History

In 1987, Victory Life Academy was founded in Durant, Oklahoma by Duane and Sue Sheriff with the goal of providing Christian-based, high-quality education. Subsidized by the sponsoring church, Victory Life Church, the academy has grown and made significant improvements, and has kept tuition reasonable.

Victory Life Academy held its first classes in a small metal building annex behind the church parsonage. There were nine students and two teachers in grades ranging from preschool to first grade. Each year since 1993, VLA has had a high school graduating class. Many graduates have also graduated from various colleges and universities.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate the mind using state standards with an innovative curriculum that incorporates a Biblical worldview, to provide a conducive environment for Biblical character development through servanthood, and to provide physical fitness activities to enhance overall health.

Victory Life Academy students will be provided a well-rounded education that will enhance their lives and minister to the whole person spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Philosophy of Education

Victory Life Academy is an adjunct to viably assist Christian parents in fulfilling their divine responsibility to thoroughly train each child to obey God in every area of life and to make him or her a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Christian education differs from secular education.  It is centered in the triune God and has the distinct goal of developing the character of Christ in the student.  The ultimate purpose of Victory Life Academy is to provide quality education in a Christian atmosphere.  VLA’s program is geared to meet not only the intellectual needs of the student, but also his/her spiritual, physical, and social needs. Every subject, whether scientific, historical, mathematical, literary or artistic, is taught with the consciousness that Jesus Christ is to be central in all living and learning.

Victory Life Academy shall provide an environment which encourages each student to discover their unique abilities, to develop those graces and skills demonstrated in the life of Christ, to achieve educational excellence in all disciplines, and to exercise his/her God-given gifts in the expanding opportunities of their Christian development.

The ultimate purpose of man is to glorify God.  Therefore, VLA expects staff and students to reflect that image.  VLA upholds the belief, in practical terms, that God is glorified when there is an atmosphere of understanding and where the fruit of Christ’s Spirit (Galatians 5) is constantly being cultivated.  When God is glorified, it affects how one relates to others in his family, church, and community.  It also affects one’s lifestyle, behavior, and overall attitude toward God’s authority structure in the world.

Victory Life Academy views itself as an extension of the Christian home, reinforcing the ideals, social norms, and beliefs of the Christian family.  Christian education is not confined to the classroom.  It takes place in the Christian home, in the church, and in all the Church’s institutions and educative agencies.  It is therefore important that parents enrolling their children understand the nature and philosophy of Victory Life Academy.  Victory Life Academy’s ultimate purpose for existing can only be fulfilled as parents see and agree with where Victory Life Academy is leading their children.