🌟 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 Evan G, who is shining in and out of the classroom.

Evan is a sophomore with immense maturity and patience. He has a Christ-like servant heart for others, which shows in his leadership on the basketball team and also in his encouragement of others. Evan will always take the time to stop and explain difficult concepts to his peers and encourage them in their endeavors. There was even a 5th grade student who had attended a volleyball clinic run by UCA, who stated Evan was very kind and patient, teaching them how to serve. Off the court, Evan always strives not only for academic excellence but also for a deeper understanding of the topic within the class.

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
about 8 hours ago, UCA
students who shine graphic with pictures of a high school boy
Your mission… should you choose to accept it… 🕶️🕵️‍♂️

Our elementary students took on a “Mission Impossible” challenge in PE—working together to get their entire team from one side of the room to the other without touching the floor! 🚫👣

Using only the materials they were given, students practiced creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork while having a whole lot of fun along the way! 🧠🤝

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
5 days ago, UCA
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
elementary students going through an obstacle course
Our middle school students traded classrooms for the slopes today during a fun-filled skiing field trip at Hyland Park! ⛷️❄️

From learning new skills to cheering each other on, it was a day full of laughter, perseverance, and great memories.

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
6 days ago, UCA
group of middle school students on a ski hill for a field trip
group of middle school students on a ski hill for a field trip
group of middle school students on a ski hill for a field trip
group of middle school students with a chaperone on a ski hill for a field trip
middle school student with her dad as a chaperone on a field trip
group of middle school students on a ski hill for a field trip
group of middle school students on a lunch break during a skiing field trip
group of middle school students on a ski hill for a field trip
group of middle school students on a ski hill for a field trip
group of middle school students on a ski hill for a field trip
🎉📚 100 Days Smarter!

Our lower elementary students recently celebrated the 100th day of school with a fun-filled day of games and learning activities centered around counting to 100.

From hands-on math challenges to creative detective work, students had a great time celebrating how much they’ve learned and how far they’ve come this year. 💯✨

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
8 days ago, UCA
1st grade student with a hat that says "100 days smarter"
2nd grade girls playing a counting game with dice
kindergarten boys playing a game with legos
group of 1st grade boys wearing fruit loop necklaces
two kindergarten girls playing a game with legos
2nd grade students trying to put 100 items in number order
student making a necklace out of 100 fruit loops
kindergarten student practicing counting to 100
2nd grade students playing a counting game with dice
student playing a detective counting game
Our high school students had an awesome night at this year’s Sadies event! The gym came alive under the black lights as students dressed in neon and white, enjoying time together. 💡🔆

From Zorb Wars and yard games to dancing, playing cards, and simply hanging out, the evening was filled with laughter, connection, and plenty of fun. 🎉🪩

Moments like these help strengthen friendships and build the sense of community we value so deeply at UCA. 🫶💜

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
9 days ago, UCA
high school students dressed in neon playing in the gymnasium under black lights
high school girls having their faces painted
high school students playing zorb wars in the black lights
group of high school students sitting on the floor playing cards
students line dancing
high school girls with their faces painted
high school students playing zorb wars in the black lights
Zorb Wars arena
🫀🔬 Our high school anatomy students wrapped up their cardiovascular unit with a dissection of a deer heart, giving them a closer look at the heart's structures and function.

These hearts were generously donated by current and former students, along with the teacher’s family and friends—thank you to everyone who made this learning experience possible!

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
12 days ago, UCA
high school students dissecting a deer heart
high school students dissecting a deer heart
high school students dissecting a deer heart
high school students dissecting a deer heart
a deer heart used for dissection in a high school anatomy class
Using sectional charts, our Aviation 3 class explored the National Airspace System, gaining a better understanding of how airspace is organized and the different regulations that apply to each class.

This practical approach helped bring complex concepts to life as students connected chart reading with real-world aviation rules and safety. ✈️ 🗺️

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucaaviation
12 days ago, UCA
aviation teacher looking at airspace maps with students
students studying aviation airspace maps
students studying aviation airspace maps
aviation teacher looking at airspace maps with students
students studying aviation airspace maps
students studying aviation airspace maps
teacher pointing at a slide on the screen talking about the National Airspace System
aviation teacher looking at airspace maps with students
aviation teacher looking at airspace maps with students
aviation teacher looking at airspace maps with students
🍎✨ 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 Sue Hanson, our middle school science teacher. Here is what a colleague said:
“Mrs. Hanson is kind, funny, and calm. Not only does she use her gifts to teach middle school science in an engaging way, but she loves students where they're at through investing and mentoring relationally. Her students in high school and beyond are still excited to visit and say hello.
Also: Ms. Luttio was one of her students several years ago. She teaches alongside Mrs. Hanson now while still continuing to be mentored by her. Mrs. Hanson shows the long-lasting impact that intentional, caring, Christ-centered teachers can have. ”

We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
12 days ago, UCA
Teacher feature graphic with a picture of the middle school science teacher helping a student in a classroom
Our kindergarteners took a trip across the pond as they studied England—and celebrated with a delightful Tea Party in their classroom ☕🇬🇧

They invited special guests, beautifully decorated the tables with fine china, and enjoyed traditional tea and treats together. It was a sweet and memorable way to bring learning to life while practicing hospitality and good manners!

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
13 days ago, UCA
group of kindergarten students sitting at a table with special guests enjoying a tea party
group of kindergarten students sitting at a table with special guests enjoying a tea party
group of kindergarten students sitting at a table with special guests enjoying a tea party
group of kindergarten students sitting at a table with special guests enjoying a tea party
kindergarten student with their special guest at a tea party
kindergarten student with their special guest at a tea party
kindergarten student with their special guest at a tea party
kindergarten student with their special guest at a tea party
kindergarten student with their special guest at a tea party
kindergarten student with their special guest at a tea party
🎭 We loved getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of our one-act play cast as they prepared for a recent performance!

These students have been working hard and are ready to share the final product on stage for you!

Invite your friends and family to join us this Friday for their performance. Come cheer on our students and enjoy an evening of great storytelling and talent. 🎬👏

📅 Friday, January 30
🕕 6:30 pm (doors open at 6:00)
📍 UCA Theater (enter door #9
💰 FREE!

#ucathunder #ucafinearts
13 days ago, UCA
flyer with information about an upcoming performance
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
actors putting on make-up before a performance in the green room
Our kindergarteners celebrated a very important milestone in phonics this week—the wedding of Q & U! 💍 📚

Through a fun and memorable “ceremony” officiated by Dr. Morrison, students learned why these two letters almost always stick together when making words. There were songs, traditional wedding dances, cupcakes, and plenty of smiles and giggles. Lots of learning as Q and U officially became a team. 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
15 days ago, UCA
principal acting as a wedding officiant in front of a kindergarten class
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
student about to eat a cupcake looking very excited
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
students eating cupcakes
student holding up a decoration that came out of her cupcake that says Q & U
kindergarten students lined up doing the bunny hop
Due to the extreme cold warning issued by the National Weather Service, UCA will be closed on Friday, January 23.

Middle School athletic events are cancelled for Friday.
Students participating in all other athletics or activities should check directly with their coaches regarding practices, games, or events.
20 days ago, UCA
graphic with the school logo referring to a weather update
Some of our high school students are diving into the world of entrepreneurship! 💡📊

In this class with Mrs. Larson, they’re exploring what it means to create, own, and run a business through self-discovery and hands-on, project-based learning. One of their first real-world projects? Taking ownership of the school vending machines—tracking inventory, placing orders, stocking products, and learning what it takes to manage day-to-day operations.

As a capstone experience, students will bring everything together with a Shark Tank–style business proposal, pitching their ideas and plans just like real entrepreneurs. It’s an exciting glimpse into the business world and a great opportunity for students to build confidence, creativity, and practical skills they’ll use far beyond the classroom!

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
20 days ago, UCA
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We are grateful for his courageous leadership and his unwavering belief in the dignity of every person created in the image of God.

May we live out these values in our words and actions each day as we walk in humility and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31)
23 days ago, UCA
drawing of Martin Luther King Jr with a flag behind him
Our kindergarten students use iPads as one of many tools to support their learning. These devices remain in the classroom and are intentionally used to enhance specific learning activities. 💻📚

At UCA, we strive for a healthy, age-appropriate balance that values personal connection while also equipping students with important 21st-century technology skills.

Students especially love the challenge and excitement of interactive learning games that reinforce key skills in fun, engaging ways. 🙌 😄

#UCAThunder #UCAElementary
26 days ago, UCA
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads with a teacher and student working one-on-one in the background
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
Today, we had the honor of recognizing our elementary Student of the Quarter winner for the second quarter! This outstanding student was selected by her teachers for consistently demonstrating the House Essentials—integrity, helpfulness, respect, compassion, and more. 🏆 🌟

Congratulations to Lydia S from the Gratia House!

We are so proud of you for your dedication to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations! 👏 💙 💚 💛 ❤️

#ucathunder #ucahousesystem
26 days ago, UCA
Head of School, Elementary Princiapal, 5th grade teacher, and the student of the quarter
Head of School presenting a fifth grade student with a sweatshirt that she was awarded for being chosen as student of the quarter
teacher hugging a student after she won an award
student holding her awarded sweatshirt standing with her parents
Our 9th grade science students put their investigative skills to the test today during their Sludge Lab. Using physical properties and separation techniques—like chromatography, distillation, density ⚖️, flame tests, and filtration —students worked to identify seven unknown substances. 🔥🧪

Students were challenged to use critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬🧠

#UCAThunder #UCAHighSchool #UCASTEM
27 days ago, UCA
science students and their table at a lab station looking at a beaker on a burner
two female students performing flame tests in science class
two male students performing flame tests in science class
group of students at a lab station performing an experiment
two male students performing flame tests in science class
two male students performing flame tests in science class
two female students performing flame tests in science class
two female students performing flame tests in science class
two female students at a lab station watching a distillation experiment
group of boys at a lab station performing a science experiment
Our elementary students (Kindergarten–5th grade) headed to Skateville today for a fun-filled field trip that doubled as a Phy Ed experience. ⛸️

After a stretch of winter cabin fever, students spent half the day burning energy, skating their hearts out, and enjoying time together. 💜

With worship music blasting through the speakers, students were singing, praising, and having the time of their lives. 🎶 🙌

Thank you to Mrs. Aunan for organizing such a memorable day! 🙏

# UCAThunder #UCAElementary
28 days ago, UCA
three elementary girls standing by a roller skating rink
two elementary boys roller skating
first grade girl roller skating
group of fourth grade girls at a roller skating rink
three teachers at a roller skating rink
group of fifth grade boys at a roller skating rink
three second grade girls roller skating
teacher helping young girls roller skate
two kindergarten boys roller skating
two second grade girls roller skating
❄️🎉 Buddy time is back!

This afternoon, our students enjoyed spending time with their buddies for the first time since before the holidays—they kicked off the new year with a game of Winter Bingo!

At UCA, we are intentional about building relationships so that every student feels known and loved. Just as our teachers come alongside each student, our older students also come alongside the younger ones—investing in their growth and modeling Christ-like living, helping create a strong, caring community. 💜

#UCAThunder #UCAHouseSystem
about 1 month ago, UCA
group of students, two big buddies and two little buddies smiling for the pictur
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
two students playing bingo
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
three students, one big buddy and two little buddies, smiling for the picture
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
four students, two big buddies and two little buddies, smiling for the picture
students picking prizes out of a bin
UCA welcomed a new student for the second semester—an international student all the way from Vietnam! 🇻🇳

Angela is in 10th grade, and today we learned which house she belongs to in our House System. We are so excited to welcome Angela to House Christo and to our greater UCA community.

We are also incredibly grateful for the UCA family who has opened their home to host her during her time here with us. 💜

#UCAThunder #UCAHighSchool #UCAHouseSystem
about 1 month ago, UCA
two teachers and one student introducing the new student to the rest of the student body
student with her hand in a jar ready to pick something out
student looking at the gem she just drew out of a jar
teacher with a microphone speaking to and about the student standing next to her
student holding a red handkerchief that signifies which house she has been assigned to