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:
Academic Tracks
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 Community Groups
Upper School Community Groups are designed to give students the opportunity to build relationships, learn new skills, and have meaningful time for fellowship. Students spend time each week after chapel in their home community group or their selected club group. Students explore different topics in a safe environment that helps prepare them for the next stage of life and introduces them to new interests.
Clubs & Electives
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
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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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 High 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.
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.
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.
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 college fairs.
Seniors build community and develop leadership through meaningful class trips and retreats. They 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 internships, Teacher’s Assistant positions, part-time jobs, and more.
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.