For 30 years, McKinney Christian Academy (MCA) has equipped students with a strong spiritual foundation and prepared them academically for college and beyond. MCA offers a comprehensive, affordable, high-quality Christian education that supporters indicate meets the needs of students and parents alike. MCA is a nondenominational Covenant school.
“The story of MCA is a story of faith steps and seeing the Lord work through obedient local leaders with a passion and calling for Christian education,” says Heath Nivens, head of the school. “From where we started to today, is just truly amazing.”
MCA opened in 1992 with 13 students in kindergarten and first grade from local families who had a heart and desire for their children to have a Christian education. The school originally opened at an old bank building on Grave Street in downtown McKinney. Every year, a new grade level was added, with the first graduating class of 13 students in 2003.
Today, MCA has 670 Pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade students from all over Collin County and sits on a 60-acre campus in McKinney with room to grow and expand.
As a college preparatory school, MCA challenges every student to reach their full potential and impact the next generation for Christ. Heath says the focus is to help students be prepared academically and spiritually for a lifelong journey of faith. MCA offers an advanced curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit courses.
Education and growth opportunities are not limited to the classroom. Because of its smaller size, MCA students have an opportunity to be involved in extracurricular clubs, fine arts and athletics from lower school through high school. Mentoring relationships with younger students provide a unique level of education and perspective. Extracurricular activities are used as an extension of the classroom for character building, Heath adds.
MCA’s teaching staff is comprised of 54 teachers certified in their area of instruction with 43% holding advanced degrees. Heath says every teacher is committed to being a lifelong learner and wanting to grow as a professional. "They have a distinct purpose and mission each day to be dedicated to not just their students, but their students’ families as well."
MCA’s athletics department, fine arts community and co-curricular clubs are staffed with qualified coaches and instructors who are perceived as highly effective while pursuing excellence in their specialty field. MCA offers football, volleyball, baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, swimming, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. Additional opportunities include local and global mission trips, art, band, choir, theatre, debate, journalism, robotics, broadcasting, student government, TAPPS academic competitions, debate, Leadership Academy and various clubs.
Heath believes MCA’s 30-year history sets the school apart from other schools. He says the school is young enough to not be rooted in a “we have always done it this way approach” but traditions are strong. And, MCA maintains a history of excellence in academics, with students advancing to colleges and universities across Texas and throughout the country. The second element that sets MCA apart is the strong sense of community. "Every family is connected and the school views that relationship as a partnership," Heath explains.
MCA’s foundation is set on biblical truth. Heath says, "Across campus, God’s word is to be opened and examined, no matter the classroom subject. God’s word is the foundation for the students. The school partners with families and local churches to make sure students are getting the best education possible. MCA ensures students are well-equipped for success, both academically and spiritually as followers of Christ."
“A private education is an investment for a family,” says Heath. “One of the things I love about our school is that everything is offered at a great value to our families.”
MCA sets its students up for success after graduation with an approach of educating the whole student – body, mind and spirit. Heath says MCA uses a well-rounded approach and a model of excellence displayed on campus.
"Students are being shown to look to the future and aim for success and excellence. Community service is implemented on a local and global level," he adds.
“It’s a calling. You are called to teach,” says Heath Nivens. “You are called to education and making an investment into the lives of young children.”