Summer break doesn't mean the work stops! Even though it’s quieter around the building, there's plenty happening behind the scenes! Our staff is hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back for another incredible school year. ☀️💜
While many are enjoying summer, Mrs. Larson, our high school math teacher, has been spending long hours studying to complete her final graduate-level math course. Her dedication will earn her the credentials to teach any college-level math course right here at UCA, creating even more opportunities for our students.
Mrs. Larson's commitment is a great reminder that preparing for a new school year often means continuing to learn ourselves. We are grateful for teachers who invest in their own growth so they can better serve and challenge the students God has entrusted to them. Way to go, Mrs. Larson! 📚➗🎉
#ucathunder #ucastaff #ucahighschool
While many are enjoying summer, Mrs. Larson, our high school math teacher, has been spending long hours studying to complete her final graduate-level math course. Her dedication will earn her the credentials to teach any college-level math course right here at UCA, creating even more opportunities for our students.
Mrs. Larson's commitment is a great reminder that preparing for a new school year often means continuing to learn ourselves. We are grateful for teachers who invest in their own growth so they can better serve and challenge the students God has entrusted to them. Way to go, Mrs. Larson! 📚➗🎉
#ucathunder #ucastaff #ucahighschool
This week, students are making the most of summer at our Summer Games Camp! Led by Mr. Peterson, our Athletic Director, campers are enjoying some of the tried-and-true PE favorites that keep students laughing, moving, and making memories.
From friendly competition to strong teamwork, it's been a great week of staying active and proving that the classic games never go out of style! 🏒 🏀 💪
#ucathunder #ucasummercamp
From friendly competition to strong teamwork, it's been a great week of staying active and proving that the classic games never go out of style! 🏒 🏀 💪
#ucathunder #ucasummercamp
We're excited to introduce the newest members of the UCA team! 💜
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Libby Stapf, Pre-K Teacher: 🍎 📚
“I am specifically drawn to UCA for the school's leadership, values and daily focus on building all students and teachers faith to grow stronger in Christ.”
“Something fun or unique is that I go deer hunting with my family every fall at our family cabin in park rapids! We were featured on the show MN bound. A story about a dad, his daughters and deer hunting.”
“I am looking forward to being part of the UCA family, meeting all the preschool kiddos and excited to see which house family I will be joining!”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Libby Stapf, Pre-K Teacher: 🍎 📚
“I am specifically drawn to UCA for the school's leadership, values and daily focus on building all students and teachers faith to grow stronger in Christ.”
“Something fun or unique is that I go deer hunting with my family every fall at our family cabin in park rapids! We were featured on the show MN bound. A story about a dad, his daughters and deer hunting.”
“I am looking forward to being part of the UCA family, meeting all the preschool kiddos and excited to see which house family I will be joining!”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Summer break doesn't mean the work stops! Even though it’s quieter around the building, there's plenty happening behind the scenes! Our staff is hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back for another incredible school year. ☀️
Mr. Geselle has been a beloved elementary classroom teacher, and this year he's expanding his role and switching to elementary PE teacher and Assistant Elementary Principal. 🏃 📚
Part of his preparations include moving into a new office, and he recruited the help of his daughter for this task.
We appreciate Mr. G’s willingness to step in wherever he's needed. His adaptability and commitment to our mission help make UCA stronger, and we're excited to see the impact he'll have in these new roles this year! 💜
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Mr. Geselle has been a beloved elementary classroom teacher, and this year he's expanding his role and switching to elementary PE teacher and Assistant Elementary Principal. 🏃 📚
Part of his preparations include moving into a new office, and he recruited the help of his daughter for this task.
We appreciate Mr. G’s willingness to step in wherever he's needed. His adaptability and commitment to our mission help make UCA stronger, and we're excited to see the impact he'll have in these new roles this year! 💜
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Summer break doesn't mean the work stops! Even though it’s quieter around the building, there's plenty happening behind the scenes! Our staff is hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back for another incredible school year. ☀️💜
Mrs. Mi, our Chinese teacher, is currently spending part of her summer in China. She isn't simply preparing lesson plans, she’s preparing her heart, intentionally equipping herself for the opportunities and challenges that come with teaching. As she put it, she's "fighting against the evil inside and outside of myself to prepare for the difficult times of the future."
Preparing for a new school year means more than organizing classrooms and planning lessons. It also means seeking the Lord and asking Him to equip us to faithfully serve the students He has entrusted to our care.
We are grateful for teachers like Mrs. Mi who understand that the most important preparation begins with Christ. ✝️
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Mrs. Mi, our Chinese teacher, is currently spending part of her summer in China. She isn't simply preparing lesson plans, she’s preparing her heart, intentionally equipping herself for the opportunities and challenges that come with teaching. As she put it, she's "fighting against the evil inside and outside of myself to prepare for the difficult times of the future."
Preparing for a new school year means more than organizing classrooms and planning lessons. It also means seeking the Lord and asking Him to equip us to faithfully serve the students He has entrusted to our care.
We are grateful for teachers like Mrs. Mi who understand that the most important preparation begins with Christ. ✝️
#ucathunder #ucastaff
At United Christian Academy, we believe every role contributes to our mission of providing transformational Christ-centered education to the glory of God.
The Accounting Manager is more than someone who manages numbers. This person serves families, supports our staff, and helps steward the resources God has entrusted to our school. 💰 📊
If you know someone who would thrive in this kind of ministry, we'd love to hear from them. 💜
Contact: careers@ucathunder.org for more information
#ucathunder #ucastaff
The Accounting Manager is more than someone who manages numbers. This person serves families, supports our staff, and helps steward the resources God has entrusted to our school. 💰 📊
If you know someone who would thrive in this kind of ministry, we'd love to hear from them. 💜
Contact: careers@ucathunder.org for more information
#ucathunder #ucastaff
💜 Meet one of the newest families joining the UCA community! ⚡
We're excited to welcome the Winters family as Leonardo enters Kindergarten this fall!
“We chose UCA because it has the best available blend of positive learning environment, character development, comprehensive academic curriculum, and sport opportunities.”
“Based on everything we've seen through the application process, we believe UCA works to put together a great community of parents and families who care - who value education, but also value character.”
“With a last name like Winters, it's "snow" wonder our family loves to get on the ice for some hockey. Whether it's at the rink, in our backyard, or mini-hockey in the basement, we embrace the State of Hockey tradition while having fun as a family.”
To the Winters family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to welcome the Winters family as Leonardo enters Kindergarten this fall!
“We chose UCA because it has the best available blend of positive learning environment, character development, comprehensive academic curriculum, and sport opportunities.”
“Based on everything we've seen through the application process, we believe UCA works to put together a great community of parents and families who care - who value education, but also value character.”
“With a last name like Winters, it's "snow" wonder our family loves to get on the ice for some hockey. Whether it's at the rink, in our backyard, or mini-hockey in the basement, we embrace the State of Hockey tradition while having fun as a family.”
To the Winters family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
Summer break doesn't mean the work stops! Even though it’s quieter around the building, there's plenty happening behind the scenes! Our staff is hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back for another incredible school year. ☀️💜
Check out Mrs. Ray, our 3rd grade teacher, who took advantage of a recent cooler morning and spent some time on her deck prepping lesson plans. 🥵🧋
If you've ever been in Mrs. Ray's classroom, you know she's always dreaming up creative ways to make learning engaging, hands-on, and fun. She has a gift for turning everyday lessons into something students genuinely look forward to. We can't wait to see what she has in store for her 3rd graders this year! 📚✨
#ucathunder #ucastaff #ucaelementary
Check out Mrs. Ray, our 3rd grade teacher, who took advantage of a recent cooler morning and spent some time on her deck prepping lesson plans. 🥵🧋
If you've ever been in Mrs. Ray's classroom, you know she's always dreaming up creative ways to make learning engaging, hands-on, and fun. She has a gift for turning everyday lessons into something students genuinely look forward to. We can't wait to see what she has in store for her 3rd graders this year! 📚✨
#ucathunder #ucastaff #ucaelementary
🎪🔍 Step right up... the mystery is underway!
One of the most popular live auction items from last spring came to life this week as Mrs. Troost hosted "Under the Big Top," a murder mystery dinner for our winning bidders.
This lively group of parents, teachers, and board members all dressed the part, embraced their characters, and enjoyed an evening full of laughter, suspense, and unforgettable memories.
Now the big question is... Who do you think did it? 🕵️♀️🎭
A huge thank you to Mrs. Troost for creating such a fun and memorable experience for our auction winners! 💜
#ucathunder
One of the most popular live auction items from last spring came to life this week as Mrs. Troost hosted "Under the Big Top," a murder mystery dinner for our winning bidders.
This lively group of parents, teachers, and board members all dressed the part, embraced their characters, and enjoyed an evening full of laughter, suspense, and unforgettable memories.
Now the big question is... Who do you think did it? 🕵️♀️🎭
A huge thank you to Mrs. Troost for creating such a fun and memorable experience for our auction winners! 💜
#ucathunder
💜 Meet one of the newest families joining the UCA community! ⚡
We're excited to welcome the Oliva Cook family as Ashton enters Pre-K this fall!
“We chose UCA because of the Christian values and the possibility of a strong Christian community for our son (and for us too!).”
“We are looking forward to making friends, being a part of fun school activities and helping out wherever we can to not only enjoy the wonderful Christian community but also being a blessing to others as well. We are also excited and hopeful to see how Ashton grows and develops academically and spiritually during his time at UCA.”
“Dan and Ashton are both from Argentina and as a family, we love traveling/experiencing other cultures, spending time with friends and family, watching fútbol and drinking Yerba mate.”
To the Oliva Cook family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to welcome the Oliva Cook family as Ashton enters Pre-K this fall!
“We chose UCA because of the Christian values and the possibility of a strong Christian community for our son (and for us too!).”
“We are looking forward to making friends, being a part of fun school activities and helping out wherever we can to not only enjoy the wonderful Christian community but also being a blessing to others as well. We are also excited and hopeful to see how Ashton grows and develops academically and spiritually during his time at UCA.”
“Dan and Ashton are both from Argentina and as a family, we love traveling/experiencing other cultures, spending time with friends and family, watching fútbol and drinking Yerba mate.”
To the Oliva Cook family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
Summer break doesn't mean the work stops! Even though it’s quieter around the school, there's plenty happening behind the scenes! Our staff is hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back for another incredible school year. ☀️💜
I promised the staff I'd finally step in front of the camera this time. 😊 This week, I attended a social media workshop and retreat in Wisconsin, where I connected with other school communicators and picked up new ideas for telling the UCA story. I'm looking forward to using what I learned to help showcase the incredible things happening at our school!
#ucathunder #ucastaff
We're excited to introduce the newest members of the UCA team! 💜
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Jason Poppen, Fifth Grade Teacher: 🍎 📚
“I love that United Christian Academy stands on their faith. I wanted to join a learning community that prioritized God and was genuine in how they teach and treat people.”
“I'm looking forward to returning to UCA, as I student taught in Mr. Geselle's 3rd grade room last fall. In my free time, I enjoy reading, music, and spending time with family.”
“I am most grateful for the opportunity to teach 5th grade! It will be a learning process, and I am thankful to be surrounded by this school community. Excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families as well as continue building relationships with those I got to know last year!”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Jason Poppen, Fifth Grade Teacher: 🍎 📚
“I love that United Christian Academy stands on their faith. I wanted to join a learning community that prioritized God and was genuine in how they teach and treat people.”
“I'm looking forward to returning to UCA, as I student taught in Mr. Geselle's 3rd grade room last fall. In my free time, I enjoy reading, music, and spending time with family.”
“I am most grateful for the opportunity to teach 5th grade! It will be a learning process, and I am thankful to be surrounded by this school community. Excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families as well as continue building relationships with those I got to know last year!”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Summer break doesn't mean the work stops! ☀️
Even though it’s quieter around campus, there's plenty happening behind the scenes! Our staff is hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back for another incredible school year. 💜
Technology is something we often take for granted—until it doesn't work. But keeping hundreds of devices organized, updated, repaired, and ready for learning doesn't happen by accident. It takes someone working faithfully behind the scenes to make it all happen.
This summer, Mr. Hawkinson has jumped feet first into his new Tech Director role and has transformed a classroom into a Chromebook warehouse! He's been busy sorting, tracking, cleaning, repairing, re-sorting, and reassigning devices so they're ready to support student learning from day one. 💻
We're grateful for the work that often goes unnoticed but makes a tremendous difference every single day. Thank you, Mr. Hawkinson, for helping set our students and teachers up for success!
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Even though it’s quieter around campus, there's plenty happening behind the scenes! Our staff is hard at work getting everything ready to welcome students back for another incredible school year. 💜
Technology is something we often take for granted—until it doesn't work. But keeping hundreds of devices organized, updated, repaired, and ready for learning doesn't happen by accident. It takes someone working faithfully behind the scenes to make it all happen.
This summer, Mr. Hawkinson has jumped feet first into his new Tech Director role and has transformed a classroom into a Chromebook warehouse! He's been busy sorting, tracking, cleaning, repairing, re-sorting, and reassigning devices so they're ready to support student learning from day one. 💻
We're grateful for the work that often goes unnoticed but makes a tremendous difference every single day. Thank you, Mr. Hawkinson, for helping set our students and teachers up for success!
#ucathunder #ucastaff
💜 Meet one of the newest families joining the UCA community! ⚡
We're excited to welcome the Geselle family as Laney enters Pre-K this fall!
“As a family, our faith is at the center of who we are, and we want our children to grow in their relationship with the Lord both at home and at school. We are excited to partner with UCA as they help guide our children in understanding their identity in Christ and growing in biblical truth.”
“We are most looking forward to building relationships with other families and watching our children develop meaningful friendships with their classmates. We are excited to become part of the UCA community.”
“Our family loves visiting the Emerald Coast of Florida, and we look forward to making new memories there together every year.”
To the Geselle family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to welcome the Geselle family as Laney enters Pre-K this fall!
“As a family, our faith is at the center of who we are, and we want our children to grow in their relationship with the Lord both at home and at school. We are excited to partner with UCA as they help guide our children in understanding their identity in Christ and growing in biblical truth.”
“We are most looking forward to building relationships with other families and watching our children develop meaningful friendships with their classmates. We are excited to become part of the UCA community.”
“Our family loves visiting the Emerald Coast of Florida, and we look forward to making new memories there together every year.”
To the Geselle family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
💜 Meet one of the newest families joining the UCA community! ⚡
We're excited to welcome the Jones family as Jude enters Pre-K this fall!
“We chose UCA because we were looking for a school that provides a strong academic foundation while also helping shape character through Christian values. From the moment we visited, it felt like a place where Jude would be genuinely known, encouraged and loved.”
“We’re excited to become part of a close-knit community, build relationships with other families, and watch Jude grow academically, socially and in his faith. We hope to be an active and supportive part of the UCA family.”
“We love spending time together outdoors. Whether we’re at our cabin, riding bikes, working on projects or exploring new places.”
To the Jones family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to welcome the Jones family as Jude enters Pre-K this fall!
“We chose UCA because we were looking for a school that provides a strong academic foundation while also helping shape character through Christian values. From the moment we visited, it felt like a place where Jude would be genuinely known, encouraged and loved.”
“We’re excited to become part of a close-knit community, build relationships with other families, and watch Jude grow academically, socially and in his faith. We hope to be an active and supportive part of the UCA family.”
“We love spending time together outdoors. Whether we’re at our cabin, riding bikes, working on projects or exploring new places.”
To the Jones family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to introduce the newest members of the UCA team! 💜
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Marie Johnson, Secondary Choir, Worship Arts, 7th grade Bible: 🎶 ✝️
“I was so touched by the authenticity and welcoming nature of the staff, and I could tell their desire was to teach students to love the Lord and serve him in whatever they do, both inside and outside of school.”
“I grew up in Niger, West Africa, for 13 years of my life, and I speak French!”
“I am excited to share my passions for music and the Bible with the students, as well as get to know the community!”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Marie Johnson, Secondary Choir, Worship Arts, 7th grade Bible: 🎶 ✝️
“I was so touched by the authenticity and welcoming nature of the staff, and I could tell their desire was to teach students to love the Lord and serve him in whatever they do, both inside and outside of school.”
“I grew up in Niger, West Africa, for 13 years of my life, and I speak French!”
“I am excited to share my passions for music and the Bible with the students, as well as get to know the community!”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
💜 Meet one of the newest families joining the UCA community! ⚡
We're excited to welcome the Anderson family as Audrey enters 9th grade this fall!
“We chose UCA because we wanted a school that would challenge Audrey academically while also helping her grow into the person God created her to be. We appreciate UCA’s focus on purposeful learning, strong leadership, and developing students who are prepared to make a positive difference in the world.”
"Audrey is excited to meet new friends, play volleyball, and explore all the opportunities that high school has to offer. As a family, we’re looking forward to becoming part of a supportive community and getting to know other UCA families.”
“We love a good family adventure! Whether it’s hanging in the backyard, exploring a new town, or finding the best local restaurant, we’re always looking to make memories together.”
To the Anderson family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜 📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to welcome the Anderson family as Audrey enters 9th grade this fall!
“We chose UCA because we wanted a school that would challenge Audrey academically while also helping her grow into the person God created her to be. We appreciate UCA’s focus on purposeful learning, strong leadership, and developing students who are prepared to make a positive difference in the world.”
"Audrey is excited to meet new friends, play volleyball, and explore all the opportunities that high school has to offer. As a family, we’re looking forward to becoming part of a supportive community and getting to know other UCA families.”
“We love a good family adventure! Whether it’s hanging in the backyard, exploring a new town, or finding the best local restaurant, we’re always looking to make memories together.”
To the Anderson family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜 📚
#ucathunder
💜 Meet one of the newest families joining the UCA community! ⚡
We're excited to welcome the Shanstrom family as Lukas enters 9th grade this fall!
“We are looking for a school where Lukas will be immersed in learning to live in, out of, and for love, at school not just at home. To learn and do everything out of a framework of love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).”
“We are looking forward to getting to know other UCA families.”
“In his free time, Lukas likes to do karate, play violin in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, cross country ski, kayak, swim, and play video games.”
To the Shanstrom family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to welcome the Shanstrom family as Lukas enters 9th grade this fall!
“We are looking for a school where Lukas will be immersed in learning to live in, out of, and for love, at school not just at home. To learn and do everything out of a framework of love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).”
“We are looking forward to getting to know other UCA families.”
“In his free time, Lukas likes to do karate, play violin in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, cross country ski, kayak, swim, and play video games.”
To the Shanstrom family, we're excited to partner with you and we're thankful God has led your family to UCA. We look forward to seeing how He works in your lives this year. 💜📚
#ucathunder
We're excited to introduce the newest members of the UCA team! 💜
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Lauren Hansen, High School Language Arts teacher: 📖 📝
“UCA’s commitment to providing a Christ-centered education where students are encouraged to develop their faith and academics simultaneously drew me to join the team.”
“Ever since I was about five years old, dill pickles have been and still are my favorite food.”
“I cannot wait to meet the students, share my love for Christ and Language Arts with them, and get involved in the UCA community.”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Join us as we welcome the talented educators and staff God has brought to our community for the upcoming school year. New faces, new gifts, and the same mission of equipping students to impact the world for Christ.
Please welcome, Lauren Hansen, High School Language Arts teacher: 📖 📝
“UCA’s commitment to providing a Christ-centered education where students are encouraged to develop their faith and academics simultaneously drew me to join the team.”
“Ever since I was about five years old, dill pickles have been and still are my favorite food.”
“I cannot wait to meet the students, share my love for Christ and Language Arts with them, and get involved in the UCA community.”
#ucathunder #ucastaff
As we celebrate Independence Day and begin recognizing America's 250th birthday, we want to give thanks for the extraordinary blessings God has bestowed upon our nation.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, courageous men signed a declaration that would change the course of history. They affirmed that our rights do not come from the government, but from God Himself. The ideals of liberty, personal responsibility, and self-governance that shaped our nation were deeply influenced by biblical truth.
Over time, much of that foundation has been lost. The idea that education should cultivate wisdom, virtue, and faith has often been replaced by a focus on information alone. Yet the need for Christ-centered education has never been greater.
Every day at UCA, we have the privilege and responsibility of helping raise students who understand truth, pursue excellence, serve others, and recognize Christ as Lord over every area of life.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." — Psalm 33:12
Two hundred and fifty years ago, courageous men signed a declaration that would change the course of history. They affirmed that our rights do not come from the government, but from God Himself. The ideals of liberty, personal responsibility, and self-governance that shaped our nation were deeply influenced by biblical truth.
Over time, much of that foundation has been lost. The idea that education should cultivate wisdom, virtue, and faith has often been replaced by a focus on information alone. Yet the need for Christ-centered education has never been greater.
Every day at UCA, we have the privilege and responsibility of helping raise students who understand truth, pursue excellence, serve others, and recognize Christ as Lord over every area of life.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." — Psalm 33:12
