About New Life Preparatory
25 years of faithful service. A new chapter of institutional excellence.
Born From a Father's Burden
New Life Preparatory Academy was born not from a business plan, but from a father's pain and a pastor's purpose.
Dr. Alex L. Jenkins Sr. was born in Ft. Pierce, Florida and raised in Cocoa, Florida. When his sons were pushed out of the public school system, not by their own inability, but by adults who chose to be roadblocks instead of open doors, a father's burden became a founder's calling.
His sons became the first graduates of what would become New Life Preparatory Academy. They were not statistics. They were pioneers. And they opened doors for hundreds of young men and women to follow.
For 25 years, NLPA operated quietly, word of mouth, no advertising, no fanfare, serving every student who walked through the door. In 2026, that faithful season gave way to a new chapter.
DR. ALEX L. JENKINS SR., FOUNDER
Our Foundation
MISSION STATEMENT
New Life Preparatory Academy exists to provide Christ centered secondary education and diploma completion pathways to students ages 16 and older, equipping them academically, spiritually, and vocationally to fulfill their God given purpose.
VISION STATEMENT
To be the leading Christ centered alternative education institution in South Florida, where every student, regardless of their past, finds an open door, a second chance, and a future rooted in faith and excellence.
Core Values
Excellence
We hold every student to high academic standards because they deserve nothing less. A diploma from NLPA means something.
Faith
Every lesson, every diploma, every interaction is grounded in the Word of God. Faith is not an add on at NLPA, it is the foundation.
Purpose
We don't just educate students, we help them discover why God created them. Every graduate leaves knowing they have a calling.
Integrity
Every diploma we issue represents real work, real mastery, and real transformation. We will never compromise that standard.
Compassion
We meet every student where they are, without judgment, without condemnation, and without giving up on them.
Access
No door should be permanently closed to anyone willing to learn. If there is a will, NLPA will find a way.
Our Leadership
Dr. Alex L. Jenkins Sr.
Chief Apostle · Chairman of the Board & Executive Director · Founder · Board Member
Born in Ft. Pierce and raised in Cocoa, Florida, Dr. Jenkins is an ordained Apostle, pastor, author, and publisher who founded NLPA in 2000. He serves as Chairman and Executive Director.
Dr. Latrina W. Jenkins
The Elect Lady, Apostle · COO & Voting Board Member
Lead Pastor of New Life Apostolic Church of Jesus, Inc., Founder of DLJ Ministries International, and presently serving as Assistant General Mother of the Apostolic Church of Jesus, Inc. She serves as Chief Operating Officer and Voting Board Member of NLPA.
Shannon Gary
Director of Education · Board Member
Director of Education and Board Member of New Life Preparatory Academy, guiding the Academy's academic programs, curriculum standards, and the success of every student.
Alex L. Jenkins II
Board Member
Board Member of New Life Preparatory Academy, committed to the Academy's mission of Excellence, Faith, and Purpose and to the long term strength of the institution.
Michael Gillis
Board Member
Community leader and independent board member committed to NLPA's educational mission and long term institutional integrity.
Latoya Innocent
Secretary & Treasurer
Secretary and Treasurer of NLPA's Board of Directors, responsible for official records, board minutes, and financial oversight.
Allan L. Jenkins
Board Member
Board member committed to advancing NLPA's mission of educational access, faith formation, and community impact.
Our Accreditation Journey
NLPA is registered with the Florida Department of Education as a private school (ID: 06-1840) and is actively pursuing full accreditation through the Florida Coalition of Christian Private Schools Accreditation (FCCPSA), a 3 to 5 year roadmap launched in 2026.
Foundation Built
Board Established
FCCPSA Re Engage
Self Study
Site Visit
Accredited