💐 Our 1st graders kicked off the year with a powerful lesson in kindness! Their teacher read the book Chrysanthemum, a sweet story that reminds us of the importance of speaking kind words to others.

Through the story, students learned what it means to “fill someone’s bucket” with encouragement—and how difficult it can be to take back unkind words once they’ve been spoken. ❤️

We love seeing our youngest learners practicing compassion and building a classroom culture of kindness from the very start! 🌟

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
about 11 hours ago, UCA
teacher reading to her 1st grade class
teacher holding up the book she is reading and a handout
student holding the handout in her lap
student wrinkling a piece of paper
students listening to their teacher reading
students listening to their teacher reading
students listening to their teacher reading
students sitting at their desks coloring
students sitting at their desks coloring
students sitting at their desks coloring
✈️ Our aviation classes kicked off the year with a special "show and tell" from their very own teacher! Mr. Hagen shared stories from his career in the aviation industry, complete with photos of planes he’s flown, places he’s traveled, and he even wore his United Airlines uniform. 👨‍✈️

The students loved hearing real-world experiences and asking their many questions—it was the perfect way to spark excitement for the year ahead in aviation! 🛫👏

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucaaviation
1 day ago, UCA
aviation teacher standing at the front of a classroom talking to students
aviation teacher pointing to a picture of the airplane he flew
aviation teacher standing at the front of a classroom talking to students
aviation teacher handing out airplane cards
aviation teacher standing at the front of a classroom talking to students
aviation teacher handing out airplane cards
🎉📚 Welcome Back, Thunder! 📚🎉

Today we welcomed all of our students back to campus. The energy was high and the excitement was absolutely palpable. 💜 From classrooms to hallways, the joy of being together again was everywhere!

Here’s to a wonderful year of learning and growth ahead — we can’t wait to see all that God will do! ✨

#ucathunder #backtoschool
2 days ago, UCA
high school students walking into the building
elementary principal welcoming students into the building
high school students walking into the building
elementary principal welcoming students into the building
high school students walking into the building
teacher greeting a student on the first day of school
family walking into school on the first day
elementary principal welcoming students into the building
high school students walking into the building
elementary principal welcoming students into the building
💜 A Community Rooted in Prayer 💜

This morning, after the first-day drop-off, more than 80 parents gathered together outside our main door. They prayed out loud, lifted their hands, shed their tears, and showed in such a powerful way how deeply they are invested in this school and in their children. 🙏✨

It was a humbling and moving experience — one that reminds us how blessed we are to have a parent community that stands with us, covers our students in prayer, and supports the mission of UCA.

Thank you, parents, for walking alongside us. We are grateful for you! 💜

#ucathunder #UCARootedinchrist
2 days ago, UCA
group of over 80 parents gathered outside the school to pray for this school year
parents standing in a circle praying
parents standing in a circle praying
parents standing in a circle praying
parents standing in a circle praying
parents standing in a circle praying
parents standing in a circle praying
parents standing in a circle praying
parents standing in a circle praying
👋 Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the UCA community! 💜

Let us introduce the Martinez family, bringing students into 7th and 2nd grades:

“We wanted a school that shared the same values and beliefs as our family, which would help in raising our girls. They will be exposed to a new perspective that includes Jesus in anything they do (especially in school). I love that they have chapel and bible classes included in their curriculum. We have a 110lb Rottweiler who grew up with the girls and is the baby of the house!”

🏫 Welcome to UCA! We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to seeing the friendships, memories, and growth ahead. ⚡️

#ucathunder
3 days ago, UCA
photo of a family with students who will be new to UCA this year
👋 Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the UCA community! 💜

Let us introduce the Burnham family, bringing a student into 4th grade:

“After witnessing the shifts happening in the public school system, we felt it was the time to really consider what environment would be best to nurture our daughter. We wanted the school we chose to help elevate who she is as a person by giving her a more well rounded education based in faith that upholds the values we were raised in. That’s why we chose UCA. Our wonderful family of 3, plus our new pup Duncan, love to play in the back yard. We love spending time in our garden, jumping on the trampoline, and spending time at our families cabins enjoying the lakes.”

🏫 Welcome to UCA! We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to seeing the friendships, memories, and growth ahead. ⚡️

#ucathunder
6 days ago, UCA
picture of a new family joining UCA next fall
Our school year kickoff event was a huge success! 🎉 It was such a joy to see our community back together in the building — reconnecting with old friends, meeting new faces, and sharing in the excitement of what’s ahead.

🌳This year, our theme is Rooted — a call to be rooted in Christ, grounded in His word, so we can grow strong, bear fruit, and stand firm. With this goal in sight, we’re ready for an incredible year!

#ucathunder #ucarootedinchrist
6 days ago, UCA
auditorium full of families singing a worship song
teacher talking to a family of one of his new students
student having his school picture taken
principal talking to a parent
parents standing by an information table having conversations
student and her mom talking with a teacher
families registering for school pictures
mom and daughters putting school supplies in their classroom
principal on stage praying for the school year with parents in the audience raising their hands
staff on stage leading a worship song
🎉 Our teachers and classrooms are ready – are you?

It’s KICKOFF time, tonight! The wait is over — we officially start the new school year as we welcome back all our students and families!

Our teachers have been hard at work preparing warm, welcoming spaces where learning, laughter, and growth will happen every day. 📚💡

Here’s a little sneak peek 👀 of the classrooms that are ready, now all we need is YOU! 🫶

We can’t wait to see your smiling faces walk through the doors!

#ucathunder
7 days ago, UCA
picture of an empty science classroom
picture of an empty 4th grade classroom
picture of a classroom door
picture of an empty 5th grade classroom
picture of an empty high school classroom
picture of a chinese classroom
picture of an empty 2nd grade classroom
👋 Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the UCA community! 💜

Let us introduce the Richter family, bringing a student into Kindergarten:
“We wanted to give our child an education grounded in faith, with a community that embodied the values we have as a family. We are mostly excited for Jordan to begin creating lasting relationships with his classmates and his new school. We are excited to see the UCA community in action and watch how it helps mold Jordan‘s personality for the future. There are three things at the core of our family: (1) faith, (2) relationships, and (3) sports. We are constantly on the go, but these core things remain constant. And we look forward to our opportunities to be together.”

🏫 Welcome to UCA! We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to seeing the friendships, memories, and growth ahead. ⚡️

#ucathunder
8 days ago, UCA
graphic with a family picture of new students coming to UCA in the fall
✝️ 🏫 UCA is proud to be a member school of The Collaborative for Christian Ed Leaders—an online community designed to equip and encourage Christian school leaders.

💻 Through this network, our staff has access to a wide range of free resources, professional connections, and shared services that enhance both the learning environment for our students and the professional growth of our team.
Today, our staff gathered for a special session with the founders of The Collaborative, who gave us a guided tour of all the tools, training materials, and opportunities available to member schools.

💡 The presentation sparked lively discussion, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of mission as we explored ways to use these resources to enrich our classrooms, strengthen our programs, and build a thriving Christ-centered community.
We’re grateful for partnerships like this that help us grow in excellence—for the glory of God and the good of our students!

#ucathunder #ucateachers
8 days ago, UCA
two presenters at the front of a classroom speaking to a group of teachers
a teacher having a discussion with the presenter
a teacher having a discussion with the presenter
two teachers having a discussion
two presenters at the front of a classroom speaking to a group of teachers
a teacher having a discussion with the presenter
a teacher having a discussion with the presenter
📣 Meet Our New Teachers! 🍎✏️

We’re excited to welcome some incredible new educators to the UCA team this year! Each of them brings unique gifts, a heart for students, and a passion for Christ-centered education.

Introducing – Rachael Kastner, who will be teaching 4th Grade 👩‍🏫🖍️

“I'm incredibly grateful for the unique journey that has brought me back to United Christian Academy! Having attended all three legacy schools as a student and later teaching at one of them during the time of the merger, it was a true honor to serve as the fourth grade teacher during UCA’s very first year. I'm thrilled to return to UCA and once again teach fourth grade! Three years ago, my family and I moved to Florida, where we enjoyed living just 15 minutes from the ocean. Our days were filled with beach visits, wildlife watching, seashell collecting, fishing, creating art, playing board games, and of course—teaching. While we loved our time there, we’re happy to be back near friends and family, and we’re excited to rejoin the UCA community. What excites me most about this new school year is the opportunity to teach math and to center our learning around God. I’m also overjoyed that my daughter will be attending school with me—and that I get to work alongside my mom, Ms. Chant!”

Welcome (back), Mrs. Kastner! We are so excited to have you join the community! 💜

#ucathunder #ucateachers
9 days ago, UCA
picture of a woman with text around it welcoming her as a new teacher
🍽️ Today we were blessed to be treated to lunch by the amazing staff of Cedar Valley Church! Their kindness, encouragement and prayers mean so much as we gear up for the new school year. It was an opportunity for us to pray over their staff and ministries as well. 🙏

This afternoon, our own school team kept the momentum going—busy preparing classrooms, planning lessons, and even taking new staff headshots 📸.

We’re grateful for the continued partnership between the church and school, we are so blessed to be able to call this building our home, and we’re excited for the year ahead!

#ucathunder
9 days ago, UCA
staff sitting at tables while a pastor prays for the meal
staff seated at tables eating lunch
staff dishing up food for lunch
church and school staff members having a conversation
principal speaking to a group of teachers and church staff
church staff laying hands on teachers while they pray
staff member having her head shot taken
staff member having her head shot taken
staff member having her head shot taken
staff members looking at pictures
👋 Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the UCA community! 💜

Let us introduce the Duray family, bringing a student into 9th grade:
“We’ve heard about UCA from friends for years, and we’re thrilled that God answered our prayers with an opportunity for our girls to attend high school there. They’ve waited years to be part of a school that supports their faith & worldview. We’re so thankful and looking forward to watching their minds and hearts be strengthened and matured for God’s glory. We love spending time together in God’s creation; ATV-ing, fishing, and hunting together as a family.”

🏫 Welcome to UCA! We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to seeing the friendships, memories, and growth ahead. ⚡️

#ucathunder
10 days ago, UCA
graphic with a family picture of new students coming to UCA in the fall
📣 Meet Our New Teachers! 🍎✏️

We’re excited to welcome some incredible new educators to the UCA team this year! Each of them brings unique gifts, a heart for students, and a passion for Christ-centered education.

Introducing – Cody Irwin, who will be teaching High School Language Arts 📚✍️

“Since 2021, I have been working as a trainer and researcher for a global theological education organization called Training Leaders International. While most of my work involves global adult education and discipleship, the Lord has placed a desire in my heart to help locally teach, inspire, and disciple young minds and hearts in the Twin Cities. I was drawn to UCA because of its Christ-exalting commitment to cultivate, equip, and encourage students for the glory of God. And what better place to help the next generation root themselves in what is true, good, and beautiful than in a school that confidently stands for King Jesus upon the Word of God.
I am really excited to jump into the classroom to help students write eloquently, research effectively, and analyse literature with wonder and worship for the glory of God. Helping students get to the Ah-Ha moments, that's worth looking forward to, yeah!? You may also see me at a few sporting events too. Go Thunder!
Some fun facts about me: My father is Steve Irwin (not the Crocodile Hunter, the podiatrist from Michigan). In my young adult days, I was trained as a helicopter pilot by a Desert Storm Cobra fighter. I am under the conviction that the Indigo Tea Company in Burnsville is the best tea place in the country. I believe The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is one of the best books ever written. My favorite Bible book to study is Job. Go Vikings! Go Wolverines! Go Hotspurs!
I am currently writing a master's thesis on theocentric humility that I am pretty proud of.”

Welcome, Mr. Irwin! We are so excited to have you join the community! 💜

#ucathunder #ucateachers
13 days ago, UCA
photo of a man standing in front of a bush with text around it welcoming him as a new teacher
👋 Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the UCA community! 💜

Let us introduce the Swenson family, bringing a student into 10th grade:
“We chose UCA because of the warm atmosphere and Christian grounding it offers, its variety of academic choices (e.g., aviation, Chinese language, etc.), and positive experience of friends who are at UCA. We are most looking forward to developing new friendships and plugging in to the UCA community. We have four boys (upcoming 1st grade-10th grade) and have homeschooled most of their school years.”

🏫 Welcome to UCA! We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to seeing the friendships, memories, and growth ahead. ⚡️

#ucathunder
14 days ago, UCA
graphic with a family picture of new students coming to UCA in the fall
📣 Meet Our New Teachers! 🍎✏️

We’re excited to welcome some incredible new educators to the UCA team this year! Each of them brings unique gifts, a heart for students, and a passion for Christ-centered education.

Introducing – Roy Mould, who will be teaching Middle School Social Studies and coaching boys basketball 👨‍🏫 🏀

“There were a few factors that drew me to UCA. Most importantly, it was the Christ centered school environment. I have taught in the public schools for six years, and I am incredibly excited to be able to make the gospel of Jesus Christ front and center in my teaching. Another factor is that I am a graduate of Bethany Academy, so in many ways this is a “coming home” for me. Something unique is that I will also be the head coach of the boys basketball program. I am most excited to teach History through the lens of the gospel and really watch my students grow not just as learners, but also as young believers.”

Welcome, Mr. Mould! We are so excited to have you join the community! 💜

#ucathunder #ucateachers
15 days ago, UCA
picture of a man at Wimbledon with text and graphic welcoming him as a new teacher

💜 Building Community, Supporting One Another 💜

One of the greatest blessings of our UCA family is the way we support and uplift one another. Over the past year, the UCA Business Directory has become a go-to resource for connecting with businesses owned by members of our own school community.

From home services to professional expertise, these businesses represent the heart of UCA—faith, excellence, and a commitment to serving others well. Let’s continue to strengthen our Christ-centered network by choosing UCA businesses first!

👉 Explore the full directory here: https://www.ucathunder.org/page/business-directory

✍️ If you are part of our community and would like to be added to the directory, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/x44U6DtAcxui7xwz6

💜 Together, we’re building more than a school—we’re building community.

#UCABusinessDirectory #UCACommunity #SupportLocal #FaithInAction #UCAPartners

15 days ago, UCA
School logo with business directory title
🎷 🥁 Band Camp Wrap-up! 🎺 🎶

Our 8th–12th grade students wrapped up a fantastic week of Band Camp last Friday.
They spent their days learning new songs, strengthening their musical skills, and growing together through teambuilding activities and other games. It was a great balance of hard work and fun.
It was exciting to see this bigger ensemble come together, one of the biggest groups UCA has had thus far. We can’t wait to hear these musicians in action this coming school year! 🎼💜

#ucathunder #ucafinearts #ucasummercamp
16 days ago, UCA
group of 8th-12th grade band students performing a concert
group of 8th-12th grade band students performing a concert
four trombone students practicing
band students practicing with their director
band students practicing with their director
two percussion students
band ensemble practicing
band ensemble practicing
students standing on a tarp working on a team-building exercise
students standing on a tarp working on a team-building exercise
👋 Help us give a warm welcome to the newest members of the UCA community! 💜

Let us introduce the Elder family, bringing a student into 7th grade:
“We were looking for a Christian school in the Bloomington area for our daughter Annie, and our former neighbors (Chris & Hope Palmer) spoke very highly of UCA. After touring and meeting with staff members, we were very impressed and excited for Annie to start 7th grade at UCA this fall. We look forward to being part of a community with strong Christian values and the opportunity for Annie to learn and grow in a Christ centered learning environment. We have two English Cocker Spaniels named Honey and Biscuit and a bearded dragon named Alfredo.”

🏫 Welcome to UCA! We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to seeing the friendships, memories, and growth ahead. ⚡️

#ucathunder
17 days ago, UCA
family picture of new students joining the school this fall
📣 Meet Our New Teachers! 🍎✏️

We’re excited to welcome some incredible new educators to the UCA team this year! Each of them brings unique gifts, a heart for students, and a passion for Christ-centered education.

Introducing – Mitch Hagen, who will be teaching High School Aviation 👨‍🏫 ✈️

“All three of our children (Nate ‘10, Zach ‘12, Sam ‘14) attended and graduated from Bethany Academy. After retiring from United Airlines in 2024, my desire was to remain in the aviation field in some capacity, and upon hearing that UCA was looking for an aviation teacher, I reached out to express my interest in helping to further the program.
I grew up in Fosston, a small town in northwestern Minnesota, where my Dad owned a Dairy Queen. Since it was family-owned, I used to work there often and, of course, enjoyed ice cream and “sampled” various items. When my Dad found out how much I ate while working, he quietly discontinued my employment!
I have taught other pilots in various capacities over the years, both prior to the airlines and while at the airlines. I enjoy helping others succeed in achieving their goals and have had a lot of fun over the years instructing. My son Nate was hired as a pilot at United Airlines, and I had the joy of doing his flight training on the Airbus 320 and Boeing 787. Having been greatly blessed to do something I thoroughly enjoy, I hope to be able to pass on this same enthusiasm for aviation to those I will be teaching. It is an awesome industry with so many options to do something that is unique and provides an opportunity to see so much of this world that God has blessed us with.”

Welcome, Mr. Hagen! We are so excited to have you join the community! 💜

#ucathunder #ucateachers
20 days ago, UCA
picture of a man in an airplane cockpit with text around it welcoming him as a new teacher