During the formative years of Kindergarten through fifth grade, children need to build strong foundations for all the learning and life ahead. As a parent, you know that their environment will influence academic progress, social development, spiritual growth, and so much more. Everything we do in the Lower School at New Life Academy is designed to help students reach their God-given potential, and we look forward to sharing more about how we accomplish this.
At New Life, we understand that students are uniquely created with different learning styles. Because our class sizes are kept small, we can differentiate learning to meet students where they are. Our intimate classroom environment ensures all children are known, loved, and valued.
Biblical principles are integrated into everything we do, so students feel strongly aligned with their home, church, and school. This consistency builds strong character, equipping students to grow in their faith, and eventually allowing them to communicate their beliefs in an ever-changing world.
We believe that elementary-age children learn best in a strong community with involved parents, and we prioritize that. Annual events, the buddy program, schoolwide assemblies, and traditions such as spirit week create a vibrant atmosphere where students get to interact with other grades and feel a sense of belonging.
A Place Where Your Child Will Thrive
Learn more about how New Life Academy can meet your child’s needs. Your e-book will also include information on extracurricular activities, how teachers mentor students, and how your child will grow in faith.
Lower School Programs
Our school day begins at 8:05 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. We also offer before and after-school care to meet your family’s needs!
Academy Adventures
(morning care)
Begins at 7:00 AM
Available at no charge
Extended Care
(afternoon)
Runs from 3–5:30 PM
An additional fee applies.
We love the atmosphere and connections we’ve made at New Life Academy. Our expectations have been exceeded. We look forward to growing with NLA and sharing it with others.”
Words from a New Life Academy Parent
OUR LOWER SCHOOL
A Strong Academic Foundation
Our experienced teachers utilize different learning approaches, such as project-based learning, whole and small group instruction, and hands-on learning, to keep lower school students active and engaged. This approach fosters positive attitudes toward learning and allows for greater collaboration among peers. Every day allows students to explore with their senses, ask questions, and make meaningful connections between subject matter.
At the Lower School level, core skills are developed in:
Differentiated Reading Instruction
In grades K-5, we utilize a differentiated learning model that promotes gradual reading independence. This model has five areas: read to self, work on writing, read to someone, word work, and listen to a buddy/someone. Starting in third grade, we use the Accelerated Reader program to promote reading comprehension and reward students for their progress.
Specialist Classes
Lower school students rotate through five special classes weekly: Art, Music, Spanish, P.E., and Makerspace. Students visit our Innovation Center weekly to participate in our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program, which encourages creativity, collaboration, innovation, and exploration in learning.
Age-Appropriate Technology Use
We believe face-to-face, collaborative learning is more effective in the early years than screen time. However, as students grow and develop, they are equipped with 21st-century skills and able to use technology as a tool to empower their learning.
Student Support Services
The Lower School Student Support Services team includes intervention specialists, an enrichment teacher, and a school counselor. The team works collaboratively to address the holistic needs of students.
Intervention Services
The Lower School Intervention Specialists work in collaboration with classroom teachers to identify academic needs for students. These academic intervention services are administered within the regular classroom or in a pull-out setting based on the level of need determined.
At NLA we can support most IEPs that are listed as a Federal Setting 1 (meaning they spend the majority of their day in the general education classroom). Upon applying to NLA, IEPs will be reviewed on an individual basis. At this time NLA is unable to accommodate team taught classes (a Special Education teacher and a General Education teacher), one-to-one paraprofessional support, high behavioral needs, and high social/emotional needs.
Enrichment Program
To complement our core curriculum, the Enrichment program offers pullout classes to high-achieving students in grades 3-5. Students qualify for Enrichment based on high assessment scores, teacher recommendation, and personal motivation. Students engage in project-based critical thinking skills and activities that stimulate creativity, problem solving, and logical reasoning. The curriculum focuses on content “beyond the core curriculum” and applying knowledge in new contexts.
Counseling Services
The School Counselor supports student mental health and wellbeing and encourages, teaches, and coaches students with social skills and self-regulation. The Counselor designs and delivers school counseling that aligns with the beliefs, vision, and mission of the school, and helps students manage the school day, work through personal and interpersonal challenges, and learn to live in community. The Counselor monitors the emotional climate of the school by visiting classrooms, advocating for students, developing programs to improve mental health, character development, responsible citizenship, and personal safety. When necessary, the counselor may also intervene in a disrupted learning environment. The goal of school counseling is to help students feel and do their best at school so they can be optimally engaged in their learning.
Parents of enrolled students are encouraged to consult the Veracross Parent Portal for more complete information.
Meet a Teacher
“I absolutely love teaching. Working with students means that every day is a brand-new experience. I love the energy and excitement my students bring to the classroom each day. I am always looking for new ways to make learning exciting and engaging for them. I don’t ever want to be a boring teacher and do things the same way year after year. I want to continue to learn and grow as an educator so that my last year of teaching is my best year.”
Laurie Dahlen
See for Yourself!
Schedule a visit to explore our beautiful campus, have your questions answered, and see firsthand why families choose New Life.
