Educational Philosophy

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 hands-on STEAM learning at every level. In Early Education and Lower School, students explore STEAM weekly in Makerspace specials with activities like coding and circuitry. Middle School students take STEAM Exploration, Lego Robotics, and Robotics and Drones classes, focusing on robotics, engineering, and coding. The Robotics Team club, which includes both Middle and Upper School members, provides additional opportunities for students interested in robotics. Upper School offers 3D Modeling and Engineering classes using tools like Autodesk Fusion 360 and 3D printers. Our programs encourage creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. Learn 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.

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.

Our curriculum blends Christian and secular resources, integrating biblical truth across all subjects from Preschool through High School. We use a variety of textbooks and materials from both Christian and secular publishers, selecting them with wisdom and discernment to support excellent, student-centered learning. Because we believe “all truth is God’s truth,” our teachers are trained to integrate biblical truth into every unit and teach all subjects from a biblical worldview.

We review curriculum for each core subject every six years to ensure we provide the highest quality education, focusing on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and 21st-century skills.

At Early Ed and Kindergarten, learning is play-based with core areas like Bible, Math, Reading, Writing, Science, and History, plus specials such as Spanish and Makerspace.

In Lower and Middle School, students engage in STEAM activities, technology, and language learning.

Upper School offers honors, AP courses, and college credit options to prepare students for the future. Learn more in our curriculum overview.

At NLA, we believe God created each student individually, and our teachers utilize various teaching strategies to engage students and maximize their learning styles. Our smaller class sizes allow for an intimate learning environment where teachers know when a student is ready for a challenge and how to provide support when needed.

From Early Education through Upper School, we offer age-appropriate programs, including enrichment for high-achievers and intervention services for those needing extra help. We also review IEPs individually to ensure each student receives the appropriate support.

Learn more about how this impacts each grade level: Early Education, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School programs.

Our average class sizes vary by grade level to ensure personalized attention and support, maintaining a student-to-teacher ratio that helps every child be known, supported, and successful:

• Early Education: Classes have a maximum of 15 students, taught by a full-time licensed teacher and a teacher’s aide.
• Lower School: Classes typically have 18 to 22 students.
• Middle and High School: Class sizes vary by course, with core classes generally larger and elective classes smaller.
• Graduating classes: Usually about 55 students.

This approach supports each child’s unique learning style and development. Learn more about our Early Education and Lower School programs.