International Academy

What is the International Academy-West?

The International Academy-West (IA-West) is a public, tuition-free, high school for students living in school districts that are part of a consortium. IA-West is in its fourth year and is located on the campus of Lakeland High School in White Lake. The International Academy provides a unique blend of rigorous academic standards and practical, career related learning throughout the school year. It features the world renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) as the centerpiece of the curriculum. IA-West is the west campus of the International Academy located in Bloomfield Hills.
What is an International Baccalaureate Diploma?
An International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognized internationally and is the highest form of a diploma for high school students. IA-West can potentially offer students a year of college credit before they begin their college career. To learn more, visit www.ibo.org

How do I enroll my child?
1. You must be a resident of a Consortium district.
2. Your student must have taken Algebra I or higher math class in 8th grade and/or pass our math placement test.
3. Your student must demonstrate competency on our placement test (which covers math, English usage and a personal essay).
4. Submit an application form, Principal/Counselor Recommendation form, including a current report card and most recent standardized test results to: IA-West,
1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake, Michigan 48383.

What if I am an international student?
International student enrollments will be considered separately. International students must still demonstrate competency on the placement test and qualify as an international student.
• To qualify as an international student, they must have been in the U.S. for two years or less.
• International students do not take the seat of local students. They fill vacant seats.
• We recommend an individual meeting with IA principal, Bert Okma, for all international students.
• IB diploma can be accepted in lieu of national exams: GCSE, Arbiter of Germany, Bac. Of France. Policies vary by country, state and university. IB schools generally accept transfers in order to assist the student.

Can Schools of Choice students enroll?
Current Huron Valley Schools of Choice students are eligible for the IA-West. 8th grade students residing in and attending an Oakland County school district must apply through their home district.

Is there a cost to attend?
There is no tuition. We cannot charge or accept tuition students. There is a $20 application processing fee. There is also a book deposit of $150 and an annual lab fee of $150. Enrichment classes also have additional costs. There are assessment fees for IB exams.

Is there transportation?
IA-West students have a longer school day and calendar year than other students. Separate transportation is not provided, but carpools can be arranged by individuals.

If my child is attending private school, when should he/she register with his/her home district?
Prior to attending IA-West, but we recommend you contact your home district as well. IA-West will consider all district residents regardless of their current enrollment.

Can IA-West students participate in extracurricular activities?
Yes, and many do very successfully. IA-West students must participate in their home district for athletics. Extracurricular and intramural activities are offered by the International Academy.

Do you have information about teachers and class size?
The teachers are all Michigan certified, have strong backgrounds in their disciplines and are employees of the consortium districts. Class size will be approximately 27. The IA-West has its own calendar of 190 instructional days.

Can I and/or my child visit and meet with the principal?
Yes, you and your child are welcome to visit and meet with the principal. To schedule a visit or a meeting with the principal, Ms. Lynne Gibson, call the main office at 248-676-2735.

Where can I go for more information?
Please join our IA-West ListServ at www.huronvalley.k12.mi.us. We encourage you to visit the IB website at www.ibo.org. If you have specific questions, contact Julie Milani via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .