Los Angeles doesn't get enough credit as a global metropolis. There's no denying that it's a diverse city, but it stems from the many people who have relocated here. Hence, LA also has many schools that cater to those foreign-born kids. Among the best is the
International School in Los Angeles, truly one of the city's finest academic institutions. This private international school is the best place for many kids who may not speak English or are unfamiliar with American values. Here, a global understanding reigns supreme, with different cultures mixing and getting to know each other.
Source: International School of Los Angeles Facebook Page
History of The International School of Los Angeles
Monique Mickus and Jacques & Pierrette Gaspart founded the International School of
Los Angeles in 1978. As all founders had French backgrounds, they initially named it the College d'Etudes Françaises (CEF) and then the Lycée International de Los Angeles (LILA). Mme Christiane Bayet, mother to Monique Mickus, served as part of the school's original Board of Trustees and taught French, Latin, and Philosophy during the school's early days. The school started with only five students, all of whom were the founders' children. Over time, it expanded and gained more prominence, eventually admitting about 225 students by 1990.
What is The International School of Los Angeles's Campus Like?
Today, the International School of Los Angeles has five campuses throughout various
neighborhoods in Los Angeles. They each have the various grades of the academic institution—the nursery is in Los Feliz, three primary schools are in the Pasadena, West Valley, and Loz Feliz areas, and the secondary school is in the Burbank area. All of these campuses have standard school facilities, including spacious classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, big libraries, and even ample outdoor areas. Thanks to all of this, the International School of Los Angeles is now one of the biggest schools in the entire LA county.
Source: International School of Los Angeles Facebook Page
The International School of Los Angeles Student Body
From what started as a small school of only five students—all of whom were children of the founders, no less!—the International School of Los Angeles now has one of the biggest student bodies among the many schools in Los Angeles. Today, the school welcomes over 1,000 students per year, which is a lot for an academic institution for kids. However, it does help that the school has campuses in various districts in the city, allowing it to accommodate as many local kids in the area as possible. The ratio of kids to teachers is 8:1 too.
What is The International School of Los Angeles Curriculum?
The International School of Los Angeles has retained its French curriculum since its early beginnings. Most of the co-founders were French, after all, so the academic institution was founded according to the French Ministry of Education's academic program. Does this mean that the school teaches in French? Not exactly! The International School of Los Angeles is a bilingual school, teaching in both French and English. It also follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma, program, which is world-renowned for its focus on academics. With this, the students have a higher chance of getting into the prestigious American Ivy League schools and the
top universities in London or beyond.
Source: International School of Los Angeles Facebook Page
How Much Does It Cost to Study at The International School of Los Angeles?
As a private school in LA, it's no surprise that the International School of Los Angeles is pretty expensive. Its preschool alone already costs around $22,475.00 per year, a lot higher compared to independent daycares throughout the city. From kindergarten to grade 5, the tuition fee increases to about $25,275.00 per year. What's great about the International School of Los Angeles, however, is that it has instituted a payment structure that'll make it easier for less-affluent households to manage their tuition. For example, the school allows for an 11-month installment payment plan, which lets parents pay around $2,043.00 (for preschool)/ $2,297.00 (for primary school) per month.
Where is The International School in Los Angeles?
As already mentioned, the International School in Los Angeles has campuses in various LA neighborhoods, namely Los Feliz, Pasadena, and Burbank. The best part about these areas is that they're all largely residential and widely considered the city suburbs. They're a fair distance away from LA's more urban and busier parts and are perfectly suited for families. Some areas within these neighborhoods might just make you forget that you're still in Los Angeles, one of the biggest cities in the US. And naturally, all of these districts have some of the finest
luxury homes to rent in Los Angeles.
Source: International School of Los Angeles Facebook Page
The International School of Los Angeles truly embodies what it means to cater to a global student body. The academic institution reflects the diversity and international caliber of the city where it's located.
