South Tulsa Academy

08/21/2026

✨ First Day, Best Day! ✨

We had the BEST day! 💙📚 We’re off to an amazing start to the new school year. Here’s to a year full of learning, laughter, friendships, and unforgettable memories!

Welcome back, South Tulsa Academy Defenders! 🎒🍎

08/17/2026

These people—they partner, encourage, mentor, sacrifice, and show up “Side-by-side” us every step of the way.

I am so grateful for this incredible group of co-teacher parents. ❤️ These men and women love their children deeply and are committed to helping them grow—not only academically, but in character, wisdom, responsibility, and most importantly, in faith.

In a University-Model® school, education is truly a partnership. We work hard together. We communicate, encourage one another, navigate challenges, celebrate growth, and stay committed to what matters most: helping our students become who God created them to be.

As Head of School, I have the privilege of witnessing the investment these parents make in their children, and I am continually encouraged by their dedication.

To our co-teacher parents: thank you for trusting us, partnering with us, and pouring so much into your children. We are better because we get to do this together. What an incredible team. I can’t wait to see STUDENTS this Tuesday at Meet the Teacher & Thursday at our First Day of School. Praise God for another year together at STA.

Mrs. Neafus

08/17/2026

We’ve been busy preparing for a new school year, so we’re just getting around to sharing this photo from our New Staff Training last week!

We are grateful for each person God has brought to our school community this year. We’re excited about the gifts, experience, and heart they bring to our team, and we’re looking forward to seeing how God will use them to serve our students, partner with our families, and further the mission of our school.

And a special thank-you to Chelsea Reece for generously sharing her time and talent to capture this photo! Our parent volunteers are such a special part of our school community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the many ways they serve and share their gifts.

Please join us in welcoming our newest team members! We’re thankful they’re here and praying for a wonderful year together. 💙

08/15/2026

South Tulsa Academy! What a great evening at Parent Academy, Day 2! 💙 Families and our school community came together to connect, encourage, have fun, and kick off the year strong—the heart of the University-Model!

Tomorrow is our final day, focused on teacher partnership and academic prep as we begin this important work together.

We’ll also have excellent breakout sessions, plus breakfast and coffee to start the morning! With lunch to share later! ☕️🥐 We can’t wait to see you there!

08/14/2026

🍎 Chick-Fil-A + STA 🍎

Join STA at the Meet the Teacher, AND THEN let our favorite chicken friends do the cooking! (Or vice-versa!)

🙌 Join us at our favorite chicken joint on August 18th—and a portion of your purchase will be donated back to our school! ❤️

📅 Save the date and come hungry! We can’t wait to see you there! Event takes place all day, please present your receipt to the cashier.

Date: Tuesday, August 18
Location: Chick-fil-a Bixby

Chick-fil-A Bixby

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

A huge THANK YOU to our favorite local organic farm Robinson Ranch and our friends at Fellowship Bible Church Garden for donating these beautiful blooms for our Parent Academy events! 🌸💐

Your generosity helped make our parents feel so welcomed and celebrated. We’re so grateful for your kindness and community spirit! ❤️

Fellowship Garden
Robinson Ranch

08/04/2026

💛 Introducing one of South Tulsa Academy’s 2nd grade teachers, Mrs. Paxton 💛💙

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Paxton back to South Tulsa Academy! Get to know Mrs. Paxton a little better 🌟

👩‍🏫 About Mrs. Paxton
“When I was a little girl, my parents moved us to a little farming community called Bixby OK. With the exception of the four years I spent attending Oklahoma State University, it feels like I have lived in Bixby my entire life. I taught in Bixby Public Schools for 30 years and was blessed to retire early, enjoying 10 wonderful years of retirement. Eventually, I realized how much I missed school life and the joy of teaching, so I decided to return to the classroom. This year marks my fourth year teaching at STA!

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family. We live in the country on a family compound, and there is always plenty to keep me busy! Some of my favorite things include spending time with my grandkiddos, gardening, and driving my tractor. I’m also a HUGE Oklahoma State University fan—I definitely “bleed orange!” ”

📚 Education Inspiration
“My favorite teacher was my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Beffort. She was kind, encouraging, and always smiling. She made me feel like I was her favorite student! Even at that young age, I knew I wanted to grow up and be a teacher just like her.

With the exception of being a wife, mom, and “Shug,” I truly believe God put me on this earth to be a teacher. I loved my years teaching in Bixby, but I often felt limited when it came to sharing my love for Jesus with my students. I could show it, but I couldn’t always say it. One of the greatest blessings of teaching at STA is being able to openly talk about Jesus every day.”

✝️ How Faith Shapes My Teaching
“I believe we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but we are also called to share the Gospel—to share the whole Word with the whole world. At STA, I have the privilege of doing just that. Whether we are learning a Bible memory verse, studying a character trait from the Fruit of the Spirit, or discussing how we should treat one another, my passion and purpose are to glorify God while helping disciple the precious children He places in my classroom.”

❤️ My Favorite Part of Teaching
“Throughout my career, I have taught first, second, and fifth grade. Each age has its own special qualities, but second grade is my sweet spot. I love watching students grow in confidence and independence throughout the year. In the younger grades, children are learning to read; in second grade, they begin reading to learn—and that is exciting to watch! I also love teaching math. When students begin to see God’s character as absolute, His creation as orderly and perfect, and His Word as trustworthy, it becomes easy to find Him even in our daily math lessons. That brings me so much joy!”

🌟 Looking Forward To This Year
“I am excited to begin another year with a new group of students at STA. Once they walk through my classroom door, they become “my kiddos” for life. I look forward to building lasting relationships with my students and their sweet families. It’s going to be a wonderful year!”

Join us in welcoming Mrs. Paxton back to another wonderful year at STA! 💙💛

07/27/2026

💙💛 Introducing South Tulsa Academy’s 4th & 5th grade Science & Math teacher, Mrs. Jackson 💛💙

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Jackson to South Tulsa Academy! Get to know Mrs. Jackson a little better 🌟

👩‍🏫 About Mrs. Jackson
“I grew up in Bixby but now live in Berryhill with my husband Caleb and my two kids! I taught 5th grade math/science for 5 years at Jenks West Intermediate before my oldest was born. After he joined our family I stopped teaching formally to stay home and raise him and his sister, and that's what I've been doing since 2021! In my free time, I enjoy playing with my kids, exercising, reading, and making sourdough!”

📚 Education Inspiration
“Many teachers knew since they were kids that they wanted to join this profession. That was not my story! When I began college I was a business major, but quickly figured out that path wasn't for me. My roomate at the time was from a family of educators and told me she thought I'd make a great teacher since I had experience working with kids. I thought back to my 4th grade teacher and how she made me feel smart and like a part of a community, and I thought teaching would be a great way to make a difference in the world!”

✝️ How Faith Shapes My Teaching
“My faith is the foundation of everything I do, from taking care of my family to the work I do in the classroom. I know that each student in my class is entrusted to me by the Lord and by their parents, and I strive to treat them all as image bearers of our King. I also know that God has given each one of us the capability to learn and grow, and I try to challenge my students to reach their full potential and be a scaffold to their success.”

❤️ My Favorite Part of Teaching
“One of my favorite things about teaching math specifically is when something "clicks" for a student that was struggling with a new concept. Particularly when I see a student's mindset jump from "I'm not good at math" to "I can do this!"”

🌟 Looking Forward To This Year
“The thing that most excites me the most about joining STA as a parent and a teacher is that my kids and I will be surrounded by a community of believers who all want what is best for our students! It will be so encouraging to me to be able to share bible verses, prayers, and other faith based conversations with my students and with my kids' teachers!”

Join us in welcoming Mrs. Jackson to a wonderful year at STA! 💙💛

07/24/2026

💙💛 Meet our third grade teacher, Mrs. Bryant! 💛💙

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Bryant back to South Tulsa Academy! Get to know Mrs. Bryant a little better!

👩‍🏫 About Mrs. Bryant
“I was born and raised in Richmond, VA. I attended Radford University in Southwest, VA and earned a Master’s in special education. I taught for 2 years in VA, and 2 years in NC before becoming a stay at home mom for 10 years. This will be my fourth year back in the classroom at STA. When I’m not at school, I have 2 boys who keep me busy! We are huge sports fans and love attending games of any sport. I also love to garden, read, and try out new restaurants and shops.”

📚 Education Inspiration
“I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember! I had several really wonderful teachers growing up, some I’m still in touch with that really inspired me. When I was in high school we had a program where we could volunteer in elementary classrooms and I loved it! I met a special PE teacher who worked with students with disabilities. She really opened my eyes to working with children of all ability levels.”

✝️ How Faith Shapes My Teaching
“I feel strongly that God has called me to work with children to build his kingdom. I love being able to share my faith and learn so much from students about their relationships with Christ. It has really challenged me to deepen my faith and use everyday moments to share the gospel.”

❤️ My Favorite Part of Teaching
“I love seeing how students learn and make connections in their own unique way. Third grade is a big jump educationally and it’s amazing to see the growth of each child throughout the year.”

🌟 Looking Forward To This Year
“I am excited to meet a new group of students and their families! STA is such a special place and I have met so many wonderful people. I can’t wait to share my love of learning and watch students grow!”

Join us in welcoming Mrs. Bryant back to a wonderful year at South Tulsa Academy! 💙💛