Our School

Welcome to Lakin Prep Academy!

We’re proud to be the newest addition to the Littleton Elementary School District, serving kindergarten through seventh-grade students in the vibrant Alamar community of Avondale, Arizona.

At Lakin Prep, our Lion Pride is strong, and we are excited to offer families a dynamic and forward-thinking educational experience. Here are just a few of the exciting highlights that set us apart:

  • Dual Language Immersion Program (Spanish/English):
    Students learn academic content in both languages, building bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural skills.
  • IB World School Candidate* (in progress):
    We are preparing to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, which will enhance inquiry-based learning, global awareness, and student agency.
  • Future Grade Level Expansion:
    As our students grow, so will we! Lakin Prep is committed to expanding our grade offerings to continue serving families in the years to come.

We can’t wait to grow, learn, and lead together—welcome to the pride!

Our Mission

The mission of the Littleton Elementary School District is to create high quality, comprehensive, and success-oriented learning and leading opportunities for everyone in our schools.

Dual Language Immersion Program

At Lakin Prep Academy, we are proud to offer a 50/50 Dual Language Immersion Program in English and Spanish—an essential part of our mission as a candidate school for both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). This model not only supports academic achievement but also prepares students to thrive as compassionate, globally minded individuals in a multilingual, multicultural world.

Bilingualism and Biliteracy: A Powerful Advantage

Our dual language model promotes bilingualism and biliteracy for all students, whether they are native English speakers or native Spanish speakers. Learning academic content in both languages enhances students’ ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English and Spanish. The earlier children are immersed in two languages, the more proficient and confident they become in both.

Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Research shows that students in dual language immersion programs outperform their monolingual peers in cognitive function, attention control, and memory. Exposure to two languages from an early age strengthens the brain and enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills—core components of the IB framework and essential for success in today’s interconnected world.

Preserving and Honoring Native Language

For our English learners, dual language immersion accelerates native language development while simultaneously building proficiency in English. This balanced approach helps close the achievement gap and affirms the value of every student’s linguistic and cultural identity.

Fostering Intercultural Understanding

One of the greatest strengths of our program is the cultural awareness it nurtures. Students learn to respect and celebrate diversity, fostering empathy, kindness, and open-mindedness—hallmarks of the IB Learner Profile. In a world that often feels divided, our dual language community offers a powerful model of unity through shared learning.

Why It Matters at Lakin Prep

As the first school in the Littleton District working toward IB authorization, we believe that bilingual, biliterate, and globally aware students are better equipped to lead with empathy, think critically, and take informed action in their communities and beyond. Our dual language immersion program is a vital part of that vision.

Lakin Prep Academy is a Candidate School* for the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes. Our school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Lakin Prep Academy believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit the IBO website.