What began as a seed of faith in the hearts of devoted Christian
parents, Dr. Michael and A’Lisa Adams, has now grown into what we know
today as McKinney Christian Academy. MCA is the only private Christian
school in McKinney that provides a comprehensive Pre-K through Grade 12
college preparatory, Biblical-based education. MCA’s academics are
complimented by a highly competitive and successful interscholastic
sports program, an extensive variety of co-curricular activities, weekly
Chapel services, a community service program, and a team of committed
and experienced teaching professionals dedicated to molding young,
impressionable lives into mature, contributing adults resolved to making
an impact on their world for Christ.
With a heartfelt desire to provide a solid, traditional Christian
education for their children, but confronted with the reality that the
nearest Christian schools were inconveniently located in north Dallas,
Dr. and Mrs. Adams, along with other committed families, began the quest
to establish a private Christian school in 1992 in McKinney, notably
recently identified as the fastest growing city in the United States.
Trinity Christian Academy (TCA) became an early partner in this
journey, providing insight, direction and even a reference to the woman
who would eventually be chosen to help establish the school. Not unlike
other journeys that are pursued, this path was beset with obstacles,
turns, curves and even dead-ends, many of which would seem impassable or
insurmountable at the time. Standing firm on the promise outlined in
God’s Word, the Adams and the initial families discovered that
throughout this journey, His faithfulness and steadfast provision would
be proven time and time again.
Mrs. Diane Lopez, TCA’s first elementary school principal, had moved
to California and assumed a position there. When told about the plans
for MCA, however, her interest was piqued and her heart was moved. In a
significant step of faith, she pulled up stakes, returned to Texas and
took up temporary residence with the Adams. All of them rolled up their
sleeves and worked tirelessly to attend to all of the details
associated with establishing a quality Christian school.
The first Board of Trustees was formed and was comprised of Dr.
Michael Adams, Dr. Lee Brock, Mr. Max Gotcher and Mr. James Stewart.
Mrs. Lopez taught Kindergarten and the school’s original teacher, Mrs.
Andy Adams (no relation to Michael and A’Lisa) was hired to teach first
grade. The First Bank of McKinney was moving to a new facility, and
their former bank building on Graves Street was purchased and renovated
for the school’s use. Just a few short months after the dream was
inspired, MCA miraculously opened its doors for classes on August 28,
1992 with thirteen students.
“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28
One grade level was added each year, culminating in the first
graduating class of three seniors in 2003. The school library, with its
humble beginnings from a love offering of fifteen large boxes of books
donated by friends from Trinity Christian Academy, has grown to include
over 10,000 books, encompasses over 1500 square feet of space, and is
now staffed by a full-time librarian. Furthermore, courses in music,
physical education, foreign language, computer technology, and art have
been added to provide for a well-rounded and balanced education aimed at
concurrently developing the body, mind and spirit of its valued
students.
Rosie Burns was elected to the first President of the Parent Teacher
Fellowship (PTF), an organization which has contributed greatly to the
success and growth of the school, as well as to the unique camaraderie
enjoyed by faculty and parents alike. The PTF has helped to form a
strong foundation built on the spirit of giving, frequent and purposeful
expressions of encouragement and gratitude and has been instrumental in
forging a spirit of selfless service, widely evident in the life of the
school since inception.
All-School Picnics, Book Fairs, playgrounds, football fields and a
myriad of fundraising activities have all become part of the MCA
landscape. Over time, the original mascot (Eagle) has been changed to a
Mustang, and the yearbook and school newspaper now carry complimentary
equestrian names of The Steed and The Mane Edition, respectively.
Junior and Senior High Director Ed Aronson blessed the school with
direction and leadership for two years beginning in 1999 and his tenure
was followed by the hiring of the school’s first official Headmaster,
Mr. Todd Clingman, who was recruited to MCA from Prestonwood Christian
Academy in Plano. Bringing with him Athletic Director, Mr. Keith
Bollinger, and rounding out the fine administrative staff with Ms. Debi
Sass-Fjetland, Lower School Principal who replaced Diane Lopez at
retirement, the school now enjoys the benefit of a full administrative
staff, complete with Spiritual Life and Academic Guidance Counselors,
Business Services, Admissions, Marketing, and vital clerical support.
Annual awards programs tout students’ successes at district and
state-wide competitions, in the areas of academics, fine arts and
athletics. The inception of Junior High Boys and Girls Basketball was
the first step into the world of interscholastic athletics. Expanding
from its meager launch to a full athletic program under the auspices of
TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) Division 3A,
the program now includes the Junior High, Junior Varsity and Varsity
sports of football, cheerleading, volleyball, cross country, basketball,
baseball, golf, softball, wrestling and track and field. MCA’s student
athletes adhere to the highest of sportsmanship standards, exemplifying
their love of Christ and of each other, both on and off the field.
Efforts to acquire additional property for expansion and a permanent
campus site had been thwarted on countless occasions over the years.
However, in 2001, 63 acres of prime and beautiful tree-lined property
became available. Located in the heart of McKinney and easily accessible
from surrounding cities, God’s providence and timing were perfect…once
again! Now the home of a consolidated Lower School and Upper School
campus, the student body currently boasts over 540 students, has
matriculated ten graduating classes, is fully accredited by the renowned
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School
Improvement (SACS CASI) while enjoying growing community visibility and
support.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run,
but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it
to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that
will last forever.” - I Corinthians 9:24-25
This is our journey. This is our race. The training that McKinney
Christian Academy has become known for is rigorous. It is stretching.
It is sometimes wearisome. There are bumps and scars along the way.
However, in the end, it is always powerful and well worth the
sacrifice. For, the unparalleled prize in this race - this race of epic
proportion and with eternal implications - is to win the hearts and
minds of students for Christ so that they can be fully prepared to have
that same influence on a world in desperate need of a Savior.