🧸 Once upon a time, our Kindergarten classrooms were filled with very special guests—teddy bears of every size, color, and personality!
The day began with bear-themed fun: we made a real teddy bear graph, sang and moved to Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around, and read the story The Teddy Bear Picnic.
Then, with great excitement, we headed outdoors for an adventure. Just like in We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, we searched high and low until we found our “bear”! 📸 Each student snapped a picture with their cuddly friend to remember the moment.
Finally, the bears joined us for a picnic complete with teddy grahams, gummy bears, and honey sticks. 🍯 It was a magical day of imagination, laughter, and learning—all with our favorite stuffed companions by our side. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
The day began with bear-themed fun: we made a real teddy bear graph, sang and moved to Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around, and read the story The Teddy Bear Picnic.
Then, with great excitement, we headed outdoors for an adventure. Just like in We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, we searched high and low until we found our “bear”! 📸 Each student snapped a picture with their cuddly friend to remember the moment.
Finally, the bears joined us for a picnic complete with teddy grahams, gummy bears, and honey sticks. 🍯 It was a magical day of imagination, laughter, and learning—all with our favorite stuffed companions by our side. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🤝 Our 5th graders recently took on a teamwork challenge—and it was harder than it looked!
🥤 Their task was to stack cups into a pyramid without ever touching the cups with their hands. Using only strings and rubber bands, they had to figure out how to pick up and move the cups. 🧵
The activity brought out some amazing teamwork, creative problem-solving, and lots of laughter. The room erupted in celebration each time a group completed their pyramid! 🥳👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🥤 Their task was to stack cups into a pyramid without ever touching the cups with their hands. Using only strings and rubber bands, they had to figure out how to pick up and move the cups. 🧵
The activity brought out some amazing teamwork, creative problem-solving, and lots of laughter. The room erupted in celebration each time a group completed their pyramid! 🥳👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🏠✨ Our House System is officially underway for the year! Students discovered which houses they belong to, and our secondary students wrapped up the first week of school with the first round of house games.
The energy, teamwork, and school spirit were on full display—it’s going to be an exciting year of building community and friendly competition!
Four Houses, One Family! 💙💛❤️💚
#ucathunder #ucahousesystem
The energy, teamwork, and school spirit were on full display—it’s going to be an exciting year of building community and friendly competition!
Four Houses, One Family! 💙💛❤️💚
#ucathunder #ucahousesystem
✨Celebrating the 3rd day of 3rd grade! 🎉
Both of our 3rd grade classes joined together to mark the occasion with a day of “three-themed” fun and learning. They battled it out in a rock-paper-scissors tournament, stretched their grammar creativity by writing three-panel comic strips, and sharpened their math skills with three-digit games and skip counting by 3. They enjoyed a variety of other activities that tied back to the number 3.
It was a fun-filled way to celebrate being a third grader while practicing important skills in math, writing, and teamwork. 💜 3️⃣
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
Both of our 3rd grade classes joined together to mark the occasion with a day of “three-themed” fun and learning. They battled it out in a rock-paper-scissors tournament, stretched their grammar creativity by writing three-panel comic strips, and sharpened their math skills with three-digit games and skip counting by 3. They enjoyed a variety of other activities that tied back to the number 3.
It was a fun-filled way to celebrate being a third grader while practicing important skills in math, writing, and teamwork. 💜 3️⃣
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
💐 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
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
✈️ 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
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
🎉📚 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
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
💜 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
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
👋 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
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
👋 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
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
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
🌳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
🎉 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
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
👋 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
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
✝️ 🏫 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
💻 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
📣 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
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
🍽️ 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
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
👋 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
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
📣 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
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
👋 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
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
📣 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
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
