About us

History of the School 

Back in 1918, an Italian Evangelist, Joseph Santamaria, began a mission in Nutley. People began giving their hearts to the Lord. A church soon formed which became the Italian Pentecostal Church of Nutley. The church grew and flourished under three different pastors. In 1970 Rev. Peter Bruno Sr. became the fourth pastor of the church and continues as such to this present day. Thereafter the church name was changed to Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center. 

In 1986, Abundant Life Academy was established as a ministry of Abundant Life Worship Center to fulfill God’s mandate for truth in the education of God’s heritage. After much prayer, Bishop Bruno appointed Rev. Joseph T. Cancelliere, one of the church elders, to the position of School Principal. Abundant Life Academy (originally Nutley Assembly Christian School) was born from that moment.

The school began with only 35 students from Pre-K to 3rd Grade. It outgrew its facility in 1989 and moved to Bloomfield, New Jersey at the Forest Glen Elementary School. The school quickly increased to include a complete elementary and middle school.

After four years at the Forest Glen Elementary School, the Lord began to bless the church in a great way. In 1995, the church purchased a building on seven acres of land at the old I.T.T. Property in Nutley, New Jersey. A name change was adopted and passed. Abundant Life Academy began classes at its new location in September 1995 and continues to carry out God’s mandate in the education process.

In 2009, Abundant Life Academy achieved dual accreditation status with both Association of Christian Schools International and the Middle States. During the year 2011, we celebrated our 25th anniversary. The fall of 2012 marked another milestone: 400 students. Our enrollment, programs, and service continue to grow, but one thing remains the same: we are dependent on the blessing of the Lord. In 2014 our school received reaccreditation by ACSI and Middle States and an initial accreditation by NAPS.

Today Abundant Life Academy is still a ministry of Abundant Life Church led by Senior Pastor Louis D’Elia Sr. and assisted by our Superintendent John Kuebler. They are in constant fellowship with the administrative staff of the school and assist in the decision making process so that the vision of Christian education can continue to progress. 

“I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt.” - Martin Luther

Abundant Life Academy is an evangelical Christian school community with students from many different churches and over 40 different towns and cities around Northern New Jersey. Students do not have to be a part of a Christian church as long as parents sign our Covenant Agreement stating they know their children will be taught from a Christian perspective. At the high school level, students who want to transfer in may be asked about their relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Vision Abundant Life Academy will be a loving and effective private Christian school. We will guide our students to academic excellence and a life of service to our Lord Jesus Christ. Abundant Life Academy will produce students and graduates who love the Lord God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ALA students will thrive as worshippers, diligent students of scripture, and prayer warriors. They will excel in evangelism and Christian service. 

Abundant Life Academy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies,scholarship and assistance programs, athletics and other school administered programs.

ALA Facts:  ALA was founded in 1986 with 35 students enrolled. 

ALA’s largest senior graduating class was in 2020 with 38 graduates. 

NALWC and ALA are housed on a 7+ acre campus that is convenient to many major highways in New Jersey. 

ALA has been accredited by three different organizations: Association of Christian Schools International, Middle States Association, and National Association of Private Schools.

Our building is almost 200,000 square feet and includes a beautiful gymnasium and library, multiple Chromebook and Ipad labs to enhance learning as well as a school garden. 

ALA partners with the University of Valley Forge and Oral Roberts University to offer dual credit courses to our high school juniors and seniors.