A school that educates to serve

We are a Christian educational community in Santa Marta. We teach using the A.C.E. model because we believe every student deserves to advance at their own pace.

Our History

We were born from a simple conviction

That no child should be left behind for learning at a different pace than the group, and that character formation cannot be an optional afterthought at the end of the day.

Vida Nueva School was established in the city of Santa Marta in 2020 as a Christian Educational Center utilizing the educational and administrative system of Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.). Founded by Pastor Rafael Josue Reyes A. and his wife, Helena Margarita de la Torre V., the school bears the name 'Vida Nueva' (New Life) because it empowers students to understand the profound meaning of embracing a new life dedicated to God.

The development of the Institutional Educational Project (PEI) began in 2018 with the vision of opening its doors to families in 2020.

Mrs. Helena Margarita de la Torre will serve as Head of School, holding a Master's degree in International Education. She brings 33 years of experience in the educational field, having served as an elementary science teacher, Science Department Coordinator, member of the Board of Directors, Academic Council, and School Board across various schools in the city.

The school begins with a founding team of educators: Susana Peláez de la Torre, Ecologist from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and A.C.E.-certified, and Raquel Peláez de la Torre, Social Worker from Universidad de Caldas and A.C.E.-certified, who will serve as supervisors.

First-Day Principle: Providing a bilingual, personalized, Bible-centered education that models Christ-like character while fostering participation in mission and service opportunities.

Students and teachers during a session at the school campus in Santa Marta.

What Defines Us

Mission
To develop well-rounded, upright students through individualized Christian education that simultaneously fosters academic excellence and strong character, equipping them to serve their families, church, and city.
Vision
To be a benchmark for accredited Christian education in Santa Marta, recognized for graduating individuals distinguished just as much by what they know as by how they treat others.
Values
- Integrity in what nobody sees
- Responsibility for one's own goals
- Respect for every individual
- Service as a way of life
- Excellence without comparison to others

Training to serve

We shape knowledge, character, and purposeful skills.We prepare individuals equipped to put their talents at the service of others.

Our Accreditations

Three international endorsements uphold the validity of the program and the certificate students receive upon graduation.

A.C.E.
Accelerated Christian Education
The educational program that forms the foundation of our entire curriculum. It has been in use in more than 140 countries for over five decades.
LCA
Lighthouse Christian Academy
Institution that endorses and issues the international academic records for students in the program.
Ai
Accreditation International
Accrediting body that verifies the quality standards of partner educational institutions.

Academic Backing

A diploma that opens doors abroad

We have an agreement with Accelerated Christian Education — School of Tomorrow, operating under the Andean Region based in Peru. High school graduates receive their diploma through Lighthouse Christian Academy.

+150
Countries accept the A.C.E. curriculum, endorsed by the United States Department of Education.
3
Agencies accredit the diploma awarded by Lighthouse Christian Academy.
9–12
Starting in 9th grade, students begin accumulating credits for the American educational program.

The three accrediting agencies

MSA-CESS
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
NCPSA
National Council for Private Schools Accreditation
Acreditación Internacional (AI)
Acreditación Internacional (AI)

About Our Model

We are a supervised homeschool. We have received guidance from Santa Marta’s Education Department in developing our educational approach. This model does not fall under the requirements established by the National Education Department for conventional schools.

School Life