Life Charter School’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring vision of providing quality education rooted in strong character and leadership principles. Its journey began not as a public institution, but from the ministry of Oak Cliff Assembly of God, which was established in 1921. For decades, the church was a pillar of the community, known for its service and outreach, including general outreach, neighborhood cleanups, and community events.
First Steps — Life Christian School (1983)
The seed of a school was first planted in the 1980s by Pastor David Godwin, who opened Life Christian School (private) in 1983. With an emphasis on Christian education, leadership, and character, the private school served both church families and the surrounding neighborhood. Despite its dedicated mission, the private school faced financial challenges. In 1989, Pastor Tom Wilson and the board of Oak Cliff Assembly of God made the difficult decision to close the school because the church was heavily subsidizing the school budget. A declining student population due to high private school tuition made the arrangement unsustainable, forcing the church to prioritize its long-term viability.
New Vision — 1993
Even as the private school closed in May 1989, Pastor Wilson held onto a vision to reopen a school in the future. The need for such an institution was made urgent in 1993, when escalating gang violence within the Dallas-Fort Worth area directly affected the church's youth group. This tragedy restated the crucial need for school-aged children to receive the very same leadership and character training that had been the cornerstone of the original Life Christian School.
The Texas Legislature's 1995 action to allow charter schools opened a new path forward, aligning with the core belief that parents are their children's primary educators. Pastor Wilson explored the possibility of re-establishing a private school in 1997, traveling the country to fundraise. Though he was able to raise a portion of the funds through private donations, he ultimately demonstrated his personal commitment by taking out a second mortgage and accessing his retirement to reach the fundraising goal.
An Innovative Solution — 1998
In 1998, this persistent effort to open a school at the Oak Cliff Assembly of God location bore fruit with the opening of Life Charter School (public). While the school was now public, its educational emphasis on leadership and character remained a direct continuation of the mission of its private predecessor. The charter school started with a dedicated team of 15 staff members and served 255 students at its Oak Cliff campus, reaching families both in the church and the wider neighborhood. In addition to its academic programs, the host church later established PowerHouse Christian Before & After School, further demonstrating its commitment to faith-based, extended-day programs.
Today, Life Charter School's growth reflects its enduring success. The school system serves 5,561 students with a staff of 650 across eight campuses.
Life Christian Academy — 2026
In late 2025, the Life School Education Foundation board approved the formation of Life Christian Academy. In the spring of 2026, the LSEF board approved the formation of Life Christian Academy as its own 501c3 entity with its own managing board to oversee and manage the academy. LCA received candidate status with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. LCA will open two PreK-4 classes in the fall of 2026 and plans to expand grades as demand increases in the future.
Foundational Principles
Life Charter School seeks to honor and formalize the foundational principles of its original private school mission. We are excited to renew our historic ties to private Christian education. Life School will also continue to offer a tuition-free public education option for families who choose it.