Questions? We can help!
What are the beliefs held at NLA?
Our mission is to glorify God in all that we do, as we nurture the spiritual, academic, and relational growth of every student entrusted to our care. We invite you to learn more about who we are and what we believe:
What are the possible admissions outcomes?
Acceptance:
Your family has been accepted to New Life Academy! This means we believe your family aligns with our mission and values, and your student meets our admissions standards. We look forward to partnering with you.
Wait Pool:
If your student’s grade level is full, they may be placed in our unranked wait pool. This means your student meets our admissions standards, but space is currently unavailable.
If space does not become available during the current school year, you may roll your application forward to the next academic year without paying an additional application fee. Please note that students must complete the full admissions process again, including updated materials and any required interviews or assessments. Rolling forward does not guarantee admission.
For complete details, please review our wait pool policy.
Denial Process:
While every application is carefully reviewed, not all students are offered admission. Decisions may be based on academic readiness, alignment with standards, available space, or the school’s ability to provide needed support (see complete policy for more information).
Priority Consideration:
Siblings of current NLA students receive priority consideration during the admissions process. While we value our current families and give their children preference, all applicants—including siblings—must meet our admissions standards. Current family status does not guarantee admission.
How do you decide who gets accepted?
New Life Academy is committed to a thorough and prayerful admissions process. All decisions are made by our Admissions Committee, which carefully reviews each application to ensure alignment with our mission and vision.
Admission decisions consider multiple factors, including alignment with our Admissions Standards and social positions, academic readiness, our ability to provide necessary accommodations or services, behavioral history, and grade-level availability. While we strive to welcome all families who share our mission, not all applicants may be offered admission.
Families will be notified of all admissions decisions. To maintain the integrity and confidentiality of our process, we do not provide specific reasons for decisions or engage in discussions regarding individual outcomes.
What curriculum is used?
We use a variety of textbooks and resources from both Christian and secular publishers 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’re providing the highest quality education. We are committed to selecting materials with wisdom and discernment, and we equip our students to think critically and discerningly as learners. For more information, view our curriculum overview.
Does NLA provide transportation to and from school?
Busing is available for families who live within South Washington County (District 833). If you live in this area, you can opt in for bus transportation. For details about routes, eligibility, and registration, visit the South Washington County Schools transportation website.
Is NLA accredited?
New Life Academy is fully accredited by Cognia and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). Our Early Ed program is fully licensed by the State of Minnesota.
Member Associations:
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Independent School Management, Inc. (ISM)
Minnesota Independent Schools Forum (MISF)
Woodbury Chamber of Commerce
Athletic Associations:
Skyline Athletic Conference
Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)
How does NLA ensure student safety and security?
The safety and security of our students and staff are a top priority. We maintain comprehensive protocols to protect our community, including:
- Locked exterior doors during school hours with visitor check-in at the front desk
- Key card access doors within the building for after-school hours
- Regular safety drills to prepare staff and students for emergencies
- A five-year safety plan guiding our long-term security initiatives
- Ongoing consultation with the Woodbury Police Department to strengthen our preparedness
We understand the importance of safety and are committed to ensuring that our campus is a secure and welcoming place for all students, staff, and families.
How does NLA address the diversity of academic strengths and challenges of each student?
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 an intimate learning environment for teachers to know when a student is ready for a challenge and how to provide support when needed.
Learn more about how this impacts each grade level!
What is the current enrollment?
Our current enrollment is over 820 students in Early Ed through Grade 12.
What is the average class size?
Class sizes vary by grade level, but our goal is always to maintain a student-to-teacher ratio that allows every child to be known, supported, and successful at their stage of development.
- Early Education: A Maximum of 15 students per class, with a full-time licensed teacher and a teacher’s aide.
- Lower School: Average class size of 18–22 students.
- Middle and High School: Class sizes vary depending on the course, with core classes typically larger and elective classes smaller.
- Graduating classes: Average around 55 students.
Does NLA offer before and after school care?
Yes! We offer programs designed to provide students with a safe and engaging environment outside of regular school hours.
- Eaglet Club serves our Early Education students and is open from 7:00–8:00 AM and 2:45–5:30 PM.
- Academy Adventures is available for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade and runs from 7:00–8:00 AM and 3:00–5:30 PM.
Both programs offer a fun and caring space where students can play, learn, and build friendships before and after the school day.
What is the uniform or dress code policy?
Students in grades K–12 are required to wear uniforms. Uniforms can be purchased through Donald’s Uniform in St. Paul. Families can also shop for NLA spirit wear and additional uniform-approved items through our school store.
To make things easier and more affordable, we host a used uniform sale each July where families can buy and sell gently used items. You can find full details about our uniform and dress code policy here.
Does NLA offer a hot lunch program?
Yes, we offer a hot lunch program available for purchase each day, featuring a variety of freshly prepared, nutritious meals. Middle and Upper School students can also visit our on-campus coffee shop, the Eagle Café, for snacks, drinks, and salads.
Students are always welcome to bring lunch from home if they prefer, and microwaves are available for use during lunchtime. Please note that New Life Academy does not participate in the federal free and reduced lunch program.
What are the school hours?
- Early Education (Preschool Prep, Preschool, Pre-K): 8:05 AM–2:40 PM
- Students may attend 2 days (Tue/Thu), 3 days (Mon/Wed/Fri), or 5 days per week. Before and after-school care is available for an additional fee.
- Lower School (K–5th grade): 8:05 AM–3:00 PM
- Before and after-school care is available for an additional fee, and some extracurricular activities may require a later pick-up time.
- Middle and Upper School (6th–12th grade): 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Some before-and-after-school activities may require early arrival or later dismissal.
Are the NLA teachers licensed?
Yes, our faculty are highly qualified through state licensure or advanced training in their academic discipline. Each faculty member participates in professional growth activities to strengthen their skill and expertise. Additionally, we have implemented a Professional Development program that all teachers participate in.
New Life Academy’s Early Education program is fully licensed by the state of Minnesota.
All of our teachers must give a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and regularly attend a local church.
What is the student body diversity?
At New Life Academy, we’re thankful for the variety of backgrounds and experiences that make up our community. We welcome students of every race, color, national, and ethnic origin and provide equal access to all programs and activities. Our school does not discriminate in the administration of educational policies, admissions, athletics, or any other school programs.
Our student body includes about 17–18% students of color, reflecting the diversity of the surrounding community. As an independent Christian school, our families come from more than 66 different churches, united by a shared faith in Christ and a desire to see their children grow in both faith and learning.
Does NLA admit international students?
Not at this time. However, we hope to offer an international student program in the future. Please check back with us for updates on this opportunity.
