A new Christian academy will be open in Smithville this fall.

New Life Pentecostal Church plans to offer a K-2 program this fall, and plans to expand through high school in the next few years. An open house is set for May 15.

Principal Scott McBroom told the Review that the school plans to start with the younger kids and expand.

 “As we go forward, we plan to offer K-12,” McBroom shared. “Every year our goal is to expand another grade level or two. It will be a full school curriculum. We’re very excited to get going. We have been really blessed to have a great building, and we want to make sure we’re using it to its full potential.”

Pastor Dwayne Cornelius said that the school is planned to expand fully within five years.

We have a five-year plan right now,” the pastor said. “We would like to add two more grade levels every school year, then add high school in our fifth year. That’s the goal. We are not trying to compete with the public school system. We just want to offer an alternative to the community.

“Our classrooms will be at about a 1:15 ratio,” he continued. “That will help with student-teacher interaction. It is a natural transition. We have a successful daycare program, and we can transition those children right into the school. Being part of those families’ lives from birth all the way to graduation is a phenomenal opportunity.

“We are set up with the Tennessee Association of Non-Public Academic Schools (TANAS). There will be a representative here from TANAS at our open house to answer any questions the community may have,” he concluded.

“It has always been our goal to offer a school,” McBroom continued. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with our public school system here in DeKalb County. We love our teachers, they do a fantastic job. We just want to give the community another option.”

The school will be located inside the New Life Connection Center on Congress Boulevard.