Elle, one of our UCA seniors, has taken it upon herself to spread joy in a powerful way—by organizing a monthly, before-school card-making activity for kids battling terminal illnesses.

“Letters of Love” is where students gather to create heartfelt cards filled with encouragement, hope, and prayer. It’s a beautiful example of compassion, leadership, and using our gifts to love others well. 💌

We’re so proud of her initiative and the students who show up each month to make a difference, one card at a time. 💜

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
about 17 hours ago, UCA
three high school students making cards
looking over the shoulder of a student making a card
three high school students making cards
flyer of information about card making event
example cards that the students have made
two high school students making cards

📣 We are excited to announce our third recipient of the United Ambassador Award.🏆

This distinction is designed to honor individuals in our community who have made significant, positive impacts through their service, support, and dedication.👏

Please help us honor and show appreciation for Deb Otterblad. Deb has blessed our school abundantly with more than 25 years of teaching and service. Many students and staff have been touched by her presence at the school. 💜

On behalf of the entire UCA community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Deb. We thank her for her years of dedication to this school and its legacy, her faithful teaching, and her kind spirit. UCA truly would not be the same without you, and we are blessed to have you as part of our school family.

Check out the full story here: https://www.ucathunder.org/article/2579027

#ucathunder

about 22 hours ago, UCA
two pictures of a teacher with her students with the United Ambassador Award logo
🌟 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 9th grader Claire M who is shining in and out of the classroom.

At the Northfield Sprint Spectacular, Claire won the girls 13/14 age group high point champion belt for reaching the podium 8 times. She discovered that even swimmers who consider themselves ‘distance swimmers’ can do sprints!

Results:
🥇1st place: 100 back, 50 breast, 50 back, 50 free
🥈2nd place: 100 breast, 100 free, 50 fly
🥉3rd place: 100 fly

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
1 day ago, UCA
students who shine graphic with two pictures of a 9th grade girl
🎈Mrs. Ray’s 3rd graders have been diving into the story Balloons Over Broadway!

After reading about the true story of the puppeteer behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the students created their own colorful balloons and wrapped up the project with a fun reader’s theater performance.

We loved seeing their creativity and confidence shine! 🎉

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
4 days ago, UCA
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students in front of a classroom performing a readers theater
🦃🍁 A Thanksgiving Blessing for Our UCA Community 🍁🦃

As we enter this season of gratitude, we want to pause and thank God for the incredible blessing of our UCA family. We are grateful for students who bring joy and curiosity to each day, for parents who partner with us so faithfully, and for staff who pour their hearts into serving and discipling the next generation.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of rest, reflection, and renewed joy for you and your loved ones. We pray that your homes are filled with peace, laughter, and the comforting reminder of God’s goodness in every season.

From all of us at United Christian Academy — thank you for being a cherished part of our community. We are thankful for you today and always. 💜
9 days ago, UCA
graphic with leaves and a thanksgiving blessing
Our 7th grade scientists had a sweet time in class! 🍪✨

To help them visualize the stages of cell mitosis, students used Oreo cookies and sprinkles to model each phase — from prophase to cytokinesis. Hands-on learning (and a little treat!) made this complex process fun, memorable, and delicious.

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
9 days ago, UCA
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
Several of our high school band students had an incredible opportunity last weekend! 🎶✨

Nominated by Mr. Curtis, they were invited to participate in a one-day Honor Band at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul.

Students spent the day in focused rehearsals and sectionals alongside talented musicians from across the region, learning under outstanding directors and growing in their musical skills. They wrapped up the experience with a beautiful evening concert for family and friends. 🎼

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucafinearts
10 days ago, UCA
group picture of 6 high school students who attended an honor band
concert band on stage performing
concert band on stage performing
picture of students in a band rehearsal
picture of students in a band rehearsal
students eating lunch
Our Pre-K friends had the sweetest Thanksgiving-themed morning! 🦃✨

During snack time, they enjoyed fun Thanksgiving treats, and afterward, the classroom was filled with laughter as they enjoyed Thanksgiving-themed games and projects. From mini pumpkin pie treats to cup stacking, their joy was contagious!

We’re so grateful for these little learners and the simple moments that make this season so special 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucaprek
10 days ago, UCA
table of Pre-K students praying before they eat
students playing thanksgiving bingo
students making a single serve pumpkin pie treat
students eating snack
students stacking cups to form a tower
student playing "pin the feather on the turkey"
student eating an apple slice
student pointing to the headband he made
teacher helping student put food on his plate
table of pre-k students eating snacks with parent volunteers standing in the background
🎳💜 Our staff had a blast at our annual UCA Bowling Night! It’s always a highlight of the year — a chance for us to spend time together outside the normal school day, and enjoy some friendly (and often hilarious!) competition.

We’re grateful for a team that loves being together and invests in building a strong, joy-filled community. 🎉

#ucathunder #ucastaff
11 days ago, UCA
group photo of the winning team (Gratia) at the staff bowling night
Mrs. Berry holding the trophy for winning the highest bowling score
group of teachers standing and talking at a bowling alley
group of teachers taking a selfie at a bowling alley
two teachers high-fiving after a bowling turn
teachers bowling together
teacher celebrating after bowling a strike
group of teachers standing and talking at a bowling alley
teacher celebrating after bowling a strike
teacher celebrating after bowling a strike
🔦Allow us to put the spotlight on one of our incredible UCA volunteers — sharing a glimpse into her passion for UCA, and the impact she makes. We’re so grateful for her dedication to our school and community! 🏫 ✨

“We want to give a huge shoutout to Jesslyn Foster, one of our amazing UCA parents who continually goes above and beyond!
Jesslyn serves faithfully on our Parent Council, always bringing creativity, care, and a can-do spirit to every project she touches. She finds thoughtful, innovative ways to support our teachers, students, and school community.
Her servant heart and joyful attitude make such a difference — reminding us that UCA is stronger because of families like hers. Thank you, Jesslyn, for the many ways you give, serve, and inspire. We are so grateful for you!”

We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜

#ucathunder
11 days ago, UCA
graphic with a headshot and quote to honor one of our top volunteers
🦃🍁 Our kindergarteners have been busy learning all about the many elements of Thanksgiving — the Pilgrims, Native Americans, the Mayflower, and the traditions that shaped this special holiday.

To wrap up their learning, the students enjoyed a fun and festive Thanksgiving feast together! It was a joyful way to celebrate everything they’ve discovered while building community and gratitude in the classroom.

Thank you to all of the parent volunteers that made this event possible!

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
11 days ago, UCA
kindergarten students sitting at tables eating a thanksgiving feast with parent volunteers serving food
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
student holding his silverware waiting for his plate of food
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
🍽️ 🦃 Last week, our senior class enjoyed a special time set aside just for them — the Senior Feast! They took an extended lunch break to eat together, fellowship, laugh, and play games as a class.

It was a fun and meaningful pause in their busy year, giving them space to connect and make memories with one another. We are so thankful for this incredible group of seniors and the leadership they bring to our school! 💜🎉

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucaclassof26
12 days ago, UCA
head of school speaking to tables of 12th graders
group of students standing and praying before they eat together
students walking through a buffet line of food
student carving a rotisserie chicken
student carving a rotisserie chicken
head of school speaking to tables of 12th graders
head of school mingling with seniors as they eat lunch
student carving a rotisserie chicken
students drawing on a white board as they play Pictionary
students drawing on a white board as they play Pictionary
🧱🙌 Our 6th grade boys in Team Building class took on a fun challenge inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which calls us to “encourage one another and build each other up.”

Their task? Construct the tallest tower they could using only the materials provided. The twist: the first round had no talking allowed! In the second round, they were free to communicate and strategize together. In the third round, the challenge was to make it symmetrical.

Not only was it a great test of teamwork and problem-solving, but it also sparked meaningful conversations about how encouragement, communication, and unity make a difference — both in building towers and in building each other up. 💜✨

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
12 days ago, UCA
teacher checking the height of the towers that students built
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 18 UCA juniors and seniors who were recently inducted into the National Honor Society! 🕯️📚

These students have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character — the four pillars of NHS. Their hard work, commitment, and integrity shine brightly, and we are grateful for the way they represent our school and live out these values each day. 💜🙌

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
14 days ago, UCA
Group picture of NHS inductees
Group picture of NHS officers
student giving a speech on stage
student lighting candles
Group picture of NHS inductees
student giving a speech on stage
student shaking hands with the head of school
student lighting their candle from one of the officer's candles
Group picture of NHS officers in a funny pose
student giving a speech on stage
🛍️💰 Producers and Consumers!

In Social Studies, our first grade students have been learning all about the economy — specifically goods and services, producers and consumers. Over the past few days, they stepped into the role of producers, creating their very own products from scratch.

This was the big day: their “stores” officially opened! Students became shopkeepers and shoppers, using classroom “coins” to buy and sell each other’s creations. It was a fun, hands-on way to bring economic concepts to life and learn through real-world experience! 💜📚

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
15 days ago, UCA
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
1st grade students practicing being producers and consumers
It's so special when these young hearts and minds start the day in the WORD, in PRAYER, and ROOTED in community.

We are so thankful to have the privilege of walking alongside our students in their faith journey. God is Good 🙏 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
16 days ago, UCA
students in a chapel service listening to the speaker
a student reading his bible during a chapel service
a student reading her bible during a chapel service
students praying during a chapel service
a student reading her bible during a chapel service
a student reading her bible during a chapel service
Row of students sitting and reading their bibles
🌟 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! 🙌🎓

“Natalie is a blessing to UCA and the fifth grade class. Natalie shines in all she does, whether working hard on an assignment, helping a friend, or noticing something that needs to be done; she does it all with joy. She goes out of her way to do her best and encourages other students to do so as well.”

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
16 days ago, UCA
students who shine graphic with two pictures of a 5th grade girl
🦕🪨 Mrs. Kastner’s 4th graders have been diving into their fossil unit, exploring how fossils form and what they can teach us about the past. This week, students took their learning a step further by creating their own trace fossils of dinosaurs!

Using hands-on materials, they pressed “dinosaur skeletons” to model how scientists discover and study the clues left behind by ancient creatures. 🔍 🌎

#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
17 days ago, UCA
students choosing a dinosaur for a fossil project
two students showing each other their fossil
students making plaster for a fossil project
one student showing her dinosaur fossil
students choosing a dinosaur for a fossil project
teacher helping student press clay into a container
students making plaster for a fossil project
students making plaster for a fossil project
student pressing clay into a container
students choosing a dinosaur for a fossil project
🎳✨ Our elementary PE classes have taken bowling to a whole new level — Cosmic Bowling!

With glowing pins, black lights, fun music, and plenty of excitement, students practiced their bowling skills in a high-energy environment.
It was the perfect mix of movement, coordination, and fun! 🪩 🎉

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
17 days ago, UCA
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
elementary student rolling a bowling ball
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
elementary students setting up bowling pins after they knocked them down
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
elementary students learning bowling in PE class
💪🧠 Our Anatomy students have been hard at work learning the names, locations, and functions of major muscles — and then put that knowledge to use in a fun and practical way!

Students stepped into a teaching role, instructing a PE class through a series of exercises and explaining which muscles were being activated. A great hands-on opportunity for them to apply what they’ve learned while building confidence in speaking in front of others.

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
17 days ago, UCA
group of high school students learning exercises for specific muscle groups
students teaching their peers how to do certain exercises
group of high school students learning exercises for specific muscle groups
group of high school students learning exercises for specific muscle groups
students teaching their peers how to do certain exercises
group of high school students learning exercises for specific muscle groups
group of high school students learning exercises for specific muscle groups
group of high school students learning exercises for specific muscle groups