The arts at LILA emphasize developing skills and technique while also fostering art appreciation through a culturally diverse lens.

Elementary and middle school students at LILA benefit from visual arts, music, and theater classes. The middle school boasts a unique World Music program where students engage with African Drumming, Brazilian Samba, Spanish Flamenco, and Middle Eastern Music.

At the high school level, our students gain access to professional-level resources, including an etching press and a complete analog photography darkroom, within intimate class settings that prioritize individual attention. International Baccalaureate students compose their own music and write songs using Digital Audio Workstations.

In addition to teaching how to make art, LILA’s faculty work with students to expose them to a world beyond the four walls of the classroom, with outings to performances and exhibitions around Los Angeles, and sometimes beyond. Regular experiential learning trips and visiting artist presentations enrich our curriculum, offering students valuable insights into contemporary art practices and career pathways.

Students’ work culminates in a professional gallery exhibition off-campus, providing authentic exposure to the art world. Our approach ultimately leads to confidence in artistic expression, understanding of art in cultural and historical contexts, critical analysis capabilities, as well as innovative thinking and experimental approaches.