Upper School at New Life Academy

9th Grade – 12th Grade

Future-Ready. Rooted in Faith.

As the parent of a teen, you know how important your son or daughter’s high school environment will be. From the topics they study to the friendships they forge, these years have a substantial impact on who your child becomes. While academic rigor and college readiness are important to you, you also want to make sure that your teen has opportunities to grow in their faith, serve their community, and pursue their God-given passions. Everything we do at New Life Academy is designed to accomplish these goals.

Our Upper School program helps students prepare for their college, career, and life goals, while still providing them with time and space to simply enjoy high school and make lasting memories.

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of what we offer, including:

To get the best feel of our program and all we have to offer, we encourage you to schedule a tour with our admissions team.

Academic Tracks

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Our Upper School students are guided intentionally toward a path that matches their personal goals. We offer Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as College in the Schools (CIS), and Postsecondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) on campus, allowing students who wish to get a jumpstart on their college education to start earning credits. Upper schoolers can earn up to 16 college credits per semester without leaving the NLA campus.

*PSEO is for MN residents only.

Impactful Cohorts

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Our Impact Hour project is designed to help each student discover their identity in Christ while exploring their individual talents and passions. Students take an assessment to identify their unique giftings and interests, and then are separated into four cohorts (Houses of Impact): Humanitarian, Business, STEM, and Fine Arts. Each House is guided by advisors, including teachers and community members, that help students work on projects that interest them.

Clubs & Electives

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Elective classes and interest-based clubs allow students to develop new skills, be mentored by a variety of teachers and advisors, and make friends based on shared interests. Electives include Drama, Choir, Band, Photography, News, Journalism, and more. Clubs vary by interest but favorites have been art club, ski club, chess club, robotics, and the National Honor Society. Students with varying interests are encouraged and supported to start new clubs each year!

Christ-Centered Athletics

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With 40 teams in 16 different sports, we are proud to say that nearly 80 percent of New Life students participate in athletics. Our programs focus on essential life skills such as excellence, teamwork, and perseverance. While we strive to compete for championships, the lasting impact of our athletic programs is found in each individual student athlete and the character developed within them.

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Get an Inside Look at NLA

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A Roadmap to Success

It is no surprise that our graduates successfully move on to college, or step confidently into the future plans that make the most sense for them. We help students move intentionally through the four years of Upper School, diligently planning for what’s ahead and taking advantage of the opportunities around them. Whether your teen is planning to apply to competitive universities, pursue a trade, join the military, or even take a gap year to travel or serve, we will partner with your family to ensure everyone feels well prepared for the next step.

9th

GRADE

We begin by offering interest assessments and creating student profiles to guide the future planning process. Students can begin taking honors classes or select an advanced math and science track. Our teachers and the guidance office make students aware of what’s to come, including the importance of their grades and transcripts, scholarship opportunities, and extracurricular activities.

10th

GRADE

Students are visited by college representatives during their lunch hours and continue to be counseled by our supportive staff. We make students aware of early college opportunities and provide PSEO opportunities for those interested.

11th

GRADE

Juniors are encouraged to start building their resumes through internships, Teacher’s Assistant opportunities, and community service. During this important college prep year, they also take the SAT and the ACT, visit colleges and/or trade schools, and attend several college fairs.

12th

GRADE

Seniors are counseled individually as they apply to their dream colleges, search for scholarship opportunities, and plan for their next steps as a young adult. Many seniors are engaged in meaningful work opportunities, as Teacher’s Assistants, or out in the community through our internship program.

New Life offers a unique high school experience that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. It offers you challenging academics and a solid faith background. The teachers are not only teachers, but role models and mentors. They genuinely want the best for you and are there to serve you. The community of friends is amazing and the school size is perfect allowing many opportunities and the ability to know everyone personally. It was a blessing to have those connections.”

ABBY THOR, CLASS OF 2016

Mentorship for the Road Ahead

In some environments, high school can be a stressful time, wherein students become overwhelmed by future planning, peer pressure, and increasingly challenging academics. At New Life Academy, we ensure every student is known, loved, and valued so they not only thrive academically, but emotionally, socially, and spiritually as well.

Nurturing teacher relationships.

Because class sizes are small, teachers get to know their students personally, provide spiritual mentorship, and support their upper school students, often attending their athletic events or fine arts performances or providing additional one-on-one academic support.

Encourage authentic relationships.

Grade specific retreats and excursions allow students to build meaningful friendships, reflect on their relationships with Christ, and hold each other accountable to high standards.

Growing in Christ.

Through Chapel, Bible classes, and service opportunities, students are able to better understand God’s word and discover His purpose for their lives.

A Safe Place to Grow into Early Adulthood

Our 20-acre campus feels like home, providing a sense of community and security that allows for the best learning experience. We are located in Woodbury, MN, a suburb of the St. Paul-Minneapolis metro area, just 15 minutes from downtown St. Paul. Campus safety is of utmost importance, and our secure check-in process provides parents and students with peace of mind. Whether students are in the classroom or chatting with friends in our coffee shop, they enjoy a priceless sense of security.

See for Yourself

See first-hand why families choose New Life Academy for their teens.