A TEACHER at a Christian school in Texas has been arrested after allegedly having a months-long sexual relationship with a female student.

Lacey Jo Cunningham, 32, is suspected of targeting the 18-year-old while teaching anatomy at the private Woodlands Christian Academy in Montgomery County.

Cunningham, who also serves as a basketball coach at the school, was arrested after the student disclosed the affair to her mother, who contacted police.

The two began texting last August before meeting outside school to go for coffee, attend church, and spend the night at Cunningham's home, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Court documents allege they had more than 20 sexual encounters before police became involved.

On December 14, Cunningham consented to a search of her apartment.

Detectives seized electronic devices, including a cell phone, computer, and school-issued laptop.

A warrant for Cunningham's arrested was later issued, and she turned herself in on December 19.

She was charged with felony improper relationship between educator/ student and released from jail on a $50,000 bond.

In an arrest affidavit, Cunningham admitted sleeping in the same bed as the 18-year-old, but asserts there was "never any physical contact".

She also claimed the stays at her home had been initiated by the student, and denied ever having been physically attracted to her.

According to the affidavit, the student said she hadn't come forward sooner because Cunningham was "very manipulative" and threatened to take her own life if the student did so or tried to end the affair.

Cunningham has now been placed on administrative leave.

In a letter to parents, the Woodlands Christian Academy wrote: “The safety of our students is our top priority.

“We take seriously the faith and trust you put in us to care for your children.

"Through training, policies and promoting a nurturing and professional culture at The Woodlands Christian Academy, our employees learn the high standards and expectations we have of them regarding their interactions with students.

"This news is deeply upsetting, and we will thoroughly review this situation and identify additional steps to protect our school community.”

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