Questions? We can help!
What are the beliefs held at NLA?
We strive to glorify God in all we do as we spiritually, academically, and relationally develop and grow the students that parents entrust to us. We encourage you to read more about who we are and what we believe:
What is the review process for an application?
Our goal at New Life Academy is to partner with students and their families who are missionally aligned by evaluating applicants and families on the spiritual, academic, and behavioral requirements identified in the admissions standards.
How do you define your admissions decisions?
Accept:
The student and parent(s) are considered missionally aligned for NLA through our admissions standards, and acceptance is offered. Acceptance may be revoked if the student’s final report card shows a drop in academic or behavioral performance.
Wait Pool:
A student is placed in the “wait pool” when he/she qualifies as missionally aligned for NLA through our admissions standards, but there is no space available in the grade at that time. Wait pools are not prioritized wait lists. Should space become available in that grade, all candidates in the wait pool will be reviewed again by the Admissions Committee, and the “most qualified” candidate will be selected.
Deny/Stopping the Process:
When a student (and/or parent) is not missionally aligned for NLA through our admissions standards (including but not limited to grades, behavior, and church attendance), a denial letter is emailed to the parent(s) of the applicant. This may happen prior to an interview. All parent communication is handled by the Admissions department. We are happy to clarify our admissions policies and procedures, however, due to the confidential nature of the admissions process, we are unable to discuss the specific qualifications of any applicant, including reasons for denial. The denial decision is for one school year only, and students are welcome to re-apply for future grades once the admissions criteria are met.
Priority Consideration:
It is the desire of NLA to keep families together by prioritizing qualified siblings, alumni, current NLA Early Education students, and children of NLA faculty.
What are your guidelines for enrolling in Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten?
A child should be potty trained, and 3 years old by September 1st of the year they apply for Preschool. A child should be 4 years old by September 1st of the year they apply for Pre-K. A child should be 5 years old by September 1 of the year they apply for Kindergarten.
A child’s birthday is always viewed in the full context of developmental maturity and will include physical, emotional, and social development as well as academic readiness.
What is the latest transfer date for high school students?
The latest transfer point for a high school student to New Life Academy is the beginning of their senior year. A student transferring at this stage must be on track to graduate under NLA graduation requirements, or they will not be accepted and the admissions process will be stopped.
All high school transfer student files will be reviewed against New Life Academy’s graduation requirements to ensure they meet the graduation criteria.
Mid-Year Transfers:
Any students transferring mid-year must meet all admissions requirements and transfer within the first two weeks of the semester. If you have any questions about transfers, please contact our Admissions Team.
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 is NLA different from other schools?
At New Life Academy, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of education while helping students grow and develop in a Christ-centered community. Our Christian Education philosophy partnered with caring, intentional teachers, makes NLA a place where students can establish their identity in Christ while discovering their passions.
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 just over 800 students in Early Ed through Grade 12.
What is the average class size?
While each class size may vary, our goal remains to offer a student-to-teacher ratio that allows each student to succeed at each level of age-appropriate development. All Early Education classes have under 14 students and have both a full-time licensed teacher and a teacher’s aide. In Lower School, our average class size is around 17-22 students. Middle and High School classes vary depending on core classes versus elective classes. Graduating class sizes are around 55.
What is the student body diversity?
New Life Academy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, programs, and activities made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate based on color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, athletics, or any other school-administered programs. On average, our student body is 17-18% students of color, representative of the community we reside in.
As an independent Christian school, our families are members of more than 66 different Christian churches.
What is the uniform or dress code policy?
NLA students in grades K-12 wear uniforms. Uniforms are purchased through Donald’s Uniforms in St. Paul. Families can also purchase NLA spirit wear and additional uniform items through our school store. For our families’ convenience and to help save money, we offer a used uniform sale every July where families buy and sell uniforms from each other. Read further details about our uniform/dress code policy here.
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.
Does NLA offer before and after school care?
Yes. Eaglet Club is a fun and safe place for Early Ed students before and after school, and Academy Adventures is an engaging and safe place for K – 5th grade students. Students are not allowed in the building after school unsupervised.
Does NLA admit international students?
Yes. Learn more about NLA’s International Student Program here.