by Journalism student Avery R.
New Life Academy has grown a lot over the years in many ways, yet the school’s purpose has stayed the same. The Academy has had a significant impact on many people’s lives, largely because its mission is to have its students flourish in a Christ-centered community.
New Life was founded by Dick and Patti Weins in 1977. After much prayer, they purchased a parcel of land along Bailey Road in 1979. Amber Kuphal explains, “1977 was the first year we were open, with two kindergarten classes. The following years they added grades PreK-6th grade. By 1978-79, 7th and 8th grade were added with an approximate enrollment of 176 students.”
Currently, New Life Academy has record enrollment of 816 students and 83 teachers, with some grades having wait pools. Mrs. Kuphal says, “The Lord has blessed NLA with great growth in enrollment. It is an honor to meet families in the Woodbury area seeking Christian education. What an honor to be a faith-based school with a mission to educate students and help them flourish in a Christ-centered community where they are known, loved, and valued.”
The Lord has enabled New Life Academy to impact so many individuals ranging from the young preschoolers to the eldest faculty members. There are several teachers who have been at the school for twenty-plus years and many alumni who have joined the faculty and staff.
Mrs. Ellie Fredrickson, alumni and media teacher, describes the lasting impact New Life has had on her life. She explains, “I never thought I would ever return to New Life in any capacity, let alone to teach. During my years at college, I was able to gain perspective on how impactful New Life really was to me. God called me back here in 2015. Mrs. Bateman-Ek helped push me in my creativity. Mr. Atkinson, who was the principal while I was a student, saw me beyond my mistakes. Miss Vincent, my English teacher, inspired me to write. New Life allowed me to try so many things I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish at another school, all while allowing me to explore my faith.”
NLA has become a home for Early Education’s Principal, Mrs. Christine DeBoer and her family. When she first started as a teacher at NLA, she only imagined she would stay for a few years. 28 years later, Mrs. DeBoer is still present because she loves the community. She explains, “The people that I work with encourage me in my faith walk daily. I count it a huge privilege to be able to work in a place where I can share my love of Jesus with the students and staff. My three boys Justin, Jacob, and Jayden have had the privilege of being loved and mentored by such an amazing staff.”
Enrollment Specialist Amber Kuphal says that through all the years she has been at New Life, the purpose has stayed the same, which is to educate students who will influence the world for Christ. She continues by saying, “NLA is a Christ-centered, student-focused academic institution that has administration and teachers that love Jesus and love their students. NLA may change in our curriculum, electives, sports, and programming, but the prayer is that we never change in our love for Jesus, love for students, and love for what we do.”
Advancement Director Larry Chinn says, “NLA is strategically planning for the future of Christian education so that every family can have access to it.” He continues to say, the Annual Fund, Golf Classic, and Celebration Auction are aimed at “improving and investing in education for current students.”
The school has made many changes and additions in the past due to its constant growth and popularity with the school and church. They added the Middle and Upper School wing along with Wetsel Court in 2002.
In the summer of 2013, New Life added the Great Room, offices, and remodeled classrooms. Each of these areas were added due to the vast growth. These areas provided additional opportunities for the sports and drama programs.
2012 groundbreaking for building expansion
The administration has plans and visions to expand the school so many other families can have Christian-based education. New Life is currently in the process of trying to purchase the land just beyond the school along Bailey Road. Without this land, the city will not allow New Life to expand the Academy, due to being limited to one entry point.
Pastor Brett Lilly explains how the land would benefit New Life. He states, “We would have a greater impact in the Woodbury area by teaching them the Word of God, caring for them, and sending them out into the world to share the name of Jesus.”