Is LILA Upper School a good school?

LILA Upper School ranks 77 th of 480 Minnesota high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend LILA Upper School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 572 students attended LILA Upper School.

What is the racial makeup of LILA Upper School?

Students at LILA Upper School are 77% White, 12% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 3% Asian, 2% African American.

LILA Upper School

Summary:

LILA Upper School is a public charter high school located in Forest Lake, Minnesota, serving grades 6-12 with a total enrollment of 593 students. The school is part of the Forest Lake Public School District, which is ranked 128 out of 463 districts in Minnesota and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

LILA Upper School consistently ranks among the top high schools in Minnesota, ranking as high as 8th out of 492 schools in 2018-2019. The school's performance on state assessments (MCA-III) is also impressive, with students outperforming the state average in both math and reading proficiency across multiple grade levels. LILA Upper School has maintained high graduation rates, ranging from 92.4% to 97.5% over the past three years, and low dropout rates, ranging from 0% to 3.7%. The school has a relatively diverse student population, with a racial makeup of 75.21% White, 14.17% Hispanic, 2.53% Asian, and smaller percentages of African American, Native American, and Pacific Islander students. LILA Upper School also has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 17:1 to 21.6:1 over the past three years, and a low percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 7.14% to 15.51%.

When compared to nearby schools, such as North Lakes Academy Upper School and Forest Lake Area High School, LILA Upper School stands out in several ways. It outperforms these schools on state assessments, particularly in math and reading proficiency, and has a higher graduation rate and lower dropout rate. However, some nearby schools, such as Pines School Day Program and White Bear Transition Plus Program, have more racially diverse student bodies and higher percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting that LILA Upper School may serve a more affluent student population.

Detail:

Public, Charter 6-12

19850 Fenway Avenue N
Forest Lake, MN 55025-8888

(651) 464-8989

District: Lakes International Language Academy

SchoolDigger Rank:
77^th of 480 Minnesota High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,480

Student/teacher ratio: 12.2

Number of students: 572

Racial breakdown:

White:

76.9%

Hispanic:

12.1%

Two or more races:

5.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 14.5%

See top rated Minnesota high schools

Compare LILA Upper School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details LILA Upper School ranks better than 63.1% of middle schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 59.03. (See more...)

Compare Details LILA Upper School ranks better than 84% of high schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 79.67. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at LILA Upper School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (76.9%), Hispanic (12.1%), two or more races (5.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 14.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at LILA Upper School is 12.2. (See more...)

Compare LILA Upper School employs 46.7 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at LILA Upper School is $11,480.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

LILA Upper School:

SchoolDigger ranks LILA Upper School 201^st of 545 Minnesota public middle schools. (See LILA Upper School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

White students:

SchoolDigger ranks LILA Upper School 77^th of 480 Minnesota public high schools. (See LILA Upper School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Female students:

Male students:

White students:

Lakes International Language Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Lakes International Language Academy 128^th of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for LILA Upper School.

What do you think?

Your rating for LILA Upper School?

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Rank History for LILA Upper School

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Rank History for all middle school students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2017	57.91	232^nd	523	55.6%
2018	60.78	208^th	518	59.8%
2019	61.31	201^st	533	62.3%
2021	56.98	212^th	521	59.3%
2022	74.05	100^th	520	80.8%
2023	65.37	161^st	529	69.6%
2024	59.03	201^st	545	63.1%

See the entire list of Minnesota High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	38.17	162^nd	253	36.0%
2019	46.76	150^th	282	46.8%
2021	62.24	67^th	260	74.2%
2022	75.20	38^th	288	86.8%
2023	41.81	172^nd	298	42.3%
2024	68.41	67^th	307	78.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	21.90	335^th	401	16.5%
2023	37.76	291^st	459	36.6%
2024	50.79	219^th	473	53.7%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	56.92	206^th	436	52.8%
2019	60.46	174^th	439	60.4%
2021	52.20	198^th	443	55.3%
2022	68.90	109^th	467	76.7%
2023	63.21	144^th	455	68.4%
2024	55.45	198^th	474	58.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	57.21	197^th	438	55.0%
2019	54.44	210^th	454	53.7%
2021	54.01	199^th	437	54.5%
2022	73.07	97^th	476	79.6%
2023	62.56	152^nd	464	67.2%
2024	57.91	185^th	479	61.4%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	67.67	37^th	171	78.4%
2021	59.76	48^th	156	69.2%
2022	82.17	19^th	188	89.9%
2023	64.74	39^th	178	78.1%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	45.40	245^th	428	42.8%
2019	47.10	234^th	428	45.3%
2021	42.86	242^nd	422	42.7%
2022	60.90	141^st	438	67.8%
2023	56.08	178^th	436	59.2%
2024	42.18	263^rd	440	40.2%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for LILA Upper School

Compare

Rank History for all high school students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	71.46	146^th	494	70.4%
2019	94.22	8^th	492	98.4%
2021	87.55	29^th	428	93.2%
2022	85.43	37^th	472	92.2%
2023	88.03	39^th	476	91.8%
2024	79.67	77^th	480	84.0%

See the entire list of Minnesota High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Female students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	86.79	26^th	401	93.5%
2021	80.22	38^th	339	88.8%
2022	78.79	48^th	388	87.6%
2023	77.03	72^nd	396	81.8%
2024	67.89	114^th	403	71.7%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2021	82.78	34^th	351	90.3%
2022	80.22	54^th	403	86.6%
2023	88.33	28^th	398	93.0%
2024	81.08	53^rd	405	86.9%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school White students at LILA Upper School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	92.26	12^th	412	97.1%
2021	85.34	29^th	364	92.0%
2022	83.12	35^th	401	91.3%
2023	80.54	52^nd	398	86.9%
2024	68.55	106^th	402	73.6%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.6)

88%

12%

Reviews:

by a parent
Tuesday, February 6, 2018

I have two high school students and they are thriving at LILA. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, February 6, 2018

As a parent, I am confident that my child is receiving not only the academic opportunities we want for her, but also the personal and emotional support needed for a young child. The teachers share feedback and news regularly in the Pre-K program. I love that even in Pre-K, students learn both Spanish and Chinese. The IB program's structure supports best teaching practices and gives our students the chance to learn about their own community as well as those outside of our city and our country. Our administrators and teachers are very visible, and they attend events outside of the school day, too. I am excited about the new IB programs that the upper school is getting soon, too. This school cares about our kids! Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Both of my children attended LILA and now are in college. They experienced the kind of education that truly prepares students for the world. They're critical thinkers and they're thoughtful about their actions. They also speak Spanish fluently (my daughter is currently studying abroad and taking her college courses in Spanish). Thank you, LILA! Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, February 6, 2018

My children have been enrolled at LILA since 2005 and we have been impressed by this community from day one! Thank you LILA for partnering with our family to grow amazing young people! Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, May 25, 2017

lack of discipline Close Quote

Enrollment information for LILA Upper School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2015	206	0	0	31	0	0	3	240
2016	209	0	1	29	0	0	6	245
2017	230	2	3	31	1	0	10	277
2018	282	1	5	32	0	0	11	331
2019	318	1	5	47	0	0	14	385
2020	381	2	5	58	2	0	17	465
2021	424	6	7	75	3	0	31	546
2022	429	9	12	86	2	3	33	574
2023	446	11	15	84	3	2	32	593
2024	440	9	16	69	2	2	34	572

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at LILA Upper School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2015	240	16.0	15.0	8.3
2016	245	16.0	15.3	10.2
2017	277	20.1	13.7	15.9
2018	331	24.8	13.3	10.3
2019	385	29.0	13.2	12.5
2020	465	32.2	14.4	12.9
2021	546	25.1	21.6	7.9
2022	574	28.9	19.7	7.1
2023	593	34.8	17.0	15.5
2024	572	46.7	12.2	14.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio LILA Upper School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2015	240	16.0	15.0	8.3
2016	245	16.0	15.3	10.2
2017	277	20.1	13.7	15.9
2018	331	24.8	13.3	10.3
2019	385	29.0	13.2	12.5
2020	465	32.2	14.4	12.9
2021	546	25.1	21.6	7.9
2022	574	28.9	19.7	7.1
2023	593	34.8	17.0	15.5
2024	572	46.7	12.2	14.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for LILA Upper School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$11,480

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on LILA Upper School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 201^st of 533 Middle schools	Ranks 161^st of 529 Middle schools	7.3%
Ranks 8^th of 492 High schools	Ranks 39^th of 476 High schools	6.6%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
6th Grade Math (LILA Upper School)	31.1	23.3	7.8%
6th Grade Math (Lakes International Language Academy)	31.1	23.3	7.8%
6th Grade Math (Minnesota)	50.5	39.7	10.8%
6th Grade Reading (LILA Upper School)	68.9	56.2	12.7%
6th Grade Reading (Lakes International Language Academy)	68.9	56.2	12.7%
6th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	62.8	53.4	9.4%
7th Grade Math (LILA Upper School)	60	28.4	31.6%
7th Grade Math (Lakes International Language Academy)	60	28.4	31.6%
7th Grade Math (Minnesota)	52.1	39.7	12.4%
7th Grade Reading (LILA Upper School)	64.2	60.7	3.5%
7th Grade Reading (Lakes International Language Academy)	64.2	60.7	3.5%
7th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	57.5	45.2	12.3%
8th Grade Math (LILA Upper School)	54.6	42.7	11.9%
8th Grade Math (Lakes International Language Academy)	54.6	42.7	11.9%
8th Grade Math (Minnesota)	55.2	40.3	14.9%
8th Grade Reading (LILA Upper School)	56.7	59.6	2.8%
8th Grade Reading (Lakes International Language Academy)	56.7	59.6	2.8%
8th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	57.7	44.8	12.9%
8th Grade Science (LILA Upper School)	42.4	36	6.5%
8th Grade Science (Lakes International Language Academy)	42.4	36	6.5%
8th Grade Science (Minnesota)	43	27.6	15.4%
10th Grade Reading (LILA Upper School)	89.7	65.1	24.7%
10th Grade Reading (Lakes International Language Academy)	89.7	65.1	24.7%
10th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	60.4	51.7	8.7%
11th Grade Math (LILA Upper School)	61.1	62.3	1.1%
11th Grade Math (Lakes International Language Academy)	61.1	62.3	1.1%
11th Grade Math (Minnesota)	45	36	9%
End of Course Science (LILA Upper School)	77.8	47.1	30.7%
End of Course Science (Lakes International Language Academy)	77.8	47.1	30.7%
End of Course Science (Minnesota)	54.4	41.8	12.5%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	385	593	54%
African American	1	11	1000%
American Indian	0	3
Asian	5	15	200%
Hispanic	47	84	78.7%
Pacific Islander	0	2
White	318	446	40.3%
Two or More Races	14	32	128.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	12.5%	15.5%	3%

Schools Near LILA Upper School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)					MCA-III Reading (2024)					MCA-III Science (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCA-III Math 6th Grade	MCA-III Math 7th Grade	MCA-III Math 8th Grade	MCA-III Math 11th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 6th Grade	MCA-III Reading 7th Grade	MCA-III Reading 8th Grade	MCA-III Reading 10th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science 8th Grade	MCA-III Science End of Course	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
LILA Upper School	Public, Charter	6-12	19850 Fenway Avenue N	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	Lakes International Language Academy	Yes	No	No	Yes	(651) 464-8989	572	47	12.2	14.5%	440 (76.9%)	9 (1.6%)	69 (12.1%)	16 (2.8%)	2 (0.3%)	2 (0.3%)	34 (5.9%)	79.7	77^th of 480 public high schools	84.0%		88	39^th of 476 public high schools	91.8%	38	34.3	26.1	38.0	32.1	33.0	38.9	53.4	59.4	69.3	54.0	37.6	52.9	42.8	$11,480
Online Learning Program	Public, Charter	6-12	19850 Fenway Ave N	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	Lakes International Language Academy	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(651) 464-8989	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Forest Lake Area High School	Public	9-12	6101 Scandia Tr N	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	Forest Lake Public School District	No	No	No	No	(651) 982-8401	1,823	64	28.4	23.1%	1,465 (80.4%)	58 (3.2%)	86 (4.7%)	128 (7.0%)	5 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	81 (4.4%)	59.8	210^th of 480 public high schools	56.3%		72.9	107^th of 476 public high schools	77.5%	103				31.6	31.6				44.2	44.2		50.1	50.1	$11,600
Forest Lake Area Community School	Public	6-12	943 SW 9th Avenue	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	Forest Lake Public School District	No	No	No	No	(651) 982-3171	198	10	19.2	52.0%	136 (68.7%)	9 (4.5%)	21 (10.6%)	12 (6.1%)	2 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (9.1%)	4.4	471^st of 480 public high schools	1.9%		6.2	452^nd of 476 public high schools	5.0%	19		2.3	13.6	0.0	4.2		2.3	18.2	13.0	9.1	9.5	3.5	6.0	$22,701
Community School Credit Recovery	Public	9-12	943 9th Ave SW	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	Forest Lake Public School District	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(651) 982-3175	15	0		40.0%	11 (73.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (26.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
North Lakes Academy Upper School	Public, Charter	9-12	308 15th St SW	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	North Lakes Academy	Yes	No	No	No	(651) 982-2688	141	12	11.9	40.4%	117 (83.0%)	6 (4.3%)	8 (5.7%)	5 (3.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (3.5%)	71.6	130^th of 480 public high schools	72.9%		75.6	95^th of 476 public high schools	80.0%	35				24.3	24.3				53.1	53.1		61.0	61.0	$11,926
Step	Public	10-12	200 SW 4th Street	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	Forest Lake Public School District	No	No	No	No	(651) 982-8129	46	3	16.2	45.7%	38 (82.6%)	1 (2.2%)	3 (6.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (8.7%)								(n/a)														$30,569
Ranger Online	Public	9-12	943 SW 9th Ave	Forest Lake	55025	Washington County	Forest Lake Public School District	No	No	No	No	(651) 982-8350	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
White Bear Transition Plus Program	Public	10-12	13497 Fenway Blvd Cir N Ste 40	Hugo	55038	Washington County	White Bear Lake School District	No	No	No	No	(651) 773-6051	42	7	6.2	69.0%	29 (69.0%)	2 (4.8%)	5 (11.9%)	4 (9.5%)	1 (2.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (2.4%)								(n/a)														$47,936
Aware	Public	6-12	13497 Fenway Blvd Cir N Ste 4	Hugo	55038	Washington County	White Bear Lake School District	No	No	No	No	(651) 407-7622	0				0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)														$2,525

LILA Upper School

LILA Upper School:

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Lakes International Language Academy:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for LILA Upper School

Rank History for all middle school students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for middle school Special Education students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for middle school Female students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for middle school Male students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for middle school White students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for LILA Upper School

Rank History for all high school students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for high school Female students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for high school Male students at LILA Upper School

Rank History for high school White students at LILA Upper School

Review counts

Enrollment information for LILA Upper School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at LILA Upper School

Student/Teacher Ratio LILA Upper School

Per Pupil Expenditures for LILA Upper School

Impact of COVID-19 on LILA Upper School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near LILA Upper School

Frequently Asked Questions about LILA Upper School

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