McKinney Christian Academy

One of the biggest problems I see with MCA, after my child has attended for a few years, is the lack of advanced degrees among the upper school instructors and the MAJOR lack of communication between the school, individual parents, and teachers. RenWeb is a good tool but only as far the teacher's use it. We have gotten used to not having ANY IDEA something is going on until too late, that day, or whatever the situation. My child made 0 lasting connections - probably because she doesn't go to First Baptist Church - but we are moving on. If you would have voted for Rick Santorum and you are extremely conservative, then this is definitely your school. McKinney NEEDS MORE OPTIONS!!! (nondenominational doesn't mean other denominations are welcome)
--Submitted by a parent

After a few bad experiences with freshmen falling through the cracks at the massive Boyd HS, I placed all three of my children at MCA this Spring. Best decision I ever made. The special needs "directed studies" program with Dr. Dooley (just added this school year), while new, is amazing and Dr. Dooley has a great vision for the future of the program. My 6th grader has more confidence than he's ever had and absolutely credits the school, teachers, and especially directed studies and Dr. Dooley. I also have a young child and a high schooler. The teachers for both have been the best they have had. While reading the other reviews, keep in mind that MCA is college prep. They don't hand hold in class, and the admissions process attempts to prepare you for the rigorous academics. It is a challenging adjustment for even the brightest kids, but it prepares them for colleges and not just "narrow minded" ones. The Christian component is authentic and real-world applicable. The social environment is like a family, if you make an effort and attend things to get to know the parents and students. The more we experience at MCA, the more we like. Do your homework and then go tour the school!
--Submitted by a parent

MCA is teaching children to be conservative right-wing Republicans who believe in creationism and are narrow-minded, intolerant people. When these kids get to college, they are going to be limited to the few schools that hold the same non-scientific beliefs. Their communications skills are lacking to say the least and their sense of value is based on how many championships they can win instead of how well-educated their children are. SAD
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have gone to MCA for a few years now and over the past couple of years the school seems to be focusing on adding more students, more money and less about values. You can't go to a meeting or event without them asking for more money. I agree with the previous parents comment about the teachers as well! 50/50, I've had some that are amazing and terrible. When your child is struggling they don't have one-on-one help, they want you to pay another $2k on top of tuition to get the attention they need. Isn't that why we're paying such high tuition that goes up every year, so the teachers can help them ??? I'm praying it get's better for families that work hard and do everything to put their kids in a Christian loving environment with great academics. I hope something happens and they read these reviews!
--Submitted by a parent

The academics here are great! The students, though, are mostly "rich kids" who carry around their designer purses and backpacks. With my daughter, not having everything or barely anything designer, she was bullied and not included in anything. She told us that she felt like people in her grade were looking down on her and not including her because of money. She is staying at the school for academics, but begs us everyday to switch.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is so loved at school and numerous times the school has rallied together to family out the community.
--Submitted by a parent

The lower school has some authentic Christian teachers, and has a Christ-like atmosphere. The upper school isn't as warm and friendly. Our older child was bullied and we were given no sympathy on this from the upper school principal.at that time. We were rejected for financial aid for our younger child who is chronically ill, so she will not be able to go there next year. Submitted by a very disappointed parent
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended MCA from 1st grade through graduation. He is making all A's at Texas A&M engineering. He was totally prepared academically and spiritually. Wonderful faculty;highly qualifiied.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended MCA for 3 years and I wouldn'd consider sending him to any other school (especially McKinney public schools.) The MCA academics are first rate, the teaching staff really cares about each child, and with 18 to 20 students per class they receive pleanty of individual attention which they need in elementary school. Parents are always welcome to attend any class which really says alot about MCA.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall MCA is a very good school. It is a fairly young school that continues to grow and improve every year. The academics are more challenging that what is available in local public schools at the lower and middle school levels. MCA's staff is very dedicated to the students. There are varying teaching abilities and styles, but overall, the teachers are very qualified. The lower school spends a lot of time on writing and communication skills. The art, music, and band programs are strong and continue to grow each year. The upper school athletic program is especially strong. All interested students are encouraged to participate and really push themselves to be their best. Students are encouraged to participate in multiple sports. Spirituality is stressed. Most kids in this school have strong family support and there is a lot of parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent