Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of school is McKinney Christian Academy?
McKinney Christian Academy is a Christian, co-educational, independent, non-profit, interdenominational, college preparatory school. Serving grades PreK4 through Grade 12, MCA is the only one of its kind in McKinney, drawing students from numerous North Texas communities. McKinney Christian Academy is dedicated to teaching students to live biblically through the education of mind, body and spirit.
How long has McKinney Christian Academy been in existence?
McKinney Christian Academy was founded in 1992.
Where is McKinney Christian Academy located?
McKinney Christian Academy resides on the beautiful 60-acre campus located at 3601 Bois D'Arc Road in the heart of McKinney.
How many students attend McKinney Christian Academy?
Enrollment for the 2007-2008 academic year totals 450 students, with 250 students in the Lower School (PreK4 through Sixth Grade) and 200 students in the Upper School (Seventh Grade through Twelfth Grade). Students come to MCA from numerous communities, including McKinney, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Melissa, Anna, Celina, Fairview, Leonard, Princeton, Prosper, Van Alstyne, and as far away as Bonham.
What is the class size?
The smaller class size affords more individualized attention for students and draws many families to MCA as an important differentiating factor. MCA class size guidelines are:
| PreK-4 | Average 16 with Teacher Assistant |
| Kindergarten | Average 20 with Teacher Assistant |
| 1st-3rd | Average 18 |
| 4th-6th | Average 20 |
| 7th-12th | Average 24 |
What kind of academic programs are available at McKinney Christian Academy?
McKinney Christian Academy is a college preparatory school, offering a variety of classes including honors and Advanced Placement courses. Students study Language Arts, mathematics, science, history, Spanish, Bible, art, speech, drama, instrumental and vocal music, life skills, and technology. For additional information on the specific curriculum for each grade level, please consult the Curriculum section.
What type of curriculum is taught at McKinney Christian Academy?
McKinney Christian Academy offers an exemplary education to children of Christian families, equipping them to be lifetime followers of Jesus Christ. MCA uses a traditional curriculum taught from a Biblical perspective (Christian worldview) and emphasizes critical thinking skills. This approach gives students the opportunity to view each academic area through the lens of God's Word.
What kind of co-curricular programs are available at McKinney Christian Academy?
Participation in co-curricular activities is encouraged at McKinney Christian Academy. There are many opportunities at every grade level for students' involvement and growth, including weekly Chapel, technology courses, vocal and instrumental music, art programs, teambuilding retreats, journalism and yearbook staff, college tours, mission trips, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student government, interscholastic academic events and field trips.
McKinney Christian Academy fields competitive athletic teams in many sports including football, volleyball, cheerleading, cross country, basketball, track and field, softball, baseball and golf. Students participate on teams in various levels including Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Junior High. MCA athletes compete in the
TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools)
Division III.
Is McKinney Christian Academy affiliated with any church or religious organization?
McKinney Christian Academy is not affiliated with any church or specific Christian denomination, although students and families are requested to sign a Statement of Faith prior to enrollment. Over 75 local churches are represented at MCA. McKinney Christian Academy embraces a Christian philosophy of education that is built on a biblical foundation which views knowledge and truth as having their source in God. McKinney Christian Academy seeks to aid the student in developing his/her talents and learning to view God as the Lord of all of life. The school's mission is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and it is expected that faculty, staff and students will articulate the reality of this relationship in their lives.
How much does it cost to attend McKinney Christian Academy?
The tuition for 2007-2008 can be found on the Admissions page.
Does McKinney Christian Academy offer financial aid?
Financial aid is need-based and is available to qualified families. Families interested in applying for aid should contact the Business Office at 214-544-2658, extension 4102. Parents must apply annually for the next school year. Financial aid is awarded annually according to availability of funds and in response to financial need. Applications for financial aid are due by March 15 prior to the academic year to which the assistance will apply. F.A.C.T.S. is an independent third party which assists in the financial aid decisions.
What is the admissions process for McKinney Christian Academy?
Families who are interested in McKinney Christian Academy are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at 214-544-2658, x4101. There are monthly opportunities to attend an Open House session which includes a presentation by the Headmaster and Admissions Director and a Question and Answer session. The first step in the admissions process is to submit an application to the Admissions Office. Additional admissions steps include standardized testing, a student campus visit, and parent and student interviews. For more information, visit our Admissions page.
How is McKinney Christian Academy accredited?
MCA is accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Does MCA offer after school care?
McKinney Christian Academy offers an after school program for students in Grades PreK – Grade 6. This after school program is available for an additional charge of either $20 per day or $240 per month and provides care for your child after school ends until 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. MCA's after school program is not available for days when the school is closed.
In what grade does McKinney Christian Academy begin to teach a second language, and what languages are offered?
The foundation of a second language (Spanish) begins in the PreK 4 (5 day program) and is available through high school with two years required for graduation.
Are students required to wear a uniform and must I get it from one particular company?
Yes. Students who attend McKinney Christian Academy in Kindergarten through Grade 12 are required to wear a uniform (Uniforms in PreK are optional, but highly recommended). Uniforms are to be purchased from Parker School Uniforms. For more information on approved uniform choices for MCA, please consult the the Parker School Uniforms website at www.parkersu.com. MCA's Web ID code is DA242703. The Parker School Uniforms store is located at 4909 W. Park Blvd. #173 in Plano. Their phone number is 469-467-9712.
What are the graduation requirements at McKinney Christian Academy?
MCA is a college preparatory school. 26 high school credits are required to graduate. The following subjects earn credits toward graduation; Bible, math, language arts, social studies, science, foreign language, physical education, fine arts, speech, health, and technology. One or more of the following tests, PSAT, PLAN, OLSAT and SAT, are given annually to all students, grades 1st through 12th, to evaluate student academic progress. Student scores have consistently averaged 3 grade levels above normal for their grade, providing evidence of a strong academic focus.
Is transportation provided for students to and from school when they attend McKinney Christian Academy?
Transportation is not available to and from school; however the school owns two buses which are used for field trips and athletic transportation, etc. School directories are available so that individual families can make arrangements to carpool.
What opportunities for involvement are available for parents?
MCA views parents as ultimately being responsible for the education of their children. The school reinforces biblical principles and moral character taught at home, thus forging a highly effective partnership with parents. By placing their children in MCA, they agree to accept standards established by the school.
Parental involvement is strongly encouraged at McKinney Christian Academy and numerous opportunities are provided for parental involvement and support. Parents may serve in the classroom, as a field trip chaperone, serve as club sponsors, provide assistance with lunch, reading club, chapel and special programs, join and participate in the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF), the Athletic Booster Club, the Technology Committee, the Christian Men's Club and Moms In Touch (prayer group).
It is standard procedure for McKinney Christian Academy to run background checks on all of our parents who volunteer along with every staff and faculty member.
How do I contact the Headmaster at McKinney Christian Academy?
Mr. Kevin Fields, Headmaster of McKinney Christian Academy, can be reached by phone at 214-544-2658 and by email at headmaster@mckinneychristian.org. His office is located in the Administrative Building at 3601 Bois D'Arc Rd. in McKinney, TX 75071.
Who are the principals of the Lower School and Upper School and how do I reach them?
Ms. Debra Sass Brewster is the Principal of the Lower School and can be reached at 214-544-2658 x4202. Her email address is dbrewster@mckinneychristian.org.
Mr. Keith Bollinger is the Principal of the Upper School and can be reached at 214-544-2658 x4306. His email address is kbollinger@mckinneychristian.org.
When does enrollment start for the 2008-2009 school year?
Applications for the 2008-2009 school year are accepted any time after October 1st, 2007. Re-enrollment for current students begins in December of 2007. Open enrollment begins February 4, 2008. Quick action by prospective parents is recommended due to the anticipated "filling" of many sections, but students are welcome to enroll at any time of the school year if availability allows. We have a number of students that start at Thanksgiving or after the mid-year break. (Note: Siblings and faculty children are given first priority.)
What differentiates McKinney Christian Academy from other educational institutions in the area?
McKinney Christian Academy is the only private school in McKinney which offers a comprehensive educational experience spanning Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. In addition, dedicated faculty, strong parental involvement and the beautiful campus located on 60 scenic acres in the heart of McKinney make MCA appealing and convenient for local families. At MCA, you get considerable value for the tuition paid. Our students obtain a quality college-preparatory private education and the breadth and depth of community volunteerism is unmatched. MCA's recent athletic accomplishments are also quite notable.
How is the Bible integrated into the teaching at McKinney Christian Academy? Is there a separate Bible Class that the students attend?
God's Word is integrated into every program at McKinney Christian Academy. Formally, teachers plan lessons from a Biblical perspective in all subjects. This could be a lesson on creation vs. evolution, the sanctity of marriage, history of western civilizations, etc. However, many opportunities for Biblical integration arise as a result of student discussion and input. These opportunities are significantly important to Christian education and rely on a competent teacher who must be a mature, growing believer to integrate principles effectively. However, the largest and most effective component of Christian education is the actual life of each teacher, sponsor and coach lived out in front of students each day.
What is the average SAT score for MCA's graduating seniors?
1100
What does ACSI and SACS accreditation mean?
Being accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) means that MCA has audited itself and has also been externally audited to verify that high standards are in place and that those standards are being followed. For more information about ACSI, please consult their website at www.acsi.org. For more information about SACS, please consult their website at www.sacs.org.
Are there any academic competitions?
In addition to competitions sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International, MCA participates in other local competitions including fine arts and academic competitions through TAPPS.
Can home-schooled children be successfully integrated into MCA?
Yes, we have successfully integrated home-schooled students into the MCA environment many times.
What is the growth goal for MCA?
In the short term (approximately 5 years) MCA will have 575 students, 2 sections per grade. For the long term, there will be 1,200 students, 4 sections per grade.
How many graduates of MCA have been accepted and attend college after graduating from MCA?
100% of MCA graduates have gone on to college.
What colleges do MCA students attend and which colleges have accepted MCA students?
The colleges that have either accepted an MCA student or is currently being attended by an MCA student include the following: Baylor University, Belmont College, Christ for the Nations, Collin County Community College, Dallas Baptist University, DePauw University, Hardin Simmons University, Harding College, Lee University, LeTourneau University, Northern Arizona University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Ole Miss, Pepperdine, Sam Houston State University, Seattle Pacific University, Sewanee, The University of the South, Southern Methodist University, Southwestern University, Taylor Univeristy, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, Texas Women's University and University of Texas at Dallas, Univeristy of Oklahoma, Vanderbilt.
Have MCA students ever been awarded scholarship dollars towards their college tuition?
Yes. MCA students have been awarded over $1,565,000 in scholarships from colleges they have attended.



