🏀Campers spent the week developing their basketball fundamentals through drills and games, while building confidence on the court, and having a blast with friends.

A big thank you to Mr. Palmer for investing in our students and creating a fun, encouraging environment where athletes could grow both on and off the court. It was especially exciting to see some of our youngest students learning the game and beginning their journey toward becoming future Thunder athletes! ⚡🏀

#ucathunder #ucaathletics #ucasummercamp
about 11 hours ago, UCA
young boys playing basketball
group picture of coach and basketball players
young boys playing basketball
young boys playing basketball
young boys playing basketball
young boys playing basketball
young boys playing basketball
young boys playing basketball
coach kneeling on the gym floor talking to young boys sitting around him
young boys playing basketball
🎓✨ Congratulations to our Kindergarten Graduates! ✨🎓

A very special milestone to celebrate is our kindergarten students graduating and preparing for their next adventure in elementary school! Throughout the year, these students have grown academically, socially, and spiritually, and we are so proud of all they have accomplished.
Their graduation program was filled with smiles, songs, and special memories as families, teachers, and friends gathered to celebrate this important achievement. We can't wait to see all that God has in store for these young learners as they continue their educational journey.

Way to go, Kindergarten Class! We are so proud of you! 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
1 day ago, UCA
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
principal shaking hand of kindergarten student during graduation ceremony
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
principal shaking hand of kindergarten student during graduation ceremony
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
kindergarten students in caps and gowns on stage during their graduation ceremony
🎨 Inspire creativity. Shape young minds.

We're looking for a part-time Elementary Art Teacher to join our team! Help students discover their God-given talents through the joy of art. Learn more and apply today!

Contact: careers@ucathunder.org
3 days ago, UCA
job posting for elementary art teacher with a picture of a teacher helping a student paint
Some of our middle school students are stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand through an Oregon Trail simulation with Mrs. Stockman! 🤠🛶🌾

Throughout this summer camp experience, students worked together to make decisions, solve problems, and face many of the challenges that pioneers encountered on their journey west. From managing resources to overcoming unexpected obstacles, they gained a deeper understanding of the perseverance, teamwork, and determination required along the Oregon Trail. 📚✨

Just because it's summer doesn't mean learning has to stop! ☀️💜

#ucathunder #ucasummercamp
3 days ago, UCA
teacher speaking to a table of middle school girls
table of snacks in a classroom with teacher and students working at desks
group photo of middle school boys
group of boys sitting at a table playing a game
Oregon Trail graphics hanging on a white board
students working in groups on a team project
two boys getting snacks from a snack table
student rolling dice while playing a game
two girls in front of a photo backdrop
student showing her classmate a worksheet
Our graduation ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the Class of 2026 and a reminder of what makes UCA so special. 🎓✨

The evening was filled with joy, gratitude, and hope as we celebrated students who are known, loved, challenged, and prepared for God’s calling on their lives. From the powerful worship led by our graduates to the meaningful time of prayer and blessing with parents, every moment reflected the faith, community, and relationships that define our school.

Graduation was more than receiving diplomas—it was a celebration of lives shaped, faith strengthened, and futures filled with purpose. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and grateful to celebrate this milestone alongside the families who have walked this journey with them. 💜

Head on over to our Facebook page for more pictures!

#ucathunder #ucaclassof2026 #ucahighschool
4 days ago, UCA
group photo of graduating class
group photo of graduating class
student speaking on stage at graduation
students signing on stage at graduation
students playing in a band on stage at graduation
group of boys in graduation gowns
group of girls in white dresses
parents praying with their graduating son
group of graduating seniors
group of graduating seniors
Our youngest students ended the school year with a morning full of sweet memories and special moments! 💜

Our Pre-K students enjoyed breakfast with their families and teachers as they celebrated all the learning, growth, and friendships from this year. One of the highlights of the morning was spending time with their Big Buddies — graduating seniors who have encouraged, supported, and loved on them throughout the year. This was a beautiful reminder of the community and connections that make our school so special. 🎓✨

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
9 days ago, UCA
large room with people eating at round tables
parents with their pre-k student
senior in cap and gown with a pre-k student
senior in cap and gown with a pre-k student
teacher hugging student
senior in cap and gown with a pre-k student
senior in cap and gown with a pre-k student
senior in cap and gown with a pre-k student
senior in cap and gown with a pre-k student
Competition, teamwork, and plenty of school spirit made for an unforgettable Field Day! 🎉🏆

Before finals week, our secondary students jumped into a variety of house competitions and games, bringing energy, and friendly rivalry to every event. Students gave it their all as they capped off the school year and made great memories together. 💚 💙 💛 ❤️

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucahighschool #ucahousesystem
9 days ago, UCA
teenagers playing 9 square
teenagers playing a game in a field
teenagers playing basketball
student rolling a ball in the grass
teenagers playing 9 square
teenagers playing a game in a field
teenagers playing  basketball
students playing beach volleyball
teenagers playing a game in a field
students passing wet sponges over their heads
Our 6th grade science students recently had the opportunity to participate in a squid dissection lab — many experiencing their very first dissection! 🦑🔬

During this hands-on activity, students explored the anatomy of a squid while identifying the different structures and systems they have been learning about in class. Some were willing to dive right in, while others observed from across the table. But all of them were curious about this unique creature and its role in God’s creation. ✝ 🌊

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
17 days ago, UCA
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
6th grade students dissecting a squid
For the second year in a row, one of our students, Aidan, had the exciting opportunity to serve as “Elementary Principal for the Day” after winning the experience through our auction fundraiser! 💜 📚

From visiting classrooms and helping throughout the school day to spending time with administration and learning more about what it takes to lead a school, this student once again stepped into the role with enthusiasm and confidence. It was fun to see familiar leadership skills return for year two!

Thank you to everyone who supports our auction fundraiser and helps make memorable experiences like this possible for our students. 👏

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
19 days ago, UCA
"Principal for a day" student with younger students on the playground
principal and student looking at a clipboard
principal and "Principal for a day" visiting classrooms
principal and "Principal for a day" looking at a computer
"Principal for a day" giving a high five to another student
"principal for a day" speaking into a microphone
principal and "Principal for a day" visiting classrooms
principal and "Principal for a day" visiting classrooms
Our students in the Social Entrepreneurship dual enrollment class recently took part in an exciting “Shark Tank” style experience! 🦈

Throughout the project, students developed creative business ideas, built detailed plans, and presented their concepts to a panel of business owners from our UCA community. Students were challenged to think critically, solve problems, and confidently pitch their ideas in a professional setting. 💡📈

This hands-on experience gave students a great opportunity to apply what they’ve been learning in class while exploring how business and entrepreneurship can be used to make a positive impact in the world around them. 👏

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
21 days ago, UCA
panel of judges in a "Shark Tank" classroom activity
student doing a presentation in the front of a classroom
student doing a presentation in the front of a classroom
student doing a presentation in the front of a classroom
student doing a presentation in the front of a classroom
judge writing notes on a piece of paper
panel of judges in a "Shark Tank" classroom activity
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓

We’re thrilled to celebrate our graduating seniors as we lead up to their exciting milestone. We hope you enjoy these reflections from our students as they share about their experiences, growth, and the impact UCA has had on their lives.

Join us as we honor Brandon and the incredible individual he has become! 💜

“What has shaped me the most from being at UCA was the teachers. The most impactful ones to me personally were Mrs. Weigand, Miss Hawthorne, Mr. Pool, Mr. Peters and Mr. Hillgenkamp. I have learned so much from them and will forever be grateful for the lessons they taught and how to live like Christ with true joy.”

“At UCA I learned about defending my faith in apologetics. I feel more confident than ever to go out to all the nations and show how great my God is.”

“UCA was a great place to develop and learn how to walk rightly, but also a key place in learning how to defend what I believe, so now I'm confident to go out joyfully spreading the goodness of God!”

“I would want our supporters to know I am forever grateful for this space and the endless journey for Christ, all the way until we all see him face to face.”

“My future plans are to attend LSC for aerospace engineering and mechanics. After college I will get my pilot license as one step to eventually do aviation missions.”

Congratulations, Brandon!

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucaclassof2026
22 days ago, UCA
senior photo of a graduating student
Multiplication Sundae🍦💜

As Mr. Geselle’s 3rd grade students reviewed the multiplication skills they’ve learned throughout the year, they earned ice cream sundae toppings based on how well they tested. From sprinkles and syrup to whipped cream and more, students enjoyed making their own sweet rewards while celebrating their hard work and growth in math this year.
Learning is always a little sweeter with ice cream! 🍨✨

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
23 days ago, UCA
teacher scooping up ice cream for students
students eating ice cream and watching a movie
teacher scooping up ice cream for students
student with a bowl of ice cream
students eating ice cream and watching a movie
students with a bowl of ice cream
student with a bowl of ice cream
teacher scooping up ice cream for students
Our high school Biology and Anatomy students are finishing out the school year with hands-on lab experiences. 🔬🧪

Students worked with either fetal pigs or rats as they identified and examined the structures and body systems they have been studying throughout the year. This lab gave students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a practical way while gaining a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology. 🐷 🐀

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
23 days ago, UCA
high school science students dissecting a rat
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
high school science students dissecting a rat
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
high school science students dissecting a fetal pig
Our 3rd grade students had a fantastic day exploring and learning during their recent field trip to the science museum! 🔬🦖💜

Students enjoyed hands-on exhibits, interactive activities, and exciting discoveries as they explored science in a fun and engaging way. From experimenting and problem-solving to learning about the world around them, the day was filled with curiosity, laughter, and memorable experiences.

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
24 days ago, UCA
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
third grade students looking through exhibits at the science museum
Two of our students recently had the exciting opportunity to serve as PE Teachers for the Day after winning the experience at our recent fundraiser! 💜

These brothers from 5th and 6th grade spent the day helping with PE classes by planning activities, setting up equipment, explaining rules to students, assisting during games, and keeping everything running smoothly. 🏃‍♂️🥏

They did a fantastic job stepping into leadership roles and brought great to each class. Thank you to everyone who supports our fundraising events and helps create memorable experiences like this for our students! 🎉

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
24 days ago, UCA
5th grade student helping younger kids in gym class
6th grade student standing with PE teacher
5th grade student helping younger students in gym class
6th grade student and PE teacher standing outside with 3rd grade students
5th grade student helping younger kids in gym class
PE students sitting on the grass with teacher talking to them
5th grade student helping younger kids in gym class
students gathered in a group talking to each other
student carrying supplies for PE class
teacher and 6th grade student greeting a group of 3rd grade students
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓

We’re thrilled to celebrate our graduating seniors as we lead up to their exciting milestone. We hope you enjoy these reflections from our students as they share about their experiences, growth, and the impact UCA has had on their lives.

Join us as we honor Hayley and the incredible individual she has become! 💜

“UCA has helped me lean into my faith and put all my trust in the Lord and all the plans he has for me. UCA gave me an opportunity to learn in a Faith filled environment with people that hold the same values. I will forever be grateful for the friendships I made, and the teachers that taught with conviction and truth to give us confidence.”

“I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and major in elementary education.”

Congratulations, Hayley!

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucaclassof2026
24 days ago, UCA
senior photo of a graduating student
First grader Mitchell recently enjoyed a very special experience after winning “Breakfast with Bloomington Police Officers” at our auction fundraiser! 💜🚓

Mitchell invited his friend Hudson to join him for breakfast at Chick-fil-A with two Bloomington Police Department officers. The boys had a great time eating together, asking questions, and learning more about the important work police officers do in our community. 👮‍♂️

To make the morning even more exciting, Mitchell and Hudson also got a ride to school in a squad car! 🚔

Thank you to the Bloomington officers for helping create such a fun and memorable experience for our students, and thank you to everyone who supports our auction fundraiser and makes opportunities like this possible.

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
25 days ago, UCA
two students and two officers standing next to a police car
two students and two officers standing outside Chick-Fil-A
two students inside a police car
two students inside a police car
two students and two police officers at Chick-Fil-A
students and officers giving high fives
students and officers giving high fives
student and a police officer standing outside the school
student and a police officer standing outside the school
Our long-awaited chicks have arrived! 🐣

Our kindergarten students incubated chicken eggs for 21 days and then excitedly watched as the chicks began to hatch. The students absolutely loved holding the chicks and even gave them names: Frank, Hoppy, and Stripy!

This hands-on experience was a wonderful part of learning about birds during our animal classification unit in science. Watching new life hatch right in the classroom made for a fun, memorable, and meaningful learning experience for our students.

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
25 days ago, UCA
three freshly hatched chicks
student holding a freshly hatched chick
student holding a freshly hatched chick
student holding a freshly hatched chick
freshly hatched baby chick in an incubator
student holding a freshly hatched chick
student holding a freshly hatched chick
student holding a freshly hatched chick
student holding a freshly hatched chick
student holding a freshly hatched chick
Our aviation and missions students recently had the opportunity to hear from a guest speaker representing Mission Aviation Fellowship ✈️

Students learned about the many ways the aviation field can be used to serve others and advance the Gospel around the world. The speaker shared about opportunities within the organization and how pilots, mechanics, and support staff play an important role in bringing help, hope, and the love of Christ to remote communities.

We are thankful for opportunities like this that help students explore how their passions and talents can be used for God’s purpose and Kingdom work.

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
26 days ago, UCA
guest speaker in the front of a classroom
guest speaker in the front of a classroom
students looking at swag options laid out on a desk
students looking at swag options laid out on a desk
guest speaker in the front of a classroom
One of our 1st graders, Amelia, had the exciting opportunity to serve as Elementary Principal for the Day! 💜⚡

After winning this experience through our auction fundraiser, she spent the day alongside our elementary principal getting a behind-the-scenes look at school leadership. Her day included visiting classrooms, participating in security walks around the building, helping with various responsibilities throughout the day, and enjoying a special lunch with her teacher and the principal. She even got to invite a few friends to join her throughout the day.

She did a fantastic job stepping into the role with enthusiasm, confidence, and leadership.

Thank you to everyone who supports our fundraising events and helps create memorable experiences like this for our students!

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
28 days ago, UCA
principal kneeling down next to 1st grade student holding a microphone for her to talk
principal and student looking at a clipboard
student shaking teachers hand
students standing next to a soccer field
two students standing on a stage
students and principal standing in the doorway of an office
group of students standing on stage
students eating lunch with a teacher
two staff members talking to two students
student and principal walking in the hallway