Durant Campus

WHY CHOOSE VLA?

Victory Life Academy has spent two decades engaging students from a Biblical Worldview. The goal and mission of the school is to align with Biblical standards, and incorporate chapels, Bible memorization, and an emphasis on moral values.

Victory Life Academy uses Bob Jones, Abeka, Saxon Math, PTLW Robotics, Istation, and Compass to engage students in higher level learning that meets and exceeds state standards. Because VLA holds accreditation, all high school students can transfer to any university they desire. VLA also offers music and drama classes to expand the mind of the student, as well as physical fitness activities for a well-rounded education.

Victory Life Academy strives to make tuition affordable for families in this area. There are also scholarships available upon request and they are based upon the need of the family. Schedule a meeting for more information!

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WELCOME TO VLA!

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.

Academics Calendar

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.

Sports Calendar

2020-2021 Calendar PDF

Faculty & Staff

Brent Shain

Academy Elder

Director of Charis Bible College
Distinguished Business Owner

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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

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Allison Clubb

Receptionist

Ms. Clubb has been with VLA for over five years. She loves utilizing the gifts the Lord has given her to serve the students, faculty, and staff.

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Pastor Landon Heinen

Academy Pastor/VL Durant Assistant Pastor

Pastor Landon Heinen serves as the Pastor for Victory Life Academy. He has a love for The Word of God and a passion for seeing people transformed by Jesus. He has a father’s heart to encourage the gifts and callings that God has placed within people, and to help foster a lifetime desire to follow God, Learning about Him, all that He created. Landon and Jasmine have been married for over two decades and are raising five amazing kids.

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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.

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Cindy Stinchcomb

Pre-Kindergarten/Coach

Ms.Stinchcomb 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.Stinchcomb is a mother of five children and a grandmother of seven.

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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.

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Josie Amerson

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Amerson has been with VLA for over 20 years. She is an effective and successful teacher. Mrs. Amerson is known as a favorite among alumnus as she is a memorable teacher during such a crucial year of transition for young children entering into an education system. She has been a bride to her husband for 30 years and loves her role as Grandma.

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Charity Scott

Second 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.

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Mark Turner

Third 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.

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Lydia Eldridge

Music & Drama, 5 & 6 Grade English Teacher

Mrs. Eldridge is passionate about teaching and providing quality education. She is full of energy and creativity all the while knowing that God has given her an opportunity to impact the future of students for the Lord. She shares that she is “humbled and honored” to teach your student.

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Rebecca Bolding

JH & High School English Teacher – Assistant 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.

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Will Smith

JH History, HS Mathematics, and Bible Teacher

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.

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Melissa Holder

Science Teacher

Ms. Holder has a God-given gift to share “Christian Science,” in a world full of secular education. She loves that at VLA she has the opportunity to share the truth of Creation Science with her students that not only gives them a firm and sound education but teaches them about the essence and character of God modeled by creation. She is passionate about her students having a thorough and centered educational experience.

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Kalli Martin

First Grade Teacher

Ms. Martin has a firm belief that education is crucial for every child’s development in all areas of life. She has a heart and passion to see the light bulbs go off in the minds of each of her students and is incredible at meeting a child where they are at while maintaining clear and open lines of communication with parents. She views a child’s early education as a team effort and genuinely looks forward to partnering with the parents of her students.

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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.

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Jenness Meyers

4th Grade Teacher

In my journey of teaching, I’ve enjoyed working with elementary students throughout Colorado, Texas, and now Oklahoma as God guides me in doing His good will. I love teaching my students academically and also inspiring them spiritually to be who God has called them to be while they are young.

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Kim Morris

PE Director/Coach

Coach Morris is an avid basketball fan and a long-time supporter of VLA. Among her best basketball memories are meeting Geno Auriemma (UConn Lady Huskies Basketball Coach) and Kim Mulkey (Baylor Lady Bears Basketball Coach). Coach Morris is also a personal friend and former player of Baylor Lady Bears Assistant Coach, Bill Brock.

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Connor Harrison

Bible Teacher

Connor Harrison attended VLA as a student from age 4 until his graduation in 2016. After high school, he attended Bethel School of Ministry in Redding, CA for three years. Connor is currently the Youth Director for the Victory Life Church Boswell location. He attends Southeastern Oklahoma State University in pursuit of a Psychology degree with the goal of becoming a licensed counselor. Connor is very excited to encourage and work with students as they develop their personal relationships with God.

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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.

1-580-920-0850

3412 W. University, Durant, OK 74701

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