Helping Students Go, Grow & Multiply

The Arkansas-Louisiana (ARKLA) Conference operates 10 schools (nine elementary schools and one secondary school) supported by 70 full-time and part-time teachers and staff. The mission of the ARKLA Education Department is to support and assist our teachers as they develop the whole student spiritually, mentally, physically and socially in Christ-centered classrooms. We want our students to go, grow and multiply by striving for academic excellence (go), choosing Jesus daily (grow) and being witnesses to those around them (multiply). 

Then

According to ArklaSDAHistory.org, the first elementary school in the ARKLA Conference opened in Springfield, Ark.,  in 1896. Then, in September 1924, Ozark Adventist Academy (OAA) began as the only boarding academy in the Southwestern Union. This year OAA is celebrating its centennial. This academy reflects on a proud legacy while looking forward to a promising future. The rich history of our alumni reminds us of OAA’s profound impact on countless lives, fostering a sense of community and belonging. In this milestone year, OAA draws inspiration from Deuteronomy 32:7, which encourages reflection on the past, and Proverbs 16:3, which emphasizes the importance of committing one’s plans to the Lord.

Now

For many years, the ARKLA Conference had both a music festival and an outdoor school. Last school year, due to costs and an attempt to give students an opportunity to visit OAA, the conference combined the two events, along with Lego robotics, forming the “We Are One” event. We Are One brought more than 100 students in grades 5-8 to OAA and culminated with a concert involving the attendees and OAA’s choir. The next We Are One event is scheduled for March 25-29, 2025.

ARKLA elementary schools impact their communities by engaging in various service projects. Students participate in activities like collecting essentials for the needy, making blankets and cards for the sick, doing yard work, tending community gardens and raising funds for charitable causes. They also bring treats to those serving in fire and police departments and engage in monthly activities, such as feeding the homeless and assisting in food banks. Elementary students participate in the presentation of evangelism meetings and other family Bible events at their local churches, hand out literature and The Great Controversy, assist neighbors after disasters and lead out in church services. 

Under the leadership of Principal Dean Waterman, OAA is embracing a brand-new era with the mindset of “Excellence Expected,” fouccusing on four key areas: academic performance, character development, intentional discipleship and outstanding co-curriculars. 

The school's motto, “Academics, Character, Discipleship; Educating Spiritual Champions,” encapsulates its new mission statement, which reads: “Educate spiritual champions who have integrity in thought, word and action, exercise self-control in every circumstance, possess critical thinking skills, clarity of mind, and exhibit the courage of their convictions.”

Next

The ARKLA Conference schools are united in their mission to develop the whole student—spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. With a continued focus on academic excellence, character development and community engagement, ARKLA aims to foster a culture of collaboration and service among schools. We are committed to helping our students to go, grow and multiply.

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