Buddy Time is back at UCA! 💜

Our first Buddy Time of the year brought students of different ages together to begin building friendships and meaningful connections. Through our Buddy program, students are paired up or placed in small groups, creating opportunities for mentorship, encouragement, and relationships to grow throughout the school year. 🤝

We love seeing our UCA community come together as older and younger students learn from one another, share experiences, and build connections that make our school feel like one family!

#ucathunder
3 days ago, UCA
middle school student with an elementary student riding on her back
older students pushing younger students on the swings
three students holding hands while walking
older students pushing younger students on the swings
middle school student with an elementary student riding on her back
two students playing in the sand
four students playing in the sand
two students holding hands
three students holding hands while walking
group of students walking, older students giving piggyback rides to younger students
👏 🏆 Help us celebrate this week’s Athlete of the Week! We’re proud to recognize student-athletes for their commitment, effort, and the way they represent UCA both in competition and as teammates.

⚽️ Congratulations to Avery Buchanan! She moved to a new position this season, playing Center Back and has absolutely anchored our defense.

Great job, Avery! We’re proud of the way you lead, compete, and represent the Thunder! ⚡💜

#ucathunder #ucaathletics
3 days ago, UCA
girl holding a certificate
🌋 Science got a little explosive for our 6th graders!

After learning about different types of volcanic eruptions, students put their knowledge to the test with a hands-on lab designed to recreate the different eruption styles.

There’s something special about the moment a scientific concept goes from concept to reality. Our 6th graders were excited to watch their experiments succeed, and even more excited to try again, observe the results, and see if they could recreate the eruption types they had studied. 🧪📚🌋

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
4 days ago, UCA
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students gathering supplies for their science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
students recreating an eruption in a science experiment
A little trip down memory lane… 🕰️💜

Looking back reminds us that some of the most priceless things we gain during our school years can’t be measured in grades, awards, or accomplishments. They are the friendships we make along the way.

From shared laughs and inside jokes to cheering each other on through the challenges, the friendships formed at school can become some of the most meaningful relationships we carry with us long after graduation.

#ucathunder #throwbackthursday
4 days ago, UCA
small groups of friends smiling
small groups of friends smiling
small groups of friends smiling
🌱 5th grade science - exploration of matter

Working with a partner, students used beans to represent matter and moved them around a drawing of an ecosystem to model how it cycles between living and nonliving parts of the environment.

This hands-on activity helped students visualize a concept that can be tricky to understand and see how everything in an ecosystem is connected. 📚🔍

#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
5 days ago, UCA
students working in pairs at their desks
teacher leaning over a students desk to help with their work
students working in pairs at their desks
students working in pairs at their desks
students working in pairs at their desks
teacher leaning over a students desk to help with their work
students working in pairs at their desks
students working in pairs at their desks
students working in pairs at their desks
As part of their unit on community helpers, our kindergarten students welcomed local police officers to the classroom to learn more about the important role police play in serving and caring for our community. 👮‍♀️👮‍♂️

And they didn’t come alone! The officers brought Dunkin, their community comfort dog, who quickly became a favorite with our students. 🐕💜

We’re grateful to our local officers for taking the time to visit, answer questions, and help our students better understand the many ways community helpers serve others!

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
6 days ago, UCA
group photo of kindergarteners and police officers
police officers and their dog standing in front of a group of kindergarteners
kindergarten students raising their hands
a dog laying on the classroom floor
students sitting on the classroom floor petting a dog
students sitting on the classroom floor petting a dog
students sitting on the classroom floor petting a dog
students sitting on the classroom floor petting a dog
students sitting on the classroom floor petting a dog
a police dog in front of a classroom of kindergarten students
⚖️📚 While reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, 7th grade students stepped into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and other courtroom participants for a mock trial based on the events and characters in the story.

This hands-on activity gave students the opportunity to dig deeper into the novel, examine evidence, consider different perspectives, and put their critical-thinking and communication skills into practice. What a great way to take learning beyond the page! 👏📖

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
10 days ago, UCA
students in a classroom bowing to a teacher acting as a judge in a mock trial
students acting as court participants pledging to tell the truth
students sitting at desks working on laptops
student "on trial" in a classroom activity
student "on trial" in a classroom activity
student "on trial" in a classroom activity
students acting as court participants pledging to tell the truth
student "on trial" in a classroom activity
teacher talking to students acting as the jury
students acting as the jury sitting in the hallway talking
Some things change, but the UCA spirit stays the same. 💜⚡

Our Jog-a-Thon is coming up on October 9th, and while the faces, school name, and years may have changed, the heart behind this tradition has remained strong. This beloved fundraiser began more than 20 years ago at one of UCA’s legacy schools (Christian Life Academy), and today, our students continue to carry that tradition forward. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Our kids have been gathering pledges and donations, they are ready to run, encourage one another, and give their all for their school! Their heart, enthusiasm, and dedication remind us that some traditions are worth carrying on.

Let’s cheer them on, support them financially, and help make this year’s Jog-a-Thon one to remember! Go Thunder! ⚡💜

If you want to support our little joggers, click here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/unitedchristianacademy-bloomington

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
11 days ago, UCA
old yearbook pictures of students running
old yearbook pictures of students running
⚡ 📣 We're excited to introduce the newest member of the UCA team, Stephen Tlougan, Athletic Director:

“I was drawn to UCA because of its strong Christian mission and its emphasis on developing students both inside and outside the classroom. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to use athletics to build relationships, teach character, and create meaningful experiences for students. I’m looking forward to becoming part of the UCA community and getting to know the students, families, coaches, and staff.”
“Something fun about me is that I’ve always had a love for film, theater, and live performances. I enjoy everything from indie movies and blockbusters to Broadway shows, orchestra, and big band performances. I’ve always appreciated the creativity, storytelling, and talent that go into bringing a great performance to life.”
“I’m most excited about getting to know our students and helping make UCA athletics a place where students can grow, compete, have fun, and develop strong relationships with their teammates and coaches. I’m also excited to meet our families and alumni and become part of the larger UCA community. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build together!”

💜 Help us extend a warm welcome to Mr. Tlougan. We are blessed to have you as part of the team!

#ucathunder #ucaathletics
12 days ago, UCA
man in a suit
man in a suit holding sunglasses
Head shot of staff member
⚽️🌧️ Rain or shine, Thunder fans show up (and so does Thunder, the bison)!

Our annual Super Soccer Saturday was a fantastic day filled with soccer, school spirit, and community! Even the rain couldn’t keep our fans away as they came out to cheer on our athletes and support our teams.

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather and joined us! We’re grateful for days like these that bring our UCA community together. 💜⚡

#ucathunder #ucaathletics
12 days ago, UCA
boys playing soccer
girls playing soccer
boys playing soccer
girls playing soccer
soccer players from two teams huddled together praying
boys playing soccer
two staff members standing with the school mascot
students in the homecoming court standing on the soccer field
sideline of fans at a soccer game
three girls working at a concession stand
🏐💜 Homecoming volleyball game!

It was a great night of competition, school spirit, and plenty of energy in the gym! A huge thank you to all of our fans who came out to cheer on the Thunder and make the night so special. Your support makes a difference, and we love seeing our UCA community show up for our student-athletes!

⚡️ Go Thunder!

#ucathunder #ucaathletics
13 days ago, UCA
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
high school girls playing volleyball
Learning came to life! 🦋 📚

After studying the monarch life cycle, kindergarten students had the opportunity to observe their butterflies up close and then release them into the outdoors. This hands-on experience helped students connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to the world around them as they explored growth, transformation, and God’s intricate design in creation. 🌱🦋

#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
14 days ago, UCA
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
kindergarten students holding a monarch butterfly
student looking into a cage with butterflies and cocoons
Amid the excitement and busyness of Homecoming and Spirit Week, our secondary students took time to pause, gather, and pray together for **See You at the Pole**.

Led by our Ministry Council students, this special time gave our school community an opportunity to come together in prayer and remember that our faith is at the heart of all we do.

We’re grateful for students who are willing to lead, serve, and encourage their peers to keep Christ at the center—even in the middle of a busy week. 💜 🙏

#ucathunder
18 days ago, UCA
students gathered around a flag pole to pray
students gathered around a flag pole to pray
students gathered around a flag pole to pray
students gathered around a flag pole to pray
students gathered around a flag pole to pray
✈️ Taking Thunder Aviation to the community!

Members of our staff and students recently represented our school at “Girls in Aviation Day” at Flying Cloud Airport, sharing about our school and giving attendees a closer look at our aviation program.

We’re proud of the way our students and staff represented UCA. They helped introduce more young people and families to our school and the opportunities available through aviation education here. 💜
#ucathunder
19 days ago, UCA
older girl teaching a younger girl to use the flight simulator
Man standing next to an airplane pointing at it
man talking to a woman standing near a flight simulator
three girls on a flight simulator
girl sitting inside an airplane, boy standing on the wing
three girls on a flight simulator
man standing next to flight simulator talking to the people using it
two students standing next to a small airplane
crowd of people visiting booths at an expo
woman sitting at a flight simulator
🌬️ Wherever the wind takes them!

Our first graders have been learning about weather and exploring the power of wind. As part of their studies, they designed and made their own windsocks. The best part was taking them outside to put them to the test! 🌤️

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
20 days ago, UCA
1st grade students playing with their handmade windsocks outside
1st grade students playing with their handmade windsocks outside
1st grade students playing with their handmade windsocks outside
1st grade students playing with their handmade windsocks outside
1st grade students playing with their handmade windsocks outside
1st grade students playing with their handmade windsocks outside
1st grade students playing with their handmade windsocks outside
🏴‍☠️⚓Every week, our kindergarteners welcome a special Pirate of the Week as part of their pirate-themed school year! 🗺️💰

This week’s honored pirate was none other than Dr. Morrison, our elementary principal! He stopped by the classroom throughout the week, bringing treasures, sharing stories, and making some special memories with our kindergarten crew. 📚💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
25 days ago, UCA
Principal dressed as a pirate talking to a classroom of kindergarten students
Principal dressed as a pirate talking to a classroom of kindergarten students
Principal dressed as a pirate talking to a classroom of kindergarten students
student picking a treasure out of a box
male students sitting on the floor talking in small groups
principal reading a story to the class
Principal dressed as a pirate talking to a classroom of kindergarten students
Principal dressed as a pirate talking to a classroom of kindergarten students
classroom door decorated ina  pirate theme
Some people change, but the UCA spirit stays the same. 💜⚡

Can you guess what year this was? 🤔

In honor of our fall sports and our upcoming Super Soccer Saturday event, we’re highlighting some soccer memories of the past. ⚽

Whether you’ve worn the Thunder jersey, cheered from the sidelines, or simply love UCA, we want to see you at our Homecoming - Super Soccer Saturday on September 26! Details can be found here: https://www.gobound.com/mn/schools/unitedchristian

Come reconnect, celebrate our community, and cheer on the Thunder! 💜⚡

#ucathunder #ucaathletics
25 days ago, UCA
photo collage of girls playing soccer
photo collage of boys playing soccer

🇨🇷🇸🇻🇬🇹🇭🇳🇳🇮🇲🇽🇨🇱🇧🇿

Celebrating independence!

Our Spanish students across all grade levels celebrated the independence days of several Latin American countries! Through traditional foods, Spanish music, and fun games and activities featuring Spanish vocabulary, students are learning about the rich cultures and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world. 🌮 🪇 🥑

#ucathunder

26 days ago, UCA
two girls sitting at a desk doing a word search
teacher handing her student some food
boy with a plate of chips giving a thumbs up
students in line to put food on their plates
elementary boys sitting at their desks doing a word search
students sitting at their desks eating food
student serving food onto her plate
students in line to put food on their plates
two girls eating burritos
⚽⚡ SUPER SOCCER SATURDAY IS COMING! 💜

Get ready for a full day of UCA soccer, school spirit, and fun! Bring your family and friends and cheer on the Thunder throughout the day. There’s something for everyone!

📅 Game Schedule for September 26th:
⚽ 8:00 AM — Middle School Boys
⚽ 9:30 AM — JV Boys
⚽ 11:30 AM — Varsity Girls
⚽ 1:30 PM — Varsity Boys

Also happening throughout the Day:
☕Food trucks + Thunder Brew cart
👕Thunderwear for sale
🏆Halftime games and contests
👑Introduction to the Homecoming Court
⚡Meet UCA’s new mascot!

Don’t miss this exciting day of soccer, community, and Thunder spirit! Mark your calendars and come bring the Thunder! 💜⚡

#ucathunder #ucaathletics
26 days ago, UCA
game schedule
Science is in the details! 🪲 🔎

Our 7th grade science students are putting their summer bug collections to work! They’re examining their specimens and using scientific classification skills to identify each one by order and common name.

Students are discovering the incredible detail and diversity found in God’s creation. From the smallest insect to the most intricate design, only God could create something so wonderfully detailed! 🌿🐞

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
28 days ago, UCA
student looking at an insect book trying to identify the insects on his desk
students looking at a laptop with their bug collection on the desk next to the laptop
two students and a teacher trying to identify insects
students looking at insects trying to identify them
students looking at a laptop with their bug collection on the desk next to the laptop
student and a teacher trying to identify insects
student pinning insects onto a posterboard
student looking at an insect book trying to identify the insects on her desk
student working with his insect collection
students trying to identify insects