Academics Are a Top Priority at New Lifehouse Academy
Academics play a critical role in each student’s journey toward healing and future success. Many of the girls who come to us have fallen behind in school due to behavioral challenges, emotional struggles, or frequent moves between schools. Our fully accredited program, The Cross Christian Academy, offers a year-round academic schedule that allows students to not only stay on track but also recover lost credits and work toward improving their GPA. With accreditation through COGNIA, the International Christian Accrediting Association, and recognition by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, students can be confident that their hard-earned credits will transfer smoothly back to public or private schools and be recognized by colleges
Small class sizes and personalized academic plans are key to our approach. Certified teachers and supportive staff work closely with each girl, tailoring instruction to her specific academic level, learning needs, and long-term goals. Our program emphasizes mastery of subjects rather than simply moving students through material, ensuring a deep understanding that builds confidence and closes critical learning gaps. Whether a student needs to catch up, repair past grades, or simply reestablish positive academic habits, our structured, supportive environment helps rekindle a love for learning while promoting responsibility, focus, and perseverance.
For girls with a history of behavioral struggles, academic success is about far more than report cards—it’s a critical step toward restoring self-worth, building future opportunities, and breaking free from past patterns of failure. Academics are not just an obligation; they are a powerful tool for transformation, helping each young woman realize her potential, regain her confidence, and prepare for a brighter future filled with possibility.
Our academic program is fully accredited, with coursework accepted in all 50 states and approved by local school districts. Unlike many other similar academies, we can guarantee that your girl’s academic credits will transfer—a critical factor to consider when choosing a boarding school. Many of our students even earn their high school diplomas while enrolled here, setting them on a strong path for future success.
Should your girl graduate from high school while here, she will hold a fully recognized diploma and transcript, allowing her to attend the college or university of his choice without concern. Unlike some programs that rely on “dual-enrollment” with outside agencies for accreditation, our school has gone through the rigorous national accreditation process independently. This ensures that we meet all educational standards required by accredited institutions.
Our academic program is also intentionally designed to meet the individual needs of each student. With a purposely small student body—20 students or fewer—we focus exclusively on grades 7–12. Every girl has a personalized education plan that challenges her to complete the coursework necessary to get back on track, if needed. Students set daily academic goals, receive immediate feedback, and experience steady, measurable progress. Success often takes time, but for students who are willing to put forth the effort, we offer a clear, structured path toward academic achievement and renewed confidence.
PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Cross Christian Academy provides relevant opportunities for at-risk students in the life-changing boarding school setting of Teen Challenge of Oklahoma to overcome life-controlling issues and realize their full academic potential, bridging the transition to traditional classroom success and/or college and career readiness.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Cross Christian Academy’s mission is to minister to the whole student and bring healing to families through Christ-centered education and recovery programming.
Transferable Credits
All credits received from our school are fully transferable. With the backing of COGNIA and the recognition of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, transferring credits is a seamless process. Our accreditation is the same one as most public schools, so there is never an issue with accepting credits, transcripts, or diplomas. We are also listed as a member of the Oklahoma Private School Accrediting Commission. This ensures that the transfer of credits back to a public or private school is without question.
Academic Achievement
We believe that a strong academic foundation is essential for a young woman’s long-term success and confidence. That’s why we require our students to demonstrate true mastery of each subject, not just a minimal passing grade, before they are allowed to advance. This approach ensures that no academic gaps are left unaddressed and that students build genuine understanding and critical thinking skills. When assessments reveal areas of weakness, our dedicated teachers step in with individualized support, providing the encouragement, instruction, and reinforcement needed to strengthen those skills.
Beyond mastering new material, students also have the opportunity to repair past grades, recover lost credits, and improve their overall GPA—giving them a vital second chance to get their educational journey back on track. For girls who may have experienced setbacks due to emotional struggles or behavioral challenges, reclaiming their academic standing is not just about transcripts—it’s about restoring a sense of achievement, opening doors to future opportunities, and rebuilding the confidence they need to thrive in school, college, and life beyond. Academics here are not merely a task to complete; they are a crucial part of each student’s pathway to healing, hope, and a bright, purpose-driven future.
Interscholastic Athletics
When considering an academy for your daughter, know that very few locations offer varsity-level sports. Your daughter won’t fall behind her peers in athletics while at New Lifehouse Academy. Every student here has the opportunity to participate in varsity athletics. We’re a member of the Oklahoma Christian School Athletic Association which allows us to compete against schools our size and at the appropriate level of competition. Currently, students can participate in varsity basketball, volleyball, and track. Our students have won numerous individual awards and regional championships at New Lifehouse.
The teams are coached by a staff that has experience with these sports, either at the high school or collegiate level.Participation is not mandatory but is highly recommended. We are convinced that participating on a team in a competitive environment builds character and helps to work out many of the issues a young girl might be dealing with in her life. An example would be frustration and anger when unable to be in control or when things don’t go their way. We see student after student being able to apply this lesson to that issue in her life and connect how acting inappropriately not only impacts himself but also those that are closest to her.
College Preparation
Although the vast majority of our students come to us behind in school and with no goals for the future, with hard work, they soon get back on track and begin to think about what lies ahead. Because of this, we have concurrent enrollment with Oral Roberts University. This allows students to enroll in college courses while still being enrolled with us. Your student can get a jump start on her college career, receiving her first college credits. This allows students to have a focused education plan and encourages the student to make personal progress without getting lost in the crowd of a traditional classroom. We have also found for those students going onto college, has prepared them better for the personal responsibility of their academic progress that college demands.
