United Christian Academy

#tuesdaytestimonial - Commuting Family Edition "Our path to UCA was ordained by God. Our older boys, now a freshman (Weston) and junior (Ashton) at UCA, were “settled” in Lakeville public schools after a journey through another Christian school, charter school, and a magnet school over the years. As the time for our older girl (Elyse), now a first grader at UCA, was approaching to start kindergarten, the Lord began changing my (Helen’s) heart about her going to the local elementary school as we had planned, especially in light of all the alarming changes happening in our district’s school post-COVID. Our new plan quickly took shape: she was going to go to a local K-8 Christian school, right next to our girls’ preschool. The boys were going to continue in the public schools. But God had a different, and a much better, plan for our family. When I tried to enroll Elyse into this local Christian school, she ended up being so far down on the waitlist for kindergarten that we knew that door was shut. I was crushed and panicked at the thought of possibly having to put her into public school. We had always known about UCA---a few close friends have graduated from Bethany Academy. However, it was a Bloomington school, and we were a Lakeville family. The idea of having to drive 20-25 minutes to school was inconceivable to us. Out of desperation, as I was going through the list of all available non-public school options, I contacted Trisha, who mentioned a (much shorter) waitlist at the time and invited us for a tour. During that visit it became clear to both my husband and me that UCA was where we wanted not just Elyse, but Ashton and Weston to be too. When Trisha described the middle and high school programs, she mentioned the exact issues that the boys were dealing with in public school. As a result of that visit, an additional visit with the boys, and lots of prayer and conversations, we became a UCA family two years ago. Our youngest daughter Emi will start kindergarten at UCA in the fall (she is hoping to be in Gratia, like her big sister☺) Even though we are eagerly awaiting the campus move to Lakeville, the drive to school has become part of our daily life and routine. We frequently use the bus---our daughter has formed some good friendships on the bus rides. We have been part of a few carpools with other Lakeville families, which helped build community and friendships. As I look back at our initial reluctance to consider UCA because of the distance, I see how God worked in our hearts to overcome the man-made barriers in the unfolding of His wise plan for our kids and our family. We truly cannot imagine our kids at any other school at this point---we have been so grateful for the school, staff, and opportunity to have a long-term “one-stop shop” (K-12) for all four kids’ education where God is proclaimed and they are loved. #ucathunder #tuesdaytestimonial

Servant's hearts 💜 🚌 When students ask for a turn to be able to clean the bus... 🪑 Or when they set up chairs in the cafeteria every morning without complaining... We love our students and how they love to help! It just takes one to start something, leading by example, and then it catches on and spreads like fire! 🔥 #ucathunder

Navigating the Language of Maps🗺️🌍 Our 8th-grade students have become young cartographers searching for definitions, unlocking the meaning behind key mapping terms that guide us through the geography of our planet. From "latitude" to "equator," they are decoding the language that brings maps to life. 🌐🔍 Using good old-fashioned textbooks, a glossary, and pen and paper, they are committing these terms to memory as they are shaping their understanding of our world. 📚 #ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem

In honor of Veterans Day, our Kindergarten and 5th grade students made cards of gratitude and encouragement for our military. 🙏 🇺🇸 They enjoyed learning about the sacrifices of our military personnel and created these cards with love. They will be sent to those deployed overseas as part of a care package. 📦 ❤️ #ucathunder #ucaelementary

🏆 Learning is always more fun when it's a game! Armed with their knowledge of the trends of properties in the periodic table, our Chemistry students engaged in a friendly battle of Bingo! 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬 It wasn't just about winning; it was a celebration of understanding the intricacies of elements and their behaviors. 📚🧠 #ucathunder #ucaupperschool #ucastem

Armed with curiosity and 3D-printed airfoils, our aviation students delved into the world of aerodynamics. 💨✨ These young minds tested their creations in the wind tunnel, analyzing lift, drag, and the intricacies of airflow. 📊📈 From concept to reality, each print carried the dreams of soaring high, just like the Wright brothers! #ucathunder #ucaaviation #ucastem #ucaupperschool

⚡️ 🏀 ⚾️ ⚽️ 🏐 👟 🥎 ⛳️ ⚡️ Our own Mr. Palmer is sporting the first ever UCA letterman's jacket! Thank you to Westwood Sports in Apple Valley for helping us to design our jacket! Patches for your sport or activity are available, as well as custom name features. To place your order, go to the Apple Valley location of Westwood Sports to get a perfect fit. Find information about the store here: https://www.westwoodsports.com #ucathunder #ucaathletics

🤓 Strategy and intellect abound as the Chess craze takes over UCA! Our students turn the classroom into a battlefield of wits as they engage in fierce yet friendly chess matches. Win or lose, every game is a lesson in critical thinking, concentration, and sportsmanship. Each move sparks a flurry of discussions and friendly banter.♟️🤝 #ucathunder

🎒A Day in the Life! Yesterday was no ordinary day for our 8th-grade stars. It was a look into their future as they got a taste of what it's like to be a high school student! 🏫🤩 Our Admissions staff and the Middle School and High School Deans hosted an exclusive "High School Encounter" event. First, our students soaked up invaluable insights during a presentation by the deans, fueling their excitement for the journey ahead. Then, it was time to explore the High School as they received tours of the campus. 🏫 But the real adventure began when they stepped into 9th-grade classrooms, experiencing high school-level learning firsthand. 📝🧠🙋‍♀️ To top it all off, our 8th graders mingled with the High School house leaders and even attended the High School chapel service, connecting with the heart and soul of the high school experience. 🌟🙏🎵 #ucathunder #ucaupperschool #ucamiddleschool

Our lively 4th graders are turning the gym into a playground of skills enhancing their hand-eye coordination. Under the expert guidance of our PE teacher, Mrs. Aunan, they're not just mastering racket sports but also adding the joy of jumping rope.🎾🏸 From swift serves to timely jumps to tricky catches, these young athletes are on fire! As they enjoy the excitement of their successes, these 4th graders prove that fitness can be a blast! 🔥🎉 #ucathunder #ucaelementary

50 days smarter! Our kindergarten students hopped into a time machine and traveled back to the fabulous 1950s as they celebrated the 50th day of school with a whirlwind of 50's themed activities! 🚀👦👧🕰️ With poodle skirts, slicked-back hair, and groovy dance moves, our little time travelers transformed into mini rock 'n' rollers and embraced the spirit of the '50s. 🎵👗👞 They explored the nostalgia of this iconic era through activities like a sock hop dance party, a soda fountain, a "jukebox" photo booth, and listening to 50’s music.🎶🕺💃. #ucathunder #ucaelementary

Last night's "Big Questions with the Board" event was beautiful and encouraging. These two ladies spoke from their hearts and inspired us all to focus on the deeper lessons God tries to teach us. 🙏 UCA is on a journey, and we get to live in the excitement of what God does daily here at our school. We are also encouraged to remember that our school is not about the buildings we are in but about the people who are here. 💜 #ucathunder

🧬🔍Our 7th-grade science students are unraveling the intricate process of protein synthesis, delving into the very building blocks of life. From DNA to RNA, they're learning how cells work together to create the proteins that make our bodies function. 🤯 📚But beyond the textbooks and microscopes, Mrs. Hanson also encourages them to take time to appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Our bodies are an awe-inspiring masterpiece, and these young minds are amazed at the complexity and perfection of the human form. 🙏🌟 #ucathunder #ucastem #ucamiddleschool

It is an amazing blessing for our students to start each day in prayer and bible reading. Mrs. Chant's 6th graders spent time with a partner, sharing prayer requests and taking turns reading scripture. We thank God for this freedom! #ucathunder #christcenterededucation

Not too many days go by when an elementary student doesn't ask: "When can I see my buddy again?" 🗓️🤗 One of the core elements of our House System is Big and Little Buddies 👫 where we have students of varying grade levels matched up into small groups of buddies. There are mentorship opportunities sprinkled throughout the school year where these groups spend time together. 📚👬🌟 This past week, one of our part-time preschool students wanted to come to school on a day that was not his regular day because he didn't want to miss out on time with his big buddy! 💜 #ucathunder #ucahousesystem

Mrs. Brown's 5th graders recently set out on an exhilarating STEM adventure, determined to answer the question: What's the best way to launch a candy pumpkin? 🤔🍬🎃 Armed with their knowledge, creativity, and a dash of scientific curiosity, these young engineers were given specific criteria and constraints to tackle this sweet "problem." Their mission: to design a pumpkin-launching contraption that could deliver candy treats the farthest. 📏📐🔧 But the real magic of this adventure wasn't just in launching candy pumpkins; it was in the journey. Students learned the art of working together as a team to brainstorm ideas, build prototypes, and refine their plans. Along the way, they discovered that sometimes, what didn't work was just as valuable as what did. 🤝🗺️🚧 #ucathunder #ucastem #ucaelementary

Our Chinese students recently embarked on an enriching real-world adventure as they stepped out of the classroom and into the Chinese Garden at the MN Landscape Arboretum. 🌿🇨🇳 This captivating field trip was not just about beautiful scenery but also an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. As they strolled through the garden's lush pathways and admired the intricate architecture, they were surrounded by symbols of tradition and history. 🏯🌸 They also put their skills in character recognition to the test as they deciphered the ancient Chinese calligraphy adorning the garden. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were truly remarkable as they connected their language learning to the real world. 📜🧠🔍 #ucathunder #ucaupperschool

This week Miss Anderson’s first graders had an egg-citing experience while one of her students brought in his adorable pet chickens for show and tell! 📢👦🐣 As he introduced his fine feathered companions, you could see the curiosity rising. They learned all about chicken breeds, their care, and even got to pet and hold these delightful birds. 🐔🌟 Moments like these, where you can take learning outside the classroom, are precious and memorable. We are grateful for this family for sharing this adventure with us. 🏫🐓❤️ #ucathunder #ucaelementary

Our talented fourth graders took to the front of the room to showcase their creativity and linguistic prowess through acrostic poetry presentations. 🎤📝🌟 Each student carefully selected a word or phrase that held a special meaning to them and crafted beautiful verses using the letters of their chosen word. From "clarinet" to "Legos" and "freedom," they shared their unique perspectives and emotions with grace. 🗣️👏 The classmates in the audience listened intently, applauding the poetic prowess of their peers. We're proud of our fourth graders for their bravery and creativity. These presentations are a testament to their growing skills. Keep shining, young poets! 📜✨ #ucathunder #ucaelementary

🏐🎉Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball team!! This program has made it to the Section Semi-Finals for the first time in school history. 🎉🏐 👍Wish them luck, cheer them on, Roll Thunder! Thursday, November 2, 6:00 pm @ West Lutheran Ticket link: https://mshslr4a.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/129 #ucathunder #ucaathletics