Maranatha Christian Academy (Brooklyn Park, MN)

Hey MCA - how's summer reading going? We've got a challenge for you!

📸 Snap a photo of yourself reading your favorite book.
📲 Post it with the hashtag .

At the end of July, we will randomly draw 3 tagged posts to receive a gift card for ice cream - the perfect reward following a summer read! Why the challenge?

Reading during the summer helps you stay ahead and keeps your mind growing! Reading is essential for a child's development as it stimulates your imagination, enhances your understanding of the world, and improves your language and communication skills. Regular reading habits foster a lifelong love for learning, setting the foundation for academic success.

🇺🇸Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, let’s take a moment to give thanks for the blessings of freedom and faith. Today, we honor the brave men and women who have fought for our liberties, including the ability to freely worship Christ. For those who attend MCA, we are thankful for the freedom to integrate faith and learning every day!

Laura Shaw, our LS Art teacher, loves teaching art and instilling a sense of pride in students for their work. “I hope they learn from our time together, that their unique expression is an incredibly important gift to the world around them.”

Read more about Ms. Shaw and how she helps students develop original ideas and think outside the box.

https://hubs.li/Q02CW3-z0

Outside the box | News | Maranatha Christian Academy Laura Shaw, our LS Art teacher, loves teaching art and instilling a sense of pride in students for their work. “I hope they learn from our time together, that their unique expression is an incredibly ...

Art isn't just about painting pretty pictures—it's a vital part of a child's education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression. In art class 🎨, our Pre-K students took on an exciting project of creating sculptures with foam peanuts! 🥜

This hands-on activity allowed them to explore shapes, structures, and spatial awareness while having a blast. Watching their imaginative ideas come to life is an excellent reminder of the importance of nurturing artistic skills from a young age.

Our goal is to partner with families in shaping the next generation of world changers. Alumni Drew Balentine is an example of a world changer that embodies our Culture in Action statement. He started a non-profit, Drew's KICKS, aimed at helping youth in need through supplying shoes.

✝️ Spirit-driven Leader: A leader of integrity who takes the opportunity to serve others.

💡 Impactful Innovator: A keen observer of today’s needs in a complex, rapidly changing world.

🧠 Critical thinker: Young minds that think critically to solve big problems.

🫂 Kingdom Community Builder: to love others based on biblical truths and mutual respect.

💪 Courageous Change Agents: Creating change and making a difference.

♥️Compassionate Problem solvers: Focusing on others and finding solutions that create win/wins

We are so proud of MCA students and alumni that are the hands and feet of Jesus in the community.

More than math. That's the perspective of our Middle School Math teacher, Mackenzie Franck. She believes learning math can be fun! And not only can math be fun, but learning how to overcome a difficult problem or situation is a powerful lesson she strives to instill in her students. Although math is important, having a connection with her students is even more important. "Even if they don’t like math, they know that I care about them, and I want them to succeed as much as they can.”

Read more about Mrs. Franck and her approach to teaching middle school math.
https://hubs.ly/Q02CnJwQ0

More than Math | News | Maranatha Christian Academy Mackenzie Franck went through the process of getting her teaching license thinking that she would become an Elementary teacher, but God had different plans for her. Mrs. Franck is one of our middle sc...

Molly Osberg, high school business and finance teacher, aims to connect what students are learning in the classroom with what they do in their everyday lives. Financial literacy is a passion of Molly's and her goal is to set students up for making wise financial decisions as they prepare to leave high school.

Read more about Ms. Osberg's passion for teaching finance, business, and entrepreneurship to students at MCA.

Setting Students Up for Lifelong Success | News | Maranatha Christian Academy Molly Osberg, high school finance teacher, teaches everything from Personal Finance to Entrepreneurship. One of her goals in teaching is to have her students connect what they are learning in the clas...

Before school was out for the year, a Royal Lunch took place in the Coffee House. The lunch was one of the items bid on during the Silent Auction. Homecoming King, Gavin Kirschbaum, and Queen, Autumn Lanari, hosted Zahra, Sarah, and Joshua to a Chick-fil-A feast. And, a spontaneous game of "Spot It" broke out. How fun!

In the last week of school, students in upper-level took a field trip to El Burrito Mercado. They got the opportunity to try authentic Mexican food, shop around the market, and explore the Latino neighborhood in St. Paul. We were so blessed to have this immersive cultural experience!

Three of these soon-to-be graduates will make St. Paul their home next fall, while one will head up north to the beautiful city of Duluth. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on finding the right place to thrive in the next season of their lives. God had a plan, and whether it is up on the North Shore of Lake Superior or in our capital city, we know you will be the change agents He has called you to be.
Solomon and Allie will be attending St. Thomas next year; Will plans to attend Hamline University home, and Mick will head to St. Scholastica.
God has gifted the Class of 2024 in many ways, whether through ministry, business, or nursing; these graduates are ready to pursue their dreams.
Next year, Cooper will attend Dunwoody Technical College, Serra will be at North Hennepin Community College, Autumn plans on attending Anoka-Ramsey Community College, and Ben plans to enter ministry and enroll in the internship program at Living Word.

A few of our graduates from the Class of 2024 figured out a way to avoid the freezing cold of a Minnesota winter by enrolling in colleges much further south! Nick and Makena will stay warm and study hard in Phoenix, Arizona, at Grand Canyon University next year, while Roslyn and Datrell are off to Dallas. Roslyn will attend Dallas Baptist, and Datrell will go to Dallas College-Eastfield.
Maranatha is excited to see our graduates continue to pursue their calling. These members of the Class of 2024 will be attending the following Christian colleges next fall. We pray blessings to you and the entire graduating class.
Jordan and Gavin will be enrolling at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Olivia will not be far away, attending Bethel University, and Aaron plans to go to North Central University across the river in Minneapolis.
Congratulations to the entire Class of 2024. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for you all!

The Interior Designer Class had the chance to design a "Dream Room" for Mrs. Clausen's class. After interviewing the third graders and hearing everything from a Boba station at the end of the bed to a Nike wall display to a "baseball and under the sea" theme, they spent time designing floor plans and mood boards. When the Interior Design Class presented their projects, it was Mrs. Clausen's birthday, so both classes were able to celebrate such a wonderful teacher while learning more about design.

As a graduate of MCA, this project was especially sentimental to Mrs. Block, the Interior Design teacher, because she was Mrs. Clausen's student intern as an 11th grade student. This year, her youngest daughter, Annie, has Mrs. Clausen as a teacher. It has been such a blessing for Annie to get to share in the special moments of being in Mrs. Clausen's classroom, just like Mrs. Block was years ago.
By the way, the third graders all agreed that the Interior Design students should get an A++.

Congratulations to Destiny Wiggins who signed her letter of intent to play Women's Volleyball at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga! Destiny is the first Mustangs volleyball player to continue her playing career at the Division I level. She has played varsity volleyball for the Mustangs since she was in the 7th grade and was named Skyline All-Conference in 2022 and 2023 as she led the Mustangs in kills and blocks. We look forward to watching her continue to grow spiritually and academically, as well as on the volleyball court.

As the Class of 2024 prepares to go out and make positive change in the world, let’s look at a few more of our graduates.

Logan will attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout next year. Logan recalled his appearance in the State Tournament with the soccer team when asked about a favorite memory.

Peter plans to attend The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology next year. He was positively impacted by Mr. Van Otterloo, stating, “Mr. V, he has always been there to listen to his students, making sure that they know that they are heard and wanted.”

Thy plans to go to North Hennepin Community College next year. One of her favorite memories was “When I went on a field trip with all international students.”

Luke will be attending Grand Canyon University next fall. Luke also points to Mr. Van Otterloo as a positive influence. “Mr. V has been a phenomenal example of how to treat everyone with love.”

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2024.

Last Friday, grandparents, parents, and special friends had the chance to "Experience Maranatha." It was a special day with musical and theatrical performances, art displays, innovation projects, a book fair, food trucks and more! A huge "Thank You" to the staff who poured so much into this massive event. We are so grateful that so many guests were able to share the day with us! To view the three musical performances, you can click the links below.
Lower School Performance on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_j6r3zCgVZM
Upper School Choir Performance on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9KcmCvyTzNQ
Upper School Band Performance on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EHQ43d5nl1k

Congratulations to Maranatha's Class of 2024. Here are a few more graduating seniors.

Max will attend the University of Kansas next fall. When asked about a favorite memory and teacher who has positively impacted him, he replied, “Football and Mr. Thomas.”

Isaiah plans to work in business next year. When asked how MCA has prepared him, he responded, “It helped me grow spiritually and gave me friends I can count on when I need help.”

Eddie will be a Marine next year. He stated that MCA “Has taught me things I will need to know as I prepare for the future.”

Porter plans to enter ministry. He stated the following regarding MCA and its teachers, “They have allowed me to learn in my faith, so I will be able to learn in my workplace.”

Ladies and gentlemen, some more highlights of the impressive class of 2024.

Zachary plans on attending Grand Canyon University. Looking back at how his teachers impacted his experience, Zachary said, “Mr. Van Otterloo has led me through much of my life as a Maranatha student. He taught me how to be a better person and how to prepare for my future.”

Matthew will attend the University of Minnesota. He was thankful for “Mr. Agrimson and Deb Larson for always challenging my faith and encouraging me to keep striving towards the Lord.”

Carter will attend the University of Notre Dame next year. When asked to consider a teacher who made a difference, he stated, “Mr. Harshbarger, no man brings the same kindness and energy that he does day in and day out. His warm personality and consistency are an inspiration for all.”

Eddie will be attending the University of California – Irvine and points to the Senior Retreat, hanging out with friends and playing lacrosse as highlights at MCA.

Studio Artists have their work on display in the MCA Learning Commons as preparations continue for Experience Maranatha on Friday, May 17. Be sure to register in advance by going to https://hubs.li/Q02xjn-r0, so you can view these amazing pieces in person. Congratulations on a job well done! https://hubs.li/Q02xjpKb0

The Class of 2024 will be missed. Before they go, let's recognize these amazing students.

Sebastian will be attending Bethel. Here is what he said about how MCA has prepared him for life after graduation, “MCA provided me with a wide variety of skills that can be applied to various areas of life. Furthermore, it established an environment where I was able to grow with God in peace.”

Ellie is off to the University of Minnesota next year. Looking back at a staff member who made a positive impact, she replied, “Jeff Thomas, because we were able to connect with him as students.”

Ty plans to attend the University of Tampa. When asked about a staff member who has impacted him, he said, “Dylan Gilmer has had a great impact on me, helping me navigate what it means to be a young Man of God.”

Elise will be attending the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. The staff member who impacted her was Mr. Agrimson. She stated, “Mr. Agrimson always encouraged me to pursue God and to stand up for my faith in God. I always felt like I could go to Mr A and talk to him about my struggles, whether it was in my faith or other struggles. I knew I could always go to him, and he would encourage me. I seriously do and always will see Jesus through Mr. A.”

The biggest event of the spring is almost here. Experience Maranatha combines Grandparents & Special Friends Day, visual art galleries, concerts, theater performances, a food truck festival, and more. Join us on May 17. For more information visit: https://hubs.li/Q02x8N8w0. Remember to look into taking some time to volunteer at the event - even if it is only for an hour or so. A link can be found on the website.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers who make up our MCA Family. May God bless you today and the rest of the year. We are so thankful that you use the gifts and talents you have been blessed with to pour into your kids.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024. Our Senior Class has made an impact here at MCA. Here are four more of these change-makers.

Kate will be attending North Central University. She had this to say about an impactful staff member, “Rachel Block because she is always smiling in her office and always there to talk to.”

Jason will attend the University of Minnesota. A staff that impacted his time here was Miss Williams. “Sometimes I can't express what I mean clearly, but she always listens patiently. Ms. Williams is very friendly. She always smiles and likes to chat with me. Whenever I have any difficulties, she is happy to help me solve them. I want to say that she is why I like school here.

Brianna will be attending the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. When asked to reflect on her time here, “Maranatha has taught me about responsibility, honesty, and how important it is to do all your work to the best of your ability, sometimes even going above and beyond.”

Eli plans to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute. When asked to reflect on a staff member who impacted him, he replied, “Mr. VanOtterloo; he has been the only staff member I have known since kindergarten and has always been someone to talk to about literally anything.”

From snacks and fistbumps to laughs and kindness...MCA teachers are the best of the best! 💯 Listen in on what these students love most and join in to share yours!

Teacher Appreciation