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History of MCA

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.