Community Classroom
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photo by shane darby
Local director Erin Alexander prepares to launch a Bible-based program for North Heights Community School
Beginning in August, students at North Heights Community School will have the opportunity to participate in LifeWise Academy, a Bible-based character education program offered during “released time”—hours when students at public schools can go off-campus to receive religious instruction, with parental permission. The first two LifeWise programs began in Ohio in the fall of 2019. LifeWise has since expanded to more than 1,000 schools in 37 states.
Leading the local effort is Texarkana native Erin Alexander, who holds a bachelor of applied arts and sciences degree from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. In addition to owning Organized by Erin, a professional organizing business, Erin has spent nearly three decades serving in various church ministry roles, including volunteer, assistant director, and preschool minister.
Erin said she did not seek out her new role with LifeWise Academy. “I was approached by an individual who asked if I would consider interviewing for the [director] position,” she said. “Rather than making a quick decision, I spent several weeks praying about the opportunity, seeking wise counsel, and thoroughly researching the role.”
“The support from our community has been overwhelming. This is just the beginning.”
Erin ultimately decided to accept the position as the new LifeWise Academy director for Texarkana, Arkansas. “It became clear that this was a position where I could use my gifts and experience to make a meaningful impact,” she said.
Erin is beginning her journey with LifeWise Academy with a supportive advisory board: Whitney Lindsey, Karla Thomas, Janna Berry, and Trey Myers (and Tammy Waters, not pictured). submitted photo
As director, Erin oversees day-to-day operations, including fundraising, coordinating volunteers and staff, working with an advisory board, building relationships with churches and community partners, and collaborating with school administrators.
LifeWise Academy requires staff members and volunteers who work directly with students to complete a comprehensive background check, child safety screening, and training before serving in the program. “The safety and wellbeing of every child is one of our highest priorities,” Erin said. “We are committed to creating a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where students can learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ.”
The LifeWise Academy curriculum is intentionally non-denominational and centers on Bible stories. Transportation to and from the off-site classes will be provided by LifeWise Academy. “A local church has generously donated a bus to LifeWise Academy Texarkana,” Erin said. “We’re currently transferring ownership and preparing it for service, including wrapping it with LifeWise branding. The [signature] bright red buses have become one of the most recognizable symbols of LifeWise Academy.”
Erin has taught numerous young children, including Elijah and Hudson (pictured), in Sunday school at Trinity Baptist Church. submitted photo
Looking ahead, Erin hopes to expand the program beyond its initial launch. “My vision for LifeWise Academy Texarkana is to expand the program into all five [TASD] elementary schools and the middle school within the next three years,” she said. “We are excited to begin serving students at North Heights Community School, and we are already working toward launching a second elementary school by January.”
Erin said that she believes in her goal because of the community that has formed to make LifeWise Academy a reality. “The support from our community has been overwhelming,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”