Welcome to MCA Upper School
Serving Students from 9th through 12th Grade

As students enter upper school at McKinney Christian Academy, they step into a pivotal season of growth—one marked by increasing independence, deeper self-awareness, and a search for purpose. MCA recognizes that each student is uniquely created by God and called to develop into the person He has designed them to be in Him. Our Upper School provides a Christ-centered, academically challenging environment where students are equipped to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially as they are shaped into individuals of conviction, character, and faith.

Rooted in the Christian liberal arts tradition, MCA’s college-preparatory curriculum integrates faith and learning across all subjects, challenging students academically while shaping a biblical worldview. With a foundation in core knowledge, classical thought, and the great works of Western civilization, students engage in courses such as Bible, English, Math, Science, History, Fine Arts, and World Languages—cultivating a love for truth, beauty, and wisdom. Instruction is designed to meet the needs of students preparing for adulthood, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. As they grow in maturity and responsibility, students are encouraged to adopt a Colossians 3:23 mindset, pursuing excellence as an act of worship and service to God.

The Upper School at MCA cultivates a dynamic, Christ-centered community where students are encouraged, challenged, and deeply known. Through diverse opportunities in athletics, the arts, service, missions, leadership, and clubs, students are empowered to discover their God-given gifts, pursue their interests, and build lasting, Christ-honoring relationships. In partnership with families, MCA remains steadfast in its mission to provide Kingdom education—preparing students to live out their faith with confidence, lead with wisdom and humility, and engage the world with a strong biblical foundation and a clear sense of purpose.

 

A Letter from Our Upper School Principal

Dear McKinney Christian Academy Parents,

This is a great time to be a Mustang, and we are truly excited about what the Lord is doing in and through our students, faculty, and families in the Upper School.

As students enter these pivotal high school years, they begin a season filled with growth, responsibility, and deeper identity formation. At MCA, we are committed to walking alongside them as they navigate academic challenges, spiritual development, leadership opportunities, and preparation for life after graduation. Whether they are discovering their gifts in the classroom, on the athletic field, through fine arts, or by serving others, our desire is for each student to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man, as described in Luke 2:52.

We also value the importance of community. In the Upper School, students are not only known by name, but they are deeply valued as individuals made in the image of God. Our teachers and staff are devoted to discipleship and strive to build meaningful relationships that reflect the love of Christ. As we pursue academic excellence, we do so through a biblical worldview, helping students understand that all knowledge is connected to the truth of Scripture and the character of God.

We ask for your continued prayers for every student, family, and staff member as we seek to honor Jesus Christ and follow Him faithfully. Thank you for partnering with us during this important season of learning, growth, and transformation. We are honored to work with your family and look forward to the year ahead with joy and great expectation.

With gratitude,
Kyle Morrill
Upper School Principal

Upper School Goals

Spiritual Goal:

To deepen students’ personal relationship with Christ, equipping them to confidently live out their faith, engage Scripture with maturity, and defend biblical truth with clarity and conviction as they prepare to impact the world for Christ while guiding others along the path, as well.

Academic Goal:

To cultivate critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills through a rigorous, Christ-centered curriculum that prepares students to excel academically, serve faithfully, and engage the world with a biblical worldview within the pressures of an ever-changing technological world.

Social Goal:

To support students in building healthy, Christ-centered relationships, developing empathy and integrity, and gaining the social skills and confidence needed to navigate new challenges as they move toward adulthood and independence within their faith.

Physical Goal:

To encourage lifelong wellness by helping students develop healthy habits, physical fitness, and an understanding of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit—equipping them to care for their physical health as they move into adulthood, from a Christ-centered perspective in our society.

 

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

- Luke 9:23