McKinney Christian Academy

Our family relocated two years ago and after many a sad and unhappy experiences, we have been thankful to finally be at MCA. My child' s had been broken and the day we came to MCA she left her first day with five new friends and wanting to participate ion anything offered. I felt like my child was back. She is excited to go to school and skips to class. The parents and staff have been inviting and friendly. We feel like we joined a family. My only complaint is the science program. My child is so happy, we will be glad to supplement her science elsewhere in the summer. We still believe the curriculum is well rounded and are daughter is being prepared for her future. Love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

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

We are finishing our first year for our child at MCA. After attending MISD for many years we were looking for more challenging academcis and stronger discipline and the assurance of Christian values (all lacking at MISD). We found all these plus a loving family. I would strongly recomend this school. I would like to comment that as with everything some folks may not have as good experiences as others as seen in other posts. We found MCA to be everything they prescribe to be and more.
—Submitted by a parent

Our time at MCA has been a huge disappointment for our family. MCA is definitely focused on money and increasing the number of students vs. taking the needed time to evaluate and work with the students they already have. The teachers are either fantastic or horrible- you have a 50/50 chance of getting someone good. I would love to share details of my experiences over the past couple years, but my main advise is to thoroughly research all areas of the school before you commit. Attend the open house, meet with a 'host family', and talk with other parents (both current and former). Don't take ANYTHING for face value it has been our experience that MCA doesn t act ethically or Christ like when approached with difficult issues.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a great experience with McKinney Christian Academy. The academics are very rigorous - 2/3 of the teachers have master's degrees and a few upper school teachers have their PHDs! All teachers are ACSI certified. The teaching strength is obvious with 100% of graduates attending college and millions earned in scholarship. MCA offers a long list of AP courses and teaches at a college level. I know most of the kids in our lower school child's class test well above national averages.
—Submitted by C Johnson, a parent

MCA has an excellent teaching staff and a very supportive administration. My children have found great success academically, athletically, and spiritually. It is absolutely the best Christian school in the North Dallas area.
—Submitted by a parent

MCA has been a wonderful experience for our entire family. Our oldest daughter started MCA in 6th grade and has flourished academically, spiritually and socially. We had planned on waiting until our youngest daughter reached middle school to transfer her to MCA but have been so pleased that she will be starting this year. Sports are also important to us and the athletic programs seem to be very focused and organized. We look forward to the upcoming years.
—Submitted by R. Rogers, a parent

MCA became the bright spot in my son's year, as we had to move to McKinney from another city in the middle of the school year. Obviously, the entire family was apprehensive about the mid-year change, but my son was welcomed with Christ-like love by his peers almost immediately, and the teachers couldn't have helped him more with the transition. The challenging curriculum has had a positive impact on him, and the Biblical worldview was incorporated into all aspects of his day. You could see teachers and administrators truly living out their faith in front of their kids. I would highly recommend MCA to anyone considering a private Christian education for their child...he loves his school!
—Submitted by a parent

MCA has been an incredible place of learning and Christian love for our daughter. Not only do I feel this way as a parent, but my child will affirm this as well. Upon entering the car after school last year she excitedly said to me 'Mom I just love MCA' When I asked her what it was she liked about it. She said 'Everything!' I love my teachers, friends and Jesus Time' When she was Baptized this year, her 1st grade teacher was present at our church to congratulate her and show her support and love for such a huge decision in our daughter's life. She gave our daughter a bible to commemorate the day. There is not enough room on this page to express what MCA has meant to us as a family and to my daughter as a loving supportive place of Christian learning and friendship.
—Submitted by Suzette Johnson, a parent

MCA was a big disappointment. The school felt more like a military school than a bright, happy, motivating environment focused on the love of learning. Extracurricular activity was terribly unorganized and the different areas didn't work well together. The school should stand behind commitments made. Would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

McKinney Christian is a challenging academically and set on Biblical morals. The teachers are attentive to each student and his/her individual needs. McKinney Christian is an excellent school with encouraging teachers.
—Submitted by a parent