Durant Campus
WHY CHOOSE VLA?
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About VLA
We’re so pleased that you are considering entrusting us with the education and spiritual guidance of your children. It is an honor and responsibility we take very seriously. As a ministry of Victory Life Church, VLA has spent over two decades working with parents to prepare young men and women to make a positive difference and impact their world for Jesus Christ. Our goal is to develop a partnership with parents that will teach and reinforce Biblical values and lessons, in the home, church and school settings, ultimately providing a consistent and healthy Christ-centered environment for your children. Engaged, supportive parents are vital to the mission of effectively educating students in the knowledge of Christ.
As a Christian school, our heart is to educate in all aspects of a child’s life by cultivating spiritual, mental, physical, and social growth. We want to nurture your child’s development through excellent academic programs, taught from a Biblical world view, so that they may be examples unto the world—lighted candles bathing those around them in the illumination of Christ. With that passion as the driving force behind our educational program, our faculty and staff have dedicated their lives to Christ and to the task of helping students realize their God-given potential. To assist students in their quest for knowledge and growth, VLA (as an accredited member of the International Christian Accrediting Association and AdvancedED) offers a rigorous, Biblically integrated college preparatory program.
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.
Academics
Sports
Faculty & Staff
Brent Shain
Academy Elder
Distinguished Business Owner
Dr. Sarah Morrison
Headmaster
Dr. Morrison has worked in both public and private education for over 15 years. She has a heart to help each student that comes through her doors to achieve their goals in good academic standing and in strong character.
Bachelor's of English Education
Master's of Education Administration
Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration
15+ years in Education
Allison Clubb
Receptionist
Pastor Landon Heinen
Academy Pastor/VL Durant Assistant Pastor
Tamra Lindley
Academic Administrator
Ms. Tamra has been with VLA for 32 years. She has served in several capacities over the years but is most passionate about our concurrent enrollment program whether that be at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, or Kiamichi Technical Institute. Ms.Tamra hopes that all students feel equipped and supported for their next steps after high school graduation.
Cindy Bennett
Pre-Kindergarten/Coach
Ms. Bennett has a love and passion to see children be active. She has served as a coach at VLA for over 10 years and has been an influencer that students highly respect. Ms. Bennett is a mother of five children and a grandmother of seven.
Stacie Allison
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
I enjoy helping the little ones walk out becoming an individual in their start with education. I feel the early days out of the home are crucial in how they view their school career. I hope to be a tool in making that a success and giving them a love for their school days. I strive to show each student the great potential God has placed in each one of them.
Josie Amerson
Kindergarten Teacher
Charity Scott
Third & Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Scott is in her 7th year of teaching and is well known for her skillset in intervention. She loves working with 2nd graders in their learning and understanding of reading, writing, and comprehension, and thrives in helping lay a foundation of helping a student understand how to learn. Mrs. Scott is a wonderful wife and mom.
Mark Turner
Third & Forth Grade Teacher
This year, Mr.Turner has been with VLA for 10 years and is excited about educating 3rd and 4th grades yet again. He has a strong love for Christian education and works hard to incorporate a biblical foundation in every subject he teaches. He is a wonderful husband and a loving father.
Lydia Eldridge
Music & Drama, 5 & 6 Grade English Teacher
Rebecca Bolding
HS English Teacher – Principal
Mrs. Bolding is a seasoned teacher and administrator. She has taught in TN, AL, TX and OK. She has a firm belief that she is called to education and is extremely happy serving the next generation. Mrs.Bolding is a devoted mother and a committed member of the community.
Will Smith
JH History - Dean of Students
Mr.Smith has said, “Watching a student move from underperforming or just not caring to the realization that they can learn and grow (and be excited about it) really lights my fire!” He is a committed servant leader in every setting. Mr.Smith not only excels in providing a culture of academic excellence but also cultivates faith-oriented character development in the classroom.
Melissa Holder
Science Teacher
Kalli Martin
First Grade Teacher
Kim Morris
PE Director/Coach
Connor Harrison
Bible Teacher
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Victory Life Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or disability in administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Important Links
Telephone No.1-580-920-0850