United Christian Academy

🚍 We are so excited to share that we have a new athletics bus! You will soon see this Thunder Bus rolling down the highways, carrying our athletes to their events. 🙏 🙌 Special shout-out to Mercy Road Church, Grafix Shoppe, Morgan Palazzo, and Coach Johnny Juvland for making this a reality! Go Thunder! ⚡ #ucathunder #ucaathletics

Quick! Go find your costume pieces and dress-up clothes! Next week is SPIRIT WEEK! 🇺🇸🎆 🌴 🌞 🦸 🦹 🐅 🐊 💜 🎉 #ucathunder #ucahomecoming

🚁🛠️ Our aviation students had a unique opportunity this week to visit an aviation insurance agency and a maintenance hangar! They learned firsthand about the behind-the-scenes aspects of aviation, from understanding insurance needs for aircraft to seeing how planes are maintained and serviced. It was an amazing day filled with real-world learning experiences, helping our students connect their studies to potential future careers in the aviation industry. 🛫 ✈️ #ucathunder #ucaaviation #ucahighschool

🏅Congratulations to Jeremiah and Sofia, our UCA Athletes of the Week! ⚽ ️Jeremiah has shown strong leadership on the boys' soccer team and recorded two shut-outs in goal, keeping their opponents scoreless. He also made an exciting save on a penalty kick, which is no small task! ⚽️Sofia is playing strong for the girls’ soccer team, producing 2 goals and 2 assists this week. She also showed a spirit of sacrifice, stepping in to play in goal because the team’s main goalkeeper was out sick. Way to go, athletes! Keep up the fantastic work! 👏💪 #ucathunder #ucaathletics

One element of today's secondary chapel message focused on the idea from Galatians chapter 6 that we should carry each other's burdens. This led to an impromptu moment where our High School Ministry Team prayed over their peers who came to them for support. 💜 It is so special to have this group of students serving the student body this way. #ucathunder

📚 Every Thursday, our 4th and 5th graders have an option to give up their recess time to have an opportunity to check out books from the school library. They don't have a designated library time in their weekly schedule, so this is their chance to explore the books. #ucathunder #ucaelementary

🦋🌼 Our Kindergarten students had a magical moment this week as they released Monarch butterflies into the sky! After learning all about the life cycle of a butterfly, they got to witness the beauty of nature up close as their butterflies took flight. The students were amazed to see their tiny classroom friends spread their wings and begin their journey. It was a perfect way to connect their lessons to the wonder of God's creation! 🦋✨

📊 ✏️➗ Our 3rd-grade students are making progress toward becoming math wizards! They have been hard at work building upon the previously learned topics. Their skills are growing as they tackle new concepts and challenge themselves with new assignments. It’s fun to see the smiles on their faces as the light bulbs go off, proof that their knowledge and confidence in math are increasing every day! Keep up the great work, 3rd graders! 💪📚 #ucathunder #ucaelementary

🫀 🩺 This week, our students in the First Aid and Medical Terminology class learned an invaluable skill—CPR! As part of their training, they practiced techniques that could one day help save lives. From learning the proper chest compressions to understanding how to respond in an emergency, Mrs. Diamond is helping these students gain essential first-aid knowledge that goes beyond the classroom. #ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucadualenrollment

🎉 ¡Celebramos la Independencia! 🇲🇽🇨🇷🇸🇻 This week, our Spanish classes are celebrating Latin American Independence Days, highlighting the rich history and culture of countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and more! 🌎 Students have been learning about the importance of these national holidays, diving into the stories of independence and exploring traditions, food, and music from various Latin American countries. 💃 #ucathunder

👮‍♂️ 🇺🇸Our Kindergarten and 1st-grade students spent time last week learning about Patriots Day and the amazing first responders who work hard to keep us all safe. They were even visited by local police officers who shared what it's like to serve and protect our community. The students were so excited to hear their stories and ask questions about being a police officer. It was a wonderful way to help our young learners appreciate the bravery and dedication of these everyday heroes. 💙🚔 #ucathunder #ucaelementary

📖 Mrs. Nerdahl’s 4th-grade students have been diving into their Deep Roots Bible curriculum to explore the powerful truths of Romans Road. They’ve been learning about salvation, grace, and God’s love through key verses in the book of Romans. ✝️ By understanding the path to salvation, our students are growing in their faith and discovering how God’s Word guides us toward a relationship with Him. We are so proud of their eagerness to learn and their heart for the Lord! 🙌💜 #ucathunder #christcenterededucation #ucaelementary

🎬 As we conclude National Arts in Education Week, the grand finale is our THEATER Program! 🎭Our students have two opportunities a year to dive into the world of drama in the One Act Play and the Spring Musical. They explore everything from acting techniques and stage presence to script analysis and character development. They learn how to express themselves creatively, and collaborate with their peers. We can’t wait to see what stories they’ll bring to life on stage this year. 🌟🎟️ UCA is proud to welcome our new Theatre Director, Shane Lord: “I have been involved in theatre since age 5. In 2019, I had the opportunity to direct, and since then, it has become a passion of mine. What I love most about directing students is seeing them step out of their comfort zones and perform for an audience. My approach emphasizes that everything we do is for God and God alone. The process is more than putting on a show; it’s about the growth and development that comes through the process. I am excited to bring the skills and talents God has blessed me with to UCA.” #ucathunder #ucafinearts

🎼As we continue celebrating National Arts in Education Week, today we’re shining the spotlight on our amazing CHOIR & MUSIC Programs! 🎶 ✨Our younger students are mastering the elements of music—learning about melody, harmony, rhythm, and dynamics as they develop their vocal skills. These students are building not just musical skills but also confidence, and teamwork. 🎵 ✨As the students get older and move into choir, they master their vocal skills, learn to harmonize, and work together to create beautiful music. From warm-ups to performances, they’re building discipline, and a love for the arts. Mrs. Tasler, who teaches our lower elementary students, shared this: 🎤“Music is such a huge part of all of our lives and to get to be the UCA students' first music teacher is very, very special to me. I love encouraging the students in music to HAVE FUN and enjoy themselves as we explore lots of different music activities. It's so cool to see firsthand, when the students start to develop their talents and interests, as we sing, dance, play instruments, and put on performances throughout the year! To have the privilege to teach at a Christian school where we can worship and give glory to God in all we do in class, is absolutely the most rewarding job I can imagine!” #ucathunder #ucafinearts

🧬 🍬Mrs. Ray’s 3rd graders got hands-on with science this week by using candy to create models of human cells! As they carefully placed each "organelle," they learned about the different parts of a cell and how they work together to keep living things alive. 🔬 The students were amazed by how something so small could be so detailed, marveling at God's incredible design in every cell. It was a fun and tasty way to explore science and appreciate the complexity of His creation! 🌟 #ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem

Today, all of our 7th-12th grade students departed for their Fall Retreats. Three different groups headed to three different bible camp locations. Everyone arrived safely and jumped right into their camp activities! Please pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed this week and for spiritual growth and formation in our student body. 🙏 #ucathunder

This week, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on our amazing PHOTOGRAPHY program! 📸 Our photography students are learning the art of capturing moments, exploring different techniques, and discovering how to tell powerful stories through the lens of a camera. From lighting and composition to editing and creativity, they’re gaining skills that help them see the world in a whole new way. 🌟 Here’s what our Photography, Photo Editing, and Yearbook teacher, Mrs. Palazzo, had to say: “Photography offers a way to express creativity, forge new friendships and career paths, and share one’s faith. As students learn to use a camera and understand the rules of photography, I emphasize that these rules are flexible and meant to be tested. Each person’s unique style helps to showcase how they view the world and people around them.” 📷 #ucathunder #ucafinearts

🤝🌟Our Pre-K students had an exciting time playing a cooperative game that encouraged them to work together! It was so fun to see their teamwork in action as they cheered each other on and worked toward a common goal. Learning how to take turns, share, and problem-solve builds a strong sense of community from an early age! #ucathunder #ucaprek

This week, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on our amazing ART program! 🎨Mrs. Chant (Middle School Art): “Teaching art allows me to guide students in discovering their own creativity, which is a gift that reflects the beauty and uniqueness of God's creation. Arts in education are crucial as they engage the creative side of our brains, helping us express emotions and ideas in ways that words alone cannot. My hope is to help students appreciate and nurture their own unique talents that God has given them.” 🎨Mrs. Berry (High School Art): “As individuals created in the image of the ultimate Creator, we each possess a unique ability to express ourselves artistically. Our class is a space where imagination flourishes and originality thrives, reflecting the diverse tapestry of talents and perspectives among us. Together, we celebrate the creative spark within every student, encouraging exploration, innovation, and the development of our artistic voices.” #ucathunder #ucafinearts

This week, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on our amazing BAND program! 🎶🎺Our 4th-12th grade students not only learn how to play instruments but also gain valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline, and creativity. From beginners to seasoned musicians, they’re making beautiful music and building lasting friendships through their shared love of the arts. 🎼🎷 A message from our Band Director, Mr. Curtis: 🎵 “Making music is the second most joyous endeavor for me on this Earth behind following Jesus, and I have the privilege of doing it with elementary, middle, and high school students. Arts education is crucial to creating more complete human beings who can think critically, be curious, and lead productive lives. Playing a musical instrument is the only activity that uses every area of the brain which improves overall brain function as well as performance in other subject areas.” #ucathunder #ucafinearts