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
Thank you for considering Victory Life Academy. Our mission is to provide a quality Christian education, based on strong academic standards. Victory Life Academy’s emphasis on Christian education is what distinguishes VLA from other academic institutions. VLA meets and exceeds state standards for Oklahoma schools.Sports
Victory Life Academy is a member of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) and offers Junior High and High School Sports. Sports programs include basketball and VLA co-ops with Achille for Softball and Baseball. Homestudy is available for students who wish to play sports. Victory Life Academy welcomes students who are doing home study and at least 1 credit hour at VLA to participate in VLA sports. Please contact administration for details.Faculty & Staff
Brent Shain
Academy Elder
Sarah Morrison
Headmaster
I have worked in education for over ten years, and I am currently working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership. I enjoy helping students work towards their achievements and goals!Bachelor’s of English Education
Master’s of Education Administration
Pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership
10+ years in Education
Allison Clubb
Receptionist
This is my fifth year to work at Victory Life Academy. I love the students, the hours, and how my gifts and talent’s are utilized in working here. The reception office is always filled with energy and life.
Sharon Thompson
Registrar
I live outside of Madill and have 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. I graduated ECU in 96 with a coaching and biology degree, and love working with children and their families!
Pastor Gavin Acree
School Pastor
Tamra Lindley
Academic Administrator
Sherry Cheek
Library and Resource Room
I have loved volunteering at VLA but this year I am Full-Time and overseeing the Library and still helping teachers with projects when needed. It has been a blessing to be a part of VLA thru the years.
Cindy Stinchcomb
Coach
Stacie Allison
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Josie Amerson
Kindergarten Teacher
I enjoy children and I just love it when the children understand whatever you are trying to teach something and you can see on their face that a light bulb is going off.
Jennifer Goddard
First Grade Teacher
I have been working in education for two years. I have always loved working with children and find it to be the best way I can serve the community!
Charity Scott
Second Grade Teacher
Originally from Louisiana; I am now in my 6th year of teaching. I taught my first lesson in 6th grade as a project and I was hooked!
Mark Turner
Third & Fourth Grade Teacher
I have worked in education for 9 years. I thought I would enjoy working with students and their families, so here I am!
Matt Goddard
STEM Instructor, Fourth Grade
I told my wife how I did not like seeing the younger generation relying on social media as a means of self-worth. So she told me to become a teacher and impact them!
Lydia Eldridge
Music & Drama, 5 & 6 Grade English Teacher
I absolutely love teaching! Knowing that God has given me a wonderful opportunity to impact the future of students for His kingdom is amazing. I am humbly honored.
Rebecca Bolding
JH & High School English Teacher – Assistant Principal
My first teaching job was in Memphis, TN at a Christian school. From there I have been able to teach in schools in TN, AL, TX, and OK. I have never been happier and I know that this is what God designed me to do!!
Will Smith
JH History, HS Mathematics, and Bible Teacher
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.
Meggan Taylor
Art Teacher
After getting my Arts degree, I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. Over the course of the next 6 years, God gave me a full-blown passion for teaching! So now I teach art!
Melissa Holder
Science Teacher
Through prayerful consideration, God led me to share “Christian Science” in a world full of secular education for His purposes. I am grateful to share the truth of Creation Science with my students in a way that is life-changing.
Mitzy Stout
Mathematics Teacher
I graduated what is now Texas A&M Commerce with a Bachelors and Masters, and I have worked in education since the fall of 1978. My parents and several aunts and uncles were also educators.
Dana Blackwell
History & Cheerleading Teacher
I decided during high school that education would be my career path. I wanted to make a difference and I love learning and have always loved children. So I have been teaching 30 years!
Donnie Riggs
Spanish Teacher
I got into education because I knew the Lord was calling me to it, and He gave me a heart and love for Hispanic people and I became a bilingual teacher in inner Houston.
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