🦃🍁 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. 💜
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. 💜

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
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

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
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






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
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




🎳💜 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
We’re grateful for a team that loves being together and invests in building a strong, joy-filled community. 🎉
#ucathunder #ucastaff
🔦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
“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

🦃🍁 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
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



🍽️ 🦃 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
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
🧱🙌 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
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


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
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










🛍️💰 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
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









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





🌟 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
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

🦕🪨 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
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
🎳✨ 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
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
💪🧠 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
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
🍎✨ It’s time to put the spotlight on one of our incredible UCA staff — 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 Andi Webster, our incredible Operations Director — the one who makes everything at UCA run smoothly! Here is what a colleague said:
“Andi is the quiet force behind so much of what makes our school special. She’s detail-oriented, dependable, and driven by excellence — always adding the finishing touches that take things from good to great. Whether it’s an event, project, or everyday system, Andi ensures everything works seamlessly and beautifully.
But what truly sets her apart is her heart. She is selfless, humble, and constantly putting others first. She deeply understands our mission and genuinely loves our students — often going above and beyond to make sure everyone on campus has an amazing experience.
Andi, thank you for the countless ways you serve, lead, and care for our community. You make UCA better every single day!”
We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜
Today we’re celebrating Andi Webster, our incredible Operations Director — the one who makes everything at UCA run smoothly! Here is what a colleague said:
“Andi is the quiet force behind so much of what makes our school special. She’s detail-oriented, dependable, and driven by excellence — always adding the finishing touches that take things from good to great. Whether it’s an event, project, or everyday system, Andi ensures everything works seamlessly and beautifully.
But what truly sets her apart is her heart. She is selfless, humble, and constantly putting others first. She deeply understands our mission and genuinely loves our students — often going above and beyond to make sure everyone on campus has an amazing experience.
Andi, thank you for the countless ways you serve, lead, and care for our community. You make UCA better every single day!”
We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜

🧬🍪 Our Biology students wrapped up their cell biology unit with a creative (and tasty!) hands-on project — decorating cookies to model different types of cells.
Using frosting and toppings, students illustrated organelles, cell structures, and the unique differences between different types of cells.
It was a fun way to bring science to life… and enjoy a sweet treat at the end! 🌟💜
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
Using frosting and toppings, students illustrated organelles, cell structures, and the unique differences between different types of cells.
It was a fun way to bring science to life… and enjoy a sweet treat at the end! 🌟💜
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem





🇺🇸💜 Honoring a Hero This Veterans Day💜🇺🇸
Recently, our kindergarteners created special Veterans Day cards for Sterling, the father of one of Mrs. Troost’s friends, and a truly decorated hero.
Sterling served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967–2008, reaching the rank of Chief Master Sgt. Throughout his remarkable 41 years of service, he served in Vietnam, Grand Forks, Korea, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Panama, and Desert Storm. He now resides at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.
When he received the cards, he was deeply touched by the kindness and gratitude expressed by our students. ❤️🇺🇸
We’re so thankful for Sterling’s extraordinary service and sacrifice — and grateful for the opportunity to honor him in a small but meaningful way.
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
Recently, our kindergarteners created special Veterans Day cards for Sterling, the father of one of Mrs. Troost’s friends, and a truly decorated hero.
Sterling served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967–2008, reaching the rank of Chief Master Sgt. Throughout his remarkable 41 years of service, he served in Vietnam, Grand Forks, Korea, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Panama, and Desert Storm. He now resides at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.
When he received the cards, he was deeply touched by the kindness and gratitude expressed by our students. ❤️🇺🇸
We’re so thankful for Sterling’s extraordinary service and sacrifice — and grateful for the opportunity to honor him in a small but meaningful way.
#ucathunder #ucaelementary




☕💜 Thunder Brew is officially for business! 💜☕
Our Thunder Brew coffee cart was such a hit with our staff last week that we’ve decided to expand the fun! Thunder Brew will now be serving students, staff, and parents on Thursday mornings.
You’re invited to start your Thursdays with a custom beverage, a friendly smile, and a little extra Thunder spirit. We can’t wait to serve you next week! 🎉
#ucathunder
Our Thunder Brew coffee cart was such a hit with our staff last week that we’ve decided to expand the fun! Thunder Brew will now be serving students, staff, and parents on Thursday mornings.
You’re invited to start your Thursdays with a custom beverage, a friendly smile, and a little extra Thunder spirit. We can’t wait to serve you next week! 🎉
#ucathunder
