Our kindergarteners celebrated a very important milestone in phonics this week—the wedding of Q & U! 💍 📚

Through a fun and memorable “ceremony” officiated by Dr. Morrison, students learned why these two letters almost always stick together when making words. There were songs, traditional wedding dances, cupcakes, and plenty of smiles and giggles. Lots of learning as Q and U officially became a team. 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
1 day ago, UCA
principal acting as a wedding officiant in front of a kindergarten class
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
student about to eat a cupcake looking very excited
kindergarten students having a fake wedding ceremony for the letters Q and U
students eating cupcakes
student holding up a decoration that came out of her cupcake that says Q & U
kindergarten students lined up doing the bunny hop
Due to the extreme cold warning issued by the National Weather Service, UCA will be closed on Friday, January 23.

Middle School athletic events are cancelled for Friday.
Students participating in all other athletics or activities should check directly with their coaches regarding practices, games, or events.
5 days ago, UCA
graphic with the school logo referring to a weather update
Some of our high school students are diving into the world of entrepreneurship! 💡📊

In this class with Mrs. Larson, they’re exploring what it means to create, own, and run a business through self-discovery and hands-on, project-based learning. One of their first real-world projects? Taking ownership of the school vending machines—tracking inventory, placing orders, stocking products, and learning what it takes to manage day-to-day operations.

As a capstone experience, students will bring everything together with a Shark Tank–style business proposal, pitching their ideas and plans just like real entrepreneurs. It’s an exciting glimpse into the business world and a great opportunity for students to build confidence, creativity, and practical skills they’ll use far beyond the classroom!

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
6 days ago, UCA
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
high school students loading a vending machine
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We are grateful for his courageous leadership and his unwavering belief in the dignity of every person created in the image of God.

May we live out these values in our words and actions each day as we walk in humility and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31)
9 days ago, UCA
drawing of Martin Luther King Jr with a flag behind him
Our kindergarten students use iPads as one of many tools to support their learning. These devices remain in the classroom and are intentionally used to enhance specific learning activities. 💻📚

At UCA, we strive for a healthy, age-appropriate balance that values personal connection while also equipping students with important 21st-century technology skills.

Students especially love the challenge and excitement of interactive learning games that reinforce key skills in fun, engaging ways. 🙌 😄

#UCAThunder #UCAElementary
12 days ago, UCA
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads with a teacher and student working one-on-one in the background
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
kindergarten students working on their iPads
Today, we had the honor of recognizing our elementary Student of the Quarter winner for the second quarter! This outstanding student was selected by her teachers for consistently demonstrating the House Essentials—integrity, helpfulness, respect, compassion, and more. 🏆 🌟

Congratulations to Lydia S from the Gratia House!

We are so proud of you for your dedication to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations! 👏 💙 💚 💛 ❤️

#ucathunder #ucahousesystem
12 days ago, UCA
Head of School, Elementary Princiapal, 5th grade teacher, and the student of the quarter
Head of School presenting a fifth grade student with a sweatshirt that she was awarded for being chosen as student of the quarter
teacher hugging a student after she won an award
student holding her awarded sweatshirt standing with her parents
Our 9th grade science students put their investigative skills to the test today during their Sludge Lab. Using physical properties and separation techniques—like chromatography, distillation, density ⚖️, flame tests, and filtration —students worked to identify seven unknown substances. 🔥🧪

Students were challenged to use critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬🧠

#UCAThunder #UCAHighSchool #UCASTEM
13 days ago, UCA
science students and their table at a lab station looking at a beaker on a burner
two female students performing flame tests in science class
two male students performing flame tests in science class
group of students at a lab station performing an experiment
two male students performing flame tests in science class
two male students performing flame tests in science class
two female students performing flame tests in science class
two female students performing flame tests in science class
two female students at a lab station watching a distillation experiment
group of boys at a lab station performing a science experiment
Our elementary students (Kindergarten–5th grade) headed to Skateville today for a fun-filled field trip that doubled as a Phy Ed experience. ⛸️

After a stretch of winter cabin fever, students spent half the day burning energy, skating their hearts out, and enjoying time together. 💜

With worship music blasting through the speakers, students were singing, praising, and having the time of their lives. 🎶 🙌

Thank you to Mrs. Aunan for organizing such a memorable day! 🙏

# UCAThunder #UCAElementary
14 days ago, UCA
three elementary girls standing by a roller skating rink
two elementary boys roller skating
first grade girl roller skating
group of fourth grade girls at a roller skating rink
three teachers at a roller skating rink
group of fifth grade boys at a roller skating rink
three second grade girls roller skating
teacher helping young girls roller skate
two kindergarten boys roller skating
two second grade girls roller skating
❄️🎉 Buddy time is back!

This afternoon, our students enjoyed spending time with their buddies for the first time since before the holidays—they kicked off the new year with a game of Winter Bingo!

At UCA, we are intentional about building relationships so that every student feels known and loved. Just as our teachers come alongside each student, our older students also come alongside the younger ones—investing in their growth and modeling Christ-like living, helping create a strong, caring community. 💜

#UCAThunder #UCAHouseSystem
18 days ago, UCA
group of students, two big buddies and two little buddies smiling for the pictur
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
two students playing bingo
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
three students, one big buddy and two little buddies, smiling for the picture
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
two students, one big buddy and one little buddy, smiling for the picture
four students, two big buddies and two little buddies, smiling for the picture
students picking prizes out of a bin
UCA welcomed a new student for the second semester—an international student all the way from Vietnam! 🇻🇳

Angela is in 10th grade, and today we learned which house she belongs to in our House System. We are so excited to welcome Angela to House Christo and to our greater UCA community.

We are also incredibly grateful for the UCA family who has opened their home to host her during her time here with us. 💜

#UCAThunder #UCAHighSchool #UCAHouseSystem
19 days ago, UCA
two teachers and one student introducing the new student to the rest of the student body
student with her hand in a jar ready to pick something out
student looking at the gem she just drew out of a jar
teacher with a microphone speaking to and about the student standing next to her
student holding a red handkerchief that signifies which house she has been assigned to
Today, we had the honor of recognizing our middle and high school Students of the Quarter winners for the second quarter! 🏆

These outstanding students were selected by their teachers for consistently demonstrating the House Essentials—integrity, helpfulness, respect, compassion, and more. 🌟

Middle School: Colton T (Gratia House) hearts 💙
High School: Henry G (Scriptura House) 💚

We are so proud of each of them for their dedication to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to the winners! 🎉 👏

#UCAThunder #UCAHouseSystem #UCAMiddleSchool #UCAHighSchool
19 days ago, UCA
House system crest graphic
head of school congratulating the "Student of the Quarter" winner
student of the quarter winner holding up the sweatshirt that he won
student of the quarter winner holding up the sweatshirt that he won
head of school speaking in front of the students to announce the winner of Student of the Quarter
🦫📜 History comes to life in 5th grade!

As part of their history studies, our 5th grade students participated in a hands-on fur trade simulation. Dressed for the part, students worked in teams to scour the “trapping grounds” in search of Made Beaver pelts. They then used their pelts to negotiate trades at a trading post or with inland traders—learning firsthand about economics, cooperation, and decision-making.

To add to the realism, some groups were even “struck with illness” and had to sit out briefly, reminding students of the real challenges faced during this period in history. 🤒

An engaging and memorable way to learn!

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
20 days ago, UCA
students trading beaver pelts in a fur trading simulation
students trading beaver pelts in a fur trading simulation
student sitting on the floor counting his beaver pelts and other goods
students trading beaver pelts in a fur trading simulation
students trading beaver pelts in a fur trading simulation
students trading beaver pelts in a fur trading simulation
students trading beaver pelts in a fur trading simulation
students trading beaver pelts in a fur trading simulation
group of students sitting out of a fur trade simulation for being struck with measles
group of students tallying their goods
🎭✨Today, we kicked off preparations for our annual ministry production by revealing the play title and leading acting roles to our 7th graders. This year’s production is “Robin Hood – Quest for Justice,” and the excitement is already building!

Students in the younger grades will have singing roles woven throughout the acting scenes. This production is one of the highlights of our school year and offers an incredible opportunity for students to stretch themselves, serve others, and use their gifts in a unique and meaningful way. We can’t wait to see how God works through it all! 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucamiddleschool #ucafinearts
about 1 month ago, UCA
student being handed his script from the teacher
group of girls reading their scripts
teacher laughing with a student
logo for a ministry production called Robin Hood - Quest for Justice
group of girls reading their scripts
students congratulating each other
student being handed his script from the teacher
group of boys reading their scripts
teacher laughing with a student
group of students reading their scripts
🎄🎶 A joyful start to the day!

Last Friday and again today, students were welcomed into the building with the sounds of Christmas as some of our staff members sang carols and others played instruments (some students joined in on instruments as well). This annual tradition fills our halls with joy and sets a festive tone for the day.

There’s nothing quite like beginning the morning together in song as we celebrate the season and the community we share. ❤️✨

#ucathunder #ucastaff
about 1 month ago, UCA
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
🎄🎲 Staff Christmas Party! 🎁😂

Yesterday, our staff enjoyed a wonderful time together at our annual Christmas party. It is truly a blessing to work alongside a team that not only collaborates so well but also genuinely enjoys spending time together.

There were plenty of laughs, lots of festive cheer, and we quickly discovered who the most competitive among us was during some lively dice games and a spirited white elephant gift exchange! Moments like these remind us what a special community we have. 💜

#ucathunder #ucastaff
about 1 month ago, UCA
staff members mingling at a Christmas party
staff members choosing white elephant gifts off of a table
staff member holding up the gift she unwrapped with a very excited expression
staff member showing the Christmas socks she unwrapped
staff member trying to unwrap a gift with oven mits on
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
four staff members wearing the exact same shirt
☀️❄️ The sunshine and warmer temperatures this week have been a welcome sight for our students after last week’s bitter cold. Recess was filled with snowman-building fun, while our high schoolers got creative—playing a spirited game of “baseball” using snowballs and car windshield scrapers!

We loved seeing students enjoy the fresh air, laughter, and a little winter fun together. 😊⛄️

#ucathunder
about 1 month ago, UCA
group of elementary students making a snowman at recess
two elementary aged girls standing by a snowman they built
high school teacher with a few students enjoying the sun and snow
group of elementary students making a snowman at recess
three elementary boys standing next to a snowman
high school students playing baseball with snowballs
principal playing in the snow with students
two elementary boys standing next to a snowman
✨ 📖 The Christmas story… first-grade style! 🎄 😄

Our first graders have been learning about the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke—and they brought the story to life with simple props and big personalities! One student even got to play Mary… and the class couldn’t stop laughing at the idea of a *first grader having a baby.

A stuffed animal stood in for baby Jesus, and while there were plenty of giggles, it was also a sweet and meaningful way for students to engage with the true story of Christmas. 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
about 1 month ago, UCA
two boys sitting on the floor looking in their bibles
1st grade students acting out the parts of the Christmas story
a girl acting as Mary and a boy acting as Cesar Agustus
teacher sitting on the floor while teaching a Bible lesson
students acting as shepherds and sheep
students acting as Mary and Joseph, who just had the baby Jesus
students acting as shepherds and sheep
students sitting on the floor reading their Bibles
students and their teacher sitting on the floor learning a Bible lesson
students sitting on the floor praying
🎄🎶 Our middle school Spanish students spread Christmas cheer by visiting classrooms throughout the school and singing Christmas carols in Spanish. This UCA tradition is a beautiful way to practice the language while bringing smiles and festive spirit to fellow students. 💜✨

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
about 1 month ago, UCA
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to students in the lunchroom
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to kids in the lunchroom
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to kids in the lunchroom
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to kids in the lunchroom
🎄✨ We love traditions that bring our community together, and today, it was Christmas Grams!

Parents and students had the chance to purchase these small, festive gifts, and today our amazing student leaders delivered them all around the school.

From Pre-K to high school, classrooms were filled with smiles, surprises, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. 💜🎁

#ucathunder
about 2 months ago, UCA
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
student laughing at her stuffed chicken toy
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
pre-K student with an armful of gifts
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
8th grade students handing out christmas gifts to other middle school students
8th grade students handing out christmas gifts to other middle school students
kindergarten student wearing a christmas headband
❄️📚 Academic snowball fight!

Our 3rd graders had a blast in class this week during a paper snowball activity! While the music played, they tossed snowballs back and forth, trying to end with the fewest on their side. Inside each snowball was a statement—and once the “snow” settled, students opened them up and decided whether each one was a fact or an opinion.

Fun + learning = the perfect winter combo! ⛄️✨

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
about 2 months ago, UCA
students lined up in the middle of a classroom ready to pick up paper snowballs and start a "snowball fight"
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
student standing at the white board ready to mark her tally in one of two columns