New Life Academy holds dual accreditation from Cognia, our regional accrediting body, and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This means we meet both rigorous academic standards and Christian education standards. Accreditation assures families that we are a trustworthy school focused on continuous improvement and student success. Our Early Education program is also fully licensed by the State of Minnesota. You can learn more about our accreditation process and why it matters.

High school students at New Life Academy can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses as part of their academic path, with a variety of AP options available. In addition, qualifying juniors and seniors may participate in the Postsecondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) through Bethel University, the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, or on-site PSEO courses taught by New Life Academy teachers. PSEO allows students to earn college credits that count toward high school graduation and may transfer to many colleges. Minnesota residents can participate in PSEO tuition-free, while Wisconsin residents may enroll in dual college courses for a fee paid to the college. Partial reimbursement is available once courses are completed with a passing grade. Students earn high school credit based on the college course credits completed, and may take up to three PSEO courses per semester. New Life also offers a PSEO+ option for full-time PSEO students who want to remain involved in the school community by taking an NLA Bible class each semester, with reduced tuition and fees. Learn more about our Upper School academic tracks.

New Life Academy offers rich STEAM learning opportunities across all grade levels.

Early Education & Lower School: Students participate weekly in Makerspace specials that cover STEAM topics through hands-on, collaborative learning. Activities may include coding, circuitry, and tinkering. Starting in 3rd grade, students receive Microsoft email accounts and begin learning typing and basic computer skills.

Middle School: There are three STEAM-focused classes:
1. STEAM Exploration introduces robotics, sewing, video production, circuitry, 3D printing, engraving, and more. Students then select an individual focus to complete personalized projects.
2. Lego Robotics teaches building, testing, and programming autonomous robots using Lego Spike Prime technology.
3. Robotics and Drones builds on Lego Robotics with advanced robot building and drone control, incorporating engineering, coding, and driving skills.

Upper School: The Upper School offers a 3D Modeling and Engineering class where students design and prototype solutions using TinkerCad, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Adobe Illustrator. Projects introduce Civil, Mechanical, and Environmental Engineering concepts through activities like building truss bridges, solar vehicles, and model airplanes. The Upper School Robotics Team is an active student club that provides additional hands-on STEAM experience.

Faculty grants enhance technology resources such as 3D printers and robotics equipment.

Explore more about our Lower School STEAM program.

New Life Academy offers Spanish language instruction starting in Kindergarten, where students rotate weekly through specials including Spanish, Art, and Music, providing early, engaging exposure to the language. In Middle School, Spanish is available as a semester elective, allowing students to explore the culture and language of Spanish-speaking countries; while this elective does not count toward the high school Spanish requirement, it helps prepare and keep students engaged. In High School, Spanish fulfills the two-credit foreign language graduation requirement, with four levels offered: Spanish I, II, III, and AP Spanish. Additionally, cultural understanding is enhanced through opportunities like mission trips to Guatemala that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Learn more about our Kindergarten program and Upper School offerings.

New Life Academy offers extended learning through before and after-school care programs tailored to different age groups:
– Early Education students can join the Eaglet Club from 7:00–8:00 AM and 2:45–5:30 PM (additional fees apply for extended care).
– For Kindergarten through 5th grade students there is free before-school care. Academy Adventures, the after-school care program, is available from 3:00–5:30 PM for an additional fee.

Additionally, our Lower School offers enrichment pullout classes for high-achieving students in grades 3-5, focusing on critical thinking and creativity beyond the core curriculum. For Middle and Upper School students, after-school academic programs include Knowledge Bowl, Model UN, and the National Honor Society.

Learn more about these offerings in our Lower School programs.

New Life Academy offers a variety of summer camps for students from 33 months old through entering 5th grade, including the popular all-day Summer Blast program. It features age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, games, gym time, and special field trips. Families can register for flexible day options, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For older students, on-site camps focus on athletics, fine arts, STEAM, and enrichment to help kids grow and have fun with friends. Please note that registration for summer programming opens in early February. Learn more about our summer camps and registration.

We offer flexible child care options to fit your family’s needs. Our Early Education day runs from 8:05 a.m. to 2:40 p.m., with enrollment available for 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day options. For additional care, the Eaglet Club provides morning care starting at 7:00 a.m. and afternoon care until 5:30 p.m. at a small additional fee of $0.22 per minute. Please note Preschool Prep must be picked up by 5:00 p.m. Kindergarten through 5th grade students have access to free before-school care, and can join Academy Adventures for after-school care until 5:30 p.m. for an additional fee. Learn more about our Early Education programs and before/after-school care.

Children can start in our Preschool Prep program at 31 months. For Preschool, children should be potty-trained and have turned 3 by September 1 of the enrollment year. Pre-K is for children who are 4 or 5 by September 1. We focus on each child’s overall development—physical, emotional, social, and academic readiness—so age is considered along with maturity. Our Early Education program offers a nurturing, play-based environment with small class sizes and caring teachers who help every child thrive. Learn more about our Preschool and Pre-K programs.

Children need to be 5 years old by September 1 of the year they start Kindergarten. We also consider your child’s overall development, including physical, emotional, social, and academic readiness to ensure they thrive. Our Kindergarten program offers a full day of engaging, play-based learning that builds a strong foundation for their academic and social growth. For more details about our Kindergarten program and enrollment, you can explore our Kindergarten overview and admissions FAQs.

Families can arrange a shadow day for their child after touring the school and completing the admissions application. Shadow days are designed for students entering 4th grade, though 3rd graders may also participate. Students from elementary through high school can spend a half or full day shadowing a current student in the same grade. This visit includes a complimentary lunch to help your child connect with classmates and experience our community. To schedule, simply email our admissions team at admissions@newlifeacademy.org. For more details or to schedule a tour and meet with our admissions team, we’re happy to help!

New Life Academy serves students from Early Education through 12th grade, welcoming children as young as 31 months in Preschool Prep. Here’s a quick guide by age and grade:

• Early Education: Preschool Prep starts at 31 months. Preschool requires children to be potty trained and 3 years old by September 1. Pre-K is for 4- and 5-year-olds.
• Kindergarten: Children must be 5 by September 1.
• Lower School: Kindergarten through 5th grade.
• Middle School: Grades 6-8.
• Upper School: Grades 9-12.

Each stage offers a nurturing, faith-centered environment tailored to your child’s growth. Learn more about our Early Education, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School programs.

New Life Academy offers three main admissions periods:

• Priority Enrollment (Oct 1-end of December): Apply early for first-round acceptance letters.
• Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – June 30): Applications accepted while space lasts; qualified applicants may be enrolled or placed in a wait pool.
• Late Application (July 1 – Aug 1): Considered individually based on space and timing.

If you miss these deadlines, your application may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, or you can roll your application forward to the next year without extra fees, though admission is not guaranteed. For details, visit our admissions timeline.

There is a non-refundable application fee for each child applying: $150 per application. This fee helps cover the processing of your application and is required when you submit your online application through our admissions portal. If your child is placed in the wait pool and space doesn’t open during the current year, you can roll the application forward to the next year without paying another fee. Learn more about the application process and fees.

New students may be asked to take an entrance assessment if their academic records are missing or incomplete. This helps us understand their current level and ensure the best fit. For Elementary through High School applicants, providing academic records is required, and assessments supplement those records when needed. For Kindergarten and younger, assessments are less common, focusing more on screenings and observations. This process helps us support each child’s learning journey confidently and with care. Learn more about our admissions process.

Admissions decision timelines vary based on several factors. During the priority enrollment period, which runs from October 1 to the end of December, families can receive a decision soon after applying if they meet admissions standards, space is available, and required steps like the interview are complete. During open enrollment, from January through June 30, decisions are made after the interview and depend on available space. If accepted, you will receive an email with next steps. If a grade is full, your student may be placed in a wait pool and we will contact you if a spot opens.

Siblings of current students receive priority consideration during admissions to help keep families together. This means qualified siblings are given preference, but all applicants must still meet our admissions standards. Priority applies across all grades—from Preschool through High School—and supports families by valuing their ongoing connection to our community. While priority helps, it does not guarantee admission. For full details on the process and standards, you can review our admissions FAQs.

To confirm your child’s enrollment, you will need to:

1. Pay a non-refundable $150 application fee.
2. Sign the enrollment contract and submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit ($450 for K-12 or $200 for Early Education). This deposit applies toward tuition.
3. Complete all steps on the enrollment contract within 7 days of acceptance to secure your child’s spot.

Additional fees may include before/after school care, activity fees, and others depending on your child’s grade and activities. Learn more about tuition and fees as you prepare..

During registration, prospective families can expect a welcoming, Christ-centered community that partners closely with families. To learn about the full admissions process and upcoming opportunities, we encourage you to visit our admissions visit page, where you can find details on campus tours and Preview Events to experience classrooms and meet staff. Once officially accepted, new families will be invited to a new family orientation night to learn about the start of school and tour the building. We also host a back-to-school Eagle Kickoff day where students take school photos and bring in their school supplies. Communication is ongoing throughout to support families every step of the way.

New Life Academy offers Variable Tuition, a need-based financial aid program for grades K-12 (not available for Early Education). The program provides need-based assistance that may cover a portion of tuition, with the highest level of support reaching up to nearly half a year’s tuition. Families apply through a confidential third-party service called FAST. Applications typically open around mid-November each year, and you must reapply annually since awards depend on available funds and your current financial situation. For more details or questions, contact our admissions office or learn how to apply for Variable Tuition

New Life Academy does not accept state voucher programs. However, we offer a need-based Variable Tuition program for families with children in Kindergarten through 12th grade to help make private Christian education more affordable. Early Education students are not eligible for this program. Families interested in financial assistance can apply through a third-party processor called FAST, and we recommend applying soon after beginning the admissions process. For more details, please visit our tuition assistance options.

Tuition for 2025-26 varies by age and grade level:

Early Childhood (Preschool)
– 2-Day: $5,623($469/month)
– 3-Day: $8,382 ($699/month)
– 5-Day: $13,378 ($1,115/month)

Kindergarten–Grade 5: $13,931
Grades 6-8: $15,419
Grades 9-12: $16,540

These are the maximum rates before Variable Tuition assistance. Additional fees include a $150 application fee and an enrollment deposit that is applied toward tuition (not an additional expense), as well as before/after school care, activity fees, and more. Families can explore tuition details and financial aid options to find what fits best.

Tuition covers your child’s core education from Early Childhood through Grade 12, including classes taught by dedicated teachers in a Christ-centered environment. Additional costs may cover:
– Application fee
– Enrollment deposit (applied toward tuition)
– Before and after school care
– Activity fees for drama, athletics, and extracurriculars
– AP testing fees
– Instrument rental ($5-$50)
– Local and global excursions

Families can find detailed tuition rates and fees by grade and stage, with flexible payment plans available. Learn more about tuition and fees here.

Families can expect additional fees beyond tuition, including:

• Application fee ($150)
• Non-refundable enrollment deposit ($450 for K-12, $200 for Early Ed) applied toward tuition
• Before and after school care programs
• Activity fees for drama, athletics, and other extracurriculars
• AP testing fees
• Instrument rental ($5-$50)
• Local and global excursions

These fees support the enriching experiences and care provided at every stage. Learn more about these additional fees.

New Life Academy offers Variable Tuition, a need-based financial assistance program for grades Kindergarten through 12th. This program adjusts tuition based on family financial need and can cover up to nearly half a year’s tuition. Early Education students are not eligible. Families must apply annually through FAST, a third-party financial processor, and reapply each year since aid is not guaranteed or automatic. We encourage families to apply soon after submitting their admission application, with applications opening in mid-November. For more details or questions, please contact our admissions office. Learn more about Variable Tuition and how to apply.

New Life Academy does not offer sibling discounts. However, the school provides Variable Tuition, a need-based program for Kindergarten through 12th grade that helps reduce tuition costs based on your family’s financial situation. Early Education students are not eligible. You can apply for Variable Tuition at the same time as your admissions application to help make private Christian education more affordable. Families must reapply each year since awards depend on current need and available funds. For details and to apply, please see our Variable Tuition information.

New Life Academy offers Variable Tuition, a need-based financial aid program for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. It helps make private Christian education more accessible, with aid covering up to nearly half a year’s tuition based on family need. Families apply through FAST, a third-party processor, and must reapply each year as awards aren’t guaranteed. Early Education (Preschool) students are not eligible. For details and to apply, you can visit our Variable Tuition page. Questions? Contact admissions at VT@newlifeacademy.org or (651) 757-4380.

Families can choose to pay tuition monthly, bi-annually, or annually, making it easier to fit private Christian education into your budget. Flexible payment options are available for Early-Grade 12 students to help manage costs across all grade levels. To learn more about tuition rates and payment plans, feel free to explore our detailed tuition information.

Tuition is due after you sign the enrollment contract and submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $450 for K-12, which applies toward your overall tuition. Families can choose to pay tuition monthly, bi-annually, or annually, with monthly payments spread over 12 months. Additional fees may apply for before/after school care, activities, and testing. All financial obligations must be kept current to maintain enrollment. For details, you can review our tuition and fees information.

While we don’t publish specific SAT scores, our Upper School prepares students well for college admissions through honors, AP courses, and opportunities like PSEO to earn college credits on campus. Juniors take ACT as part of their college prep, supported by guidance counselors and practice tests offered in early high school through the PSAT. About 88% of NLA graduates pursue college or trade school, reflecting our strong focus on academic and spiritual readiness. To learn more about our academic programs and college prep, you can explore our Upper School academics.

New students should meet these key standards:

Academic: Provide records showing grade-level performance, consistent effort, and minimal absences. If records are missing or incomplete, an entrance assessment may be required. Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will have their needs reviewed to ensure proper support.

Behavior: Students and parents must be in good standing with their current school and demonstrate respectful, responsible conduct aligned with our Christian values. Disruptive behavior may affect admission.

Spiritual & Family Commitment: At least one parent must be a believer in Jesus Christ and actively involved in a Christ-centered church, supporting the school’s faith and social positions.

For more details, see our Admissions Standards.

At New Life Academy, technology use is thoughtfully tailored by age to support and enhance your child’s learning. In Preschool and Kindergarten, we emphasize face-to-face learning with limited screen time, using tablets and hands-on activities like coding lessons in Makerspace.

For Grades K-2, students use iPads in the classroom to explore lessons and engage with interactive activities that bring foundational concepts to life. In Grades 3-5, each student participates in a 1:1 device program, receiving a laptop to use during the school day. This encourages responsible technology use while fostering independent learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a safe environment.

Middle and Upper School students are required to provide their own laptops, with guidance and specifications provided to assist families in selecting appropriate devices. Additionally, school-provided laptops may be available as needed through classroom resources and faculty grants.

Families do not need to provide personal devices for younger students. Learn more about our technology approach and faculty grants that enhance tech access.

We use a variety of age-appropriate online learning tools and educational apps to support classroom learning across all grade levels. Starting in third grade, students receive a school email and learn essential digital skills such as typing and creating presentations. Throughout the school, students engage with tools like Kahoot, Reflex Math, Raz Kids, and Boddle for reading and math practice.

In grades 6 through 12, all math classes use DeltaMath for practice, instant feedback, and progress tracking. Middle school science classes utilize Stile for interactive lessons, while several social studies and science classes use Savvas Realize for digital textbooks and activities. Additionally, the school employs FastBridge to monitor reading and math growth and to identify areas where students may need extra support.

These thoughtfully selected tools help build digital literacy and 21st-century skills while keeping learning engaging and collaborative.

At New Life Academy, we prioritize in-person learning to support the whole child, while also embracing technology to enhance education. Qualifying juniors and seniors can participate in online or hybrid learning through the Postsecondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program, which allows students to take college courses for high school credit either on-site or through partner universities. PSEO is free for Minnesota residents and offers opportunities to earn credits toward graduation while staying involved in the NLA community through required Bible classes. Wisconsin residents can also participate, although a fee is required upfront and is reimbursed at the end of the school year. This combination of in-person, hybrid, and online options supports a range of learning needs for all students.

Teachers use technology thoughtfully to enhance learning at every stage. In Kindergarten, hands-on activities remain the focus, with tablets or coding lessons used only when they truly add value. As students progress, technology such as coding games, robots, and interactive simulations help build 21st-century skills at their own pace. Middle and high school students engage with more advanced tools, including digital media projects and coding languages, preparing them for real-world tech use. Classrooms are equipped with Promethean boards, allowing teachers to display interactive lessons, model problem solving, and engage students in hands-on activities. Videos are used thoughtfully to reinforce concepts or deepen understanding, whether from curriculum resources, age-appropriate scenes like from The Chosen, or other relevant clips. Interactive tools are incorporated as needed to make learning more engaging, clear, and accessible for students.

Learn more about how technology supports learning in our Kindergarten program.

We take digital safety seriously at every age and follow the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Our network uses filters to block harmful or inappropriate content for minors, and student activity on school devices and networks is monitored to ensure safe and responsible use. Students receive age-appropriate instruction on digital citizenship, online behavior, cyberbullying prevention, and safe interactions. All 6th through 12th-grade students sign a Responsible Use Policy that reinforces expectations for respectful and responsible technology use. For younger students, technology use is intentional, supervised, and focused on hands-on learning with limited screen time. We also regularly host parent workshops to help families keep children safe both online and offline. Learn more about our approach in our FAQs.

We teach responsible tech use through age-appropriate digital citizenship lessons that cover online behavior, cyberbullying, and safe interactions. Middle and High School teachers integrate safe technology use into daily teaching and assignment expectations. All students in grades 6-12 read and sign a Responsible Use Policy that sets clear expectations for respectful and wise technology use. For younger students, technology is used intentionally and in small doses to support learning. Our network filters harmful content, and we regularly host parent workshops to help families reinforce safe technology habits at home and school.

We prioritize face-to-face, hands-on learning over screen time, especially in Early Education and Kindergarten. Young learners engage mostly in play-based activities, with technology used sparingly and only when it truly enhances learning, like tablet reading rotations or coding in Makerspace. As students grow, technology becomes a purposeful tool to build 21st-century skills, integrated thoughtfully in classes from Lower School through Upper School. This balanced approach ensures students develop collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy without excessive screen exposure. Learn more about our Early Education and Lower School technology use.