From choreography to costumes to powerful moments on stage, our Robin Hood story is coming to life! 🎭 🏹

Our students have been putting the finishing touches on this ministry performance, and it is sure to be both a tear-jerker and a crowd-pleaser. 🥹 👏

📆 March 12 & 13
🕰️ 6:30 pm
📍 Cedar Valley Church
🆓 No admission

#ucathunder #ucafinearts
about 5 hours ago, UCA
students on stage rehearsing a play
students on stage rehearsing a play
teachers working on the set of a play
students on stage rehearsing a play
students on stage rehearsing a play
teacher talking to students backstage
students on stage rehearsing a play
teacher talking to students backstage
students on stage rehearsing a play
students on stage rehearsing a play
🍎✨ It’s time to put the spotlight on one of our incredible UCA staff members — sharing a glimpse into their heart for students, their passion for UCA, and the impact they make every day. ✨ 📚

Today, we’re celebrating Pastor Ashley Abbott, Elementary Chaplain. Here is what a colleague said:

“Pastor Ashley has a special way of connecting with our youngest students. She has a special gift for making big biblical truths accessible to little hearts. Her stories are engaging, memorable, and full of joy. She has a great way of encouraging the students to pray and to ‘talk to God’ together, which helps their faith become real.
We are so thankful for the way she pours into our elementary students, pointing them toward Christ, encouraging them to ask questions, and helping them build a strong foundation of faith.”

Thank you, Pastor Ashley, for the heart and energy you bring to our school community! 🙏

We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜

#ucathunder #ucastaff
about 18 hours ago, UCA
teacher feature graphic with the chaplain holding a microphone
What if your child experienced a school where they truly belong?

At UCA, students are welcomed by peers, teachers, and coaches who know and support them. Through meaningful friendships, cross-grade connections, and daily moments of care, they grow in confidence—building an identity rooted in Christ and strengthened by community. 💜

Enrollment is open for next year. Join us at our Spring Open House to learn more.

Register at ucathunder.org

#ucathunder
5 days ago, UCA
group picture of the high school students in the Gratia house.
picture of a teacher kneeling next to a student at her desk with information about the open house

Rooted in Prayer - our theme for March 🙏

This week, our students and staff have been learning about the ACTS prayer method—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

In the elementary chapel, Pastor Ashley helped students understand each part of the prayer model and how they can use it in their own conversations with God. There was lots of participation—and plenty of laughter—when she compared prayer to a bowl of Cocoa Puffs: “It’s so good! And when you’re done, it makes you want more!” 🥣

Our secondary students also spent time growing in prayer during Discipleship groups, where junior and senior leaders guided smaller groups through the ACTS model together.

We're thankful for opportunities like this where students are learning how to talk with God and grow deeper in their faith. 💜

5 days ago, UCA
two high school girls leading a group of middle school girls in a discipleship group
two high school boys leading a group of middle school boys in a discipleship group
first grade teacher praying with one of her students
elementary chaplain holding a microphone to a student as they speak
bookmark with an acronym to help students learn how to pray
middle school boys having a discussion
elementary chaplain speaking on stage during chapel
a  high school girl leading a group of middle school girls in a discipleship group
elementary chaplain speaking on stage during chapel
high school students writing on the white board
🌟 Every student at UCA has an incredible story — unique, inspiring, and full of potential! 💜

We’d like to celebrate those students who shine. From personal achievements to acts of kindness, creative talents, and leadership in or out of the classroom, each student makes a difference and brings something special to our community! 🙌 🎓

Shoutout to 11th grader, Henry G, who was nominated by Mrs. Tillman:

“Henry regularly takes the time to help other students work through difficult problems/worksheets during work time in class. He takes difficult topics and helps other students understand. Henry could just complete his assignments on his own, but he is willing to work to share what he understands with others. ”

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
6 days ago, UCA
two pictures of a high school junior boy being honored as "Students who shine"

What if your child learned to discern truth in a world full of noise?

Through biblical immersion, critical thinking, and honest conversations, our students are equipped to recognize what is true, good, and beautiful. They learn how to think deeply, ask wise questions, and stand confidently in their faith.

We’re not just educating minds; we’re forming hearts and convictions that prepare them to be leaders who make an impact for His kingdom. 💜

Enrollment is open for next year. Join us at our Spring Open House to learn more.

Register at ucathunder.org

#ucathunder

6 days ago, UCA
photo of a teacher bending down to talk to middle school students about their bible lesson
open house advertisement including a picture of a teacher crouched down by a students desk talking to the student
Final rehearsals for our ministry performance, Robin Hood, are underway! 🏹 🌲

Our Pre-K through 7th grade students are fine-tuning their parts, ready to give it their best as they share this story and its message with our community.

One highlight of the performance will be our 6th graders' choreographed song. The precision of their movements, paired with the powerful lyrics of the song, is sure to move you. 🎶

We can’t wait for you to see all their hard work come to life on stage! Join us on March 12th or 13th at 6:30 pm. 🎭 🎤

#ucathunder #ucafinearts #ucamiddleschool

7 days ago, UCA
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
sixth grade students holding white rods which they use in a choreographed song
🍎✨ It’s time to put the spotlight on one of our incredible UCA teachers — sharing a glimpse into their heart for students, their passion for UCA, and the impact they make every day. We’re so grateful for the dedication and love they pour into our school and community! ✨ 📚

Today we’re celebrating Mr. Kevin Peters, Phy Ed & Secondary Health teacher. Here is what a colleague said:
“We appreciate all the work he does before school with keeping the younger students engaged, safe, and contained in the gym so that parents have the option for early drop-off and the staff can still have that time they need to get ready for the day.”

We are so thankful for his willingness to serve in many ways: teacher, coach, mentor, and more!

We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜

#ucathunder #ucastaff
8 days ago, UCA
teacher feature graphic with a picture of a UCA teacher and coach
From Pre-K through 12th grade, worship is woven into the rhythm of our days. 🤲

Whether in classrooms or gathered together in chapel, our students are learning to know their Creator and understand that they are deeply loved children of God. There is something incredibly special about the freedom they have to sing, pray, and worship with their whole hearts while at school. 💜

We are thankful they are growing not only in knowledge, but in identity and relationship with the Lord. We pray these moments will shape hearts in ways that will last far beyond the classroom. 🙏

#ucathunder
8 days ago, UCA
elementary students worshiping in chapel
secondary students worshiping in chapel
elementary students worshiping in chapel
elementary students worshiping in chapel
elementary students worshiping in chapel
elementary students worshiping in chapel
secondary students worshiping in chapel
elementary students worshiping in chapel
secondary students worshiping in chapel
students worshiping in their classroom
What if your child were known, guided, and grounded in truth every single day?

At UCA, our teachers intentionally invest in students’ growth. They teach truth with clarity, speak life into our students, and help them understand their identity in Christ so that they can lead with confidence in a changing world.

Enrollment is open for next year. Join us at our Spring Open House to learn more.

Register at ucathunder.org

#ucathunder

12 days ago, UCA
3rd grade teacher kneeling next to three of his students to help them with their work
In Creative Writing, Miss Hawthorne guided our high school students as they explored sentence types and broke down key components within each type. She highlighted one of the shortest complete sentences in the English language, “I am,” which can be found in the bible. Using that, along with other verses, she showed how even the simplest sentences can carry deep meaning. ✍️📚

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
12 days ago, UCA
teacher  lecturing at the front of the classroom
students working on their chromebooks and a teacher helping them
teacher pointing at the lesson on the screen
teacher  lecturing at the front of the classroom
teacher  lecturing at the front of the classroom
student at her desk being helped by a teacher
🌟 Every student at UCA has an incredible story — unique, inspiring, and full of potential! 💜

We’d like to celebrate those students who shine. From personal achievements to acts of kindness, creative talents, and leadership in or out of the classroom, each student makes a difference and brings something special to our community! 🙌 🎓

Shoutout to 10th grader, Tommy S, who was nominated by Mrs. Diamond:

“Tommy is a hard-working individual both on and off the basketball court. Tommy leaves everything on the court during basketball; he is a valuable team player in his scoring, athleticism, and communication with his teammates. Off the court, he has a very inquisitive nature. He is always processing and working through assignments by asking more questions and gaining a better understanding through problem-solving.”

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
13 days ago, UCA
students who shine graphic with two pictures of a high school boy
Sometimes the sweetest growth happens in the quiet moments.

In between whole-class lessons, our first graders are building independence, curling up with good books, and working through personalized learning on their iPads. These focused, peaceful pockets of time help strengthen skills, confidence, and a love for learning. 📚💻

It’s a joy to watch them grow, one quiet moment at a time. 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
13 days ago, UCA
two first grade students quietly reading to themselves
students quietly sitting on the floor reading to themselves
1st grade students working on their iPads
1st grade students working on their iPads
1st grade students working on their iPads
1st grade boy sitting on the floor under his desk quietly reading to himself
1st grade students working on their iPads
first grade students sitting in various spaces across the classroom reading to themselves
student laying on a chair under a table reading to himself
first grade student reading to herself at her desk
What if your child's education shaped not just what they know - but who they become?

Through intentional mentoring relationships, we teach the head, mentor the heart, and train Christlike habits that last a lifetime.

Now enrolling for next year! Join us at our Spring Open House to learn more.

Register at: ucathunder.org

#ucathunder
13 days ago, UCA
a senior and a pre-k student sitting on the floor together
open house advertisement including a picture of a student crouched down by a students desk talking to the student
We are so proud of our high school band students! 🎶✨

Today, they participated in the MN State High School League music contest, where they performed in front of judges and received professional feedback and were scored on their performance, earning the highest rating of “Superior”!

Our 8th grade band students also had the opportunity to attend as spectators, encouraging their peers and getting a glimpse of what’s ahead for them. 🎺🥁🎼

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucafinearts
14 days ago, UCA
the high school band performing on stage
certificate earned by the high school band showing their "Superior" rating
8th grade students as spectators watching the high school band perform

🍎✨ It’s time to put the spotlight on one of our incredible UCA teachers — sharing a glimpse into their heart for students, their passion for UCA, and the impact they make every day. We’re so grateful for the dedication and love they pour into our school and community! ✨ 📚

Today, we’re celebrating Mary Diamond, one of our high school science teachers.

Here is what a colleague said:
“Mrs. Diamond does such a good job of doing activities/labs with her students so they can understand difficult subjects using a hands-on approach. She is patient and helpful, but allows the students the space to learn topics in creative and unique ways.”

We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜

#ucathunder #ucastaff

15 days ago, UCA
teacher feature graphic with a picture of a science teacher standing next to a skeleton
Our high school art students are putting both skill and heart into a meaningful portrait project titled “Faces of Faith.” 🎨✨

Each student selected someone who has had a significant impact on their faith journey and is working to capture not just their likeness, but the character and influence behind the face. Through careful observation, shading, and detail, students are learning how art can tell a deeper story.

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucafinearts
18 days ago, UCA
high school art students working on a portrait project
high school student standing with a high school teacher whom he drew a portrait of
high school art students working on a portrait project
high school student standing with a high school teacher whom she drew a portrait of
high school art students working on a portrait project
high school art students working on a portrait project
high school students standing with a high school teacher whom they drew a portrait of
high school student standing with a high school teacher whom he drew a portrait of
high school art students working on a portrait project
Our 6th graders rolled up their sleeves to dissect owl pellets! 🦉

Students carefully examined the pellets to identify tiny bones and discover what owls eat, exploring food chains, ecosystems, and God’s incredible design in nature. 🦴 🐁

They made careful observations and exciting discoveries as they uncovered the hidden stories inside each pellet. 🔍

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
19 days ago, UCA
science teacher helping students dissect owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
6th grade students dissecting owl pellets
Fresh snow + recess = pure joy! ❄️☃️

There’s something special about a fresh snowfall that brings out big smiles and even bigger fun!

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
19 days ago, UCA
group of elementary students standing by a huge snowball
group of elementary students standing by a huge snowball
group of elementary students standing by a huge snowball
group of elementary students standing by a huge snowball
group of elementary students standing by a huge snowball
student standing on top of a large snowball
group of elementary students standing by a huge snowball
group of elementary students standing by a huge snowball
🌟 Every student at UCA has an incredible story — unique, inspiring, and full of potential! 💜

We’d like to celebrate those students who shine. From personal achievements to acts of kindness, creative talents, and leadership in or out of the classroom, each student makes a difference and brings something special to our community! 🙌 🎓

Shoutout to 1st grader Shea M, who was nominated by her teacher, Miss Anderson:

"Shea is a student who truly embodies our house essentials in the very best way. She is kind, wise, and so intentional with her friendships. Shea is a natural includer. She makes sure no one is left out and that everyone has a friend to play with at recess. Her wisdom shines through in how she handles conflicts with friends, often resolving them thoughtfully and independently.
Shea walks into school every single day with a GIANT smile on her face, spreading joy wherever she goes. She radiates happiness and positivity, and our campus is brighter because of her. We are so blessed to have Shea at UCA!”

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
20 days ago, UCA
students who shine graphic with two pictures of a 1st grade girl