Letter from Interim Head of School Anneli Harvey

Founded in 1978 in a small house in Van Nuys, the International School of Los Angeles—fondly known as LILA—has grown into an internationally recognized powerhouse positioned at the forefront of bilingual education.

Our community is international, with lived experience from across the globe and many languages spoken. At LILA, we celebrate the advantages that bilingualism brings: creativity, cognitive ability, empathy, and open mindedness. We take the best aspects of both French and international educational practices and pedagogy, combining academic rigor with a comprehensive social-emotional learning program to give our students the tools they need to be good citizens.

We meet students where they are and foster connection and a sense of belonging so that they learn happily and well. The 6Cs are front and center in all we do: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, citizenship, character, and creativity. We strive to model a growth mindset and we encourage our community to focus on care. 

Our goal is to produce happy, thoughtful, confident young adults, who have been prepared and nurtured by an outstanding school experience and community. Our faculty and staff are passionate educators who are committed to our students from preschool to 12th grade. LILA students make lifelong friends and become lifelong learners.

Welcome to LILA. We can’t wait to meet you.