LILA is an absolute gem of a school. We searched all of Los Angeles when choosing an elementary…read moreschool for our children, and commute from Studio City to attend the Los Feliz campus. We are not a French-speaking family, but our children thrive here, and were both fluent by 1st grade. Studies have pointed to several potential benefits of the bilingual brain, including increased cognitive flexibility, working memory, attention, and focus. But, in addition to language benefits, we chose LILA for its overall excellent pedagogical approach. Here, teachers have high expectations and encourage independence, and we have seen our children and their peers rise to these expectations and exceed them time and time again. The teachers exude warmth, investment, and energy that inspires the kids, but also have high standards and don't patronize them. The children at LILA are engaged, confident, possess impressive executive function, and are some of the most creative individuals I've encountered. Have a conversation with any student at LILA and you will plainly see something magical is going on at this school.
Our family loves being a part of the LILA community: an international, eclectic, and stimulating group of families. And we like that the school gives our children a global perspective on the world. These kids understand our interconnectedness, are passionate about social and climate justice issues, have respect for other cultures, and exhibit increased empathy.
The administration and teachers have handled the COVID-19 crisis with impressive flexibility and creativity. The school has provided excellent communication, and remains nimble and open to feedback to better serve the community in this crisis. Remote learning is, of course, not ideal, but the teachers have handled the transition well, and the kids remain engaged and learning. We hear that the school has provided increased financial aid to families this year, and have seen it make numerous technological improvements to continue to meet its high educational standards.
Despite the review to the contrary, I can attest that the school closed completely by end-of-day Friday, March 13th, 2020, and that all learning since that day has been virtual. Students are not, nor have ever been, allowed on campus since that day. The only time anyone has been on campus has been to pick up remote learning materials, remaining in cars, with masks, at a safe distance. Preschool and Pre-K kids have been allowed back on campus this fall for in-person learning, in accordance with state and city guidelines, and are abiding by and exceeding all official protocols, including enforcing a strict on-campus mask mandate. This is a school that believes in science.
If LILA interests your family, I recommend touring the Burbank high school campus, as well. Students there are even more impressive and the experience helped give us a more comprehensive idea of what the school has to offer.