. The school teaches students to read, write, and speak both French and English. Graduates are accepted to universities around the world. These include Harvard, Oxford, and the Sorbonne.
The International School of Los Angeles emphasizes global citizenship. Its students, teachers, and staff come from over 50 nationalities. They speak many languages at home. The school’s small classes and student-to-teacher ratio facilitate this.
So here at the International School of Los Angeles we find not just a school. It is a place where students become global citizens. It is a place where diversity is celebrated. It is a place where bilingualism opens doors to the world.