Parents

Parent Information Page

Parents, this section is for you full of helpful information to assist you throughout the year. To be able to have this information at your fingertips, download the Maranatha App. Simply search Maranatha Christian Academy MN in the App Store or Google Play. From the app, you can read the most recent Mane Outlook email and stay up to date on the latest information. 


New! Volunteer Management System

New this year! Maranatha is implementing a volunteer management system from Bloomerang/InItLive. The site has many great features, including an easy-to-use app. There are a few basics to go through to get started. 

  1. Everyone will need to "register/sign up for the organization" by clicking here.
  2. With safety as a top priority, we will make sure everyone registered has a completed background check. 
  3. Once we have a background check on file, participants will be invited to
    1. Download the app
    2. Fill out their personal profile 
    3. Find events where they can volunteer (please note, new events will be added throughout the year)

Register/Sign Up for the Organization


Navigating the School Day

We are all busy! As a parent, there is a lot that goes into navigating a school day. We have listed many resources to help you navigate daily logistics at MCA. For easy access, we always recommend downloading the MCA APP. 

Report a Student Absence

Reporting a student absence or early pick up

If your student will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early, please submit an absence form. If you call student services, they will request you to submit this form. All situations require you to complete this form: 

  • Late arrival to school
  • Absences
  • Early pick-up

Report an absence here

School Hours and Weather/Emergency Closings

School Hours:

  • PK school day: 8 am - 3 pm (PK classrooms are open from 7 am - 6 pm)
  • Lower School (K - 4): 8 am - 3 pm
  • Middle/Upper School (5-12): 8:15 am - 3:10 pm

Before school care: students may be dropped off at 7 am. PK students are check-into their classrooms. K-12 gather in the cafeteria. 

X-Tended Day:

  • X-Tended Care (K-4): 3:15 pm - 6 pm
  • X-Tended Experience (5-6): 3:20 - 6 pm
  • Grades 7-12 can study on campus until 6 pm. After 6 pm, students must be participating in an extra-curricular in order to be on campus. 

For more information and registration for X-Tended Day, please click here.

Weather and Emergency Closings:

For information, policies, and questions about possible school closings, and other interruptions to school or school activities, please click here.

Pre-K Check-in/Check-out Procedures

Please watch the short video below for the following Pre-K check-in and check-out procedures:

  • Check-in process 
  • Arrivals before 7:45 check in to Morning Care
  • Lunch
  • Nap items
  • Dismissal (car line or aftercare)

 

Door Dismissal/Traffic Flow, and Transportation/Bussing

Door Dismissal and Carpool Traffic Flow:

MCA uses a staggered dismissal time and assigned doors to manage the car pool traffic flow. Please take a moment to view the Traffic Flow map

Transportation/Bussing:

Families residing in School District 279 may opt-in to morning bus transportation.  A Transportation Request Form can be completed as part of the enrollment packet.  If you have questions, please contact Matt Shepherd in the Business Office.

Our Business Office will submit the Transportation Request Form to District 279.  District 279 will then contact you late summer with a pick time and location (usually at your home or the cross street/corner near your home). Students are brought to the High School closest to their residence (either Osseo, Park Center, or Maple Grove High School) and then transfer to the bus going to Maranatha, arriving at Maranatha about 7:30 am.

After-school bussing is not available.

Accessing FACTS and Schoology

FACTS

FACTS is our Student Information System (SIS). This system is where you will find our directory, report cards, tuition and billing, and lunch accounts. 

Login to FACTS (our district code is MCA-MN)

Schoology

Schoology is our Learning Management System (LMS) where students and parents can see their daily assignments and grades. 

Schoology for parents

 

Questions on accessing your accounts? Contact our IT Support team.

Calendar

Web Calendar

This calendar is updated as events are added and/or changed. Please refer to this calendar for the most up to date information. 

One-Page Overview Calendar

For your convenience, we have provided a quick-glance one-page calendar. Use this to plan for days off and major events. Please note that this calendar is subject to change so we advise using the web calendar for the most up to date school events. 

To view the 2024-2025 quick-glance one-page calendar, please click here

Lunch Program

Maranatha offers students, staff, and guests multiple options for hot lunch, from al a carte to vegetarian to premium, and more. Please click here to view the current month's menus.

Adding money into your family lunch account

  • Login into your FACTS family portal (district code MCA-MN)
  • Click on the financial tab to load money into the lunch account. Funds deposited will show up immediately. There is no waiting period.
  • Lunch accounts are family accounts so all enrolled children in a family will share the funds. 
  • Lunch accounts are not automatically replenished. Parents must authorize additional funds by logging back into your portal. When lunch accounts go below $$10, you will receive reminder emails to load additional funds. 
  • Parents are able to view what has been purchased each day in their account.

Junior/Senior Lunch 

Juniors and Seniors may eat lunch in the Coffee House. Lunch items may be purchased from the Coffee House if they choose. The Coffee House is not linked to student's lunch accounts and require payment by cash or credit card. 

X-Tended Day and Non-school Day Care

X-Tended Day

Maranatha's X-Tended Day programming offers great opportunities for students in Grades K-6 to build relationships, enhance creativity, achieve homework goals, and have fun together. Whether it is afterschool care, enrichment clubs, or non-school-day care, we instill the values of Christ's attitude reflected everywhere. As a continuation of Maranatha's school day, X-Tended Day's academic focus fosters a love of school taught through a Christian Worldview. 

For care options and registration beyond the school day, click here.

Release Days and Half Days

When school is not in session, Maranatha has designed a special program for students in PK through Grade 6. During these non-school or half-days, students have fun with friends and often have an opportunity to go on field trips. Full-days run 7:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. and after school on half days begin after dismissal and run until 3:15 p.m./3:20 p.m.. After school X-Tended Care/Experience rates apply.

Athletics, Activities, Robotics, and Music Lessons

Athletics Registration

Middle and Upper School students have an opportunity to play sports through MCA. For more information about sports physicians and joining a team, click here

Friendly reminder: Registration is open for all High School & Middle School Fall Sports! You are required to be registered before August 14 to be eligible to participate in High School Sports.

Enrichment Activities

The Enrichment program is designed for students looking to take their learning to the next level through a variety of hands-on afterschool experiences and fun activities. The classes typically take place after school until 4:15 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. As new classes are added, flyers and information are sent home to allow parents to register their students for engaging activities such as knitting/crochet, book club, innovation club and more. 

View our Clubs and Activities

Music Lessons

Interested in taking music lessons on campus? Explore options here.

Robotics

  • First Lego League (FLL): Students in grades 5-8, with a teacher’s recommendation. This is a competitive robotics team that must complete a number of activities within the time frame of the season. The season runs from September through January. We typically meet twice after school until 4:30. Register online through our Activities Department - Fall Activities.
  • First Tech Challenge (FTC): Students in grades 8-12. The build season runs September through March, and we typically meet two evenings and Saturday morning per week.  The off season runs April through August and teams typically meet a few times per month. Register online through our Activities Department - Fall Activities.
Upper School Service Hours

Upper School Students are required to complete service hours each school year. Service hour requirements are listed below:

  • Grades 5–6 need 15 hours of service.
  • Grades 7–8 need 25 hours of service.
  • Grades 9–12 need 35 hours of service.

Note: Students can earn service hours during the summer months for the 2023-24 school year! Students can enter hours earned over the summer in Naviance or manually track them, and we will enter them in Naviance in the Fall.


Ways to Get Connected at MCA

It is often said that Maranatha feels like family. While this may sound cliché, the truth is we have a wonderfully engaging community where people find connections easily. We encourage you to explore the many ways in which you can connect and meet new friends at MCA. 

School Communication

Download our MCA APP! - This is your "one stop shop" for all things MCA including lunch menus, handbooks, event calendar, athletic information, and more! Get it on the App Store or Google Play. Be sure to turn on notifications!

Weekly Mane Outlook Email 

Every Monday, MCA will send an all-school communication containing important information on upcoming events and other details you need to know. Be sure to add [email protected] to your safe sender list (or add us to your address book) so these emails do not get filtered by unfortunate bots.

In addition to receiving the email in your inbox, you can view them in the Maranatha App (see information above).  

Connect with us on Social Media

Parents with Purpose

Parents with Purpose - a great way to get connected and meet other parents. Join the group on Facebook and introduce yourself. Plus, stay up to date by checking the PWP website regularly.

Parents with Purpose Website

Upcoming Parents with Purpose events: 

Back-to-School Breakfast for Moms!

MCA moms, join us for breakfast on Friday, September 1 at 8:15 a.m. at 3 Squares in Maple Grove. This breakfast will be a great way to connect with other moms to kick off the new school year! We look forward to seeing you.

Mom's Coffee Dates

Join us for coffee! This casual setting is great for meeting other MCA moms and building community. Click here for the schedule of the monthly coffee dates and put them in your calendar.

The first Moms' Coffee will be Thursday, September 14, in the LW Coffee House. We can't wait to get to know your better!

Maranatha Mornings

Maranatha Mornings - the last Friday of each month, we invite parents to join us in the Coffee House for coffee, pastries, and tips and wisdom from guest speakers. For more information and the schedule, click here

Getting Involved
  • Volunteering - get involved by volunteering your time. Click here for more information.
  • Parents with Purpose - a great way to get connected and meet other parents. Join the group on Facebook and introduce yourself. 
  • Give the gift of Christian education by supporting the Annual Fund.
Who to Contact

At some point, you’ll have a question or need to let us know something! Reach out to a staff member individually using our Staff Directory, or find the frequently used contacts below.

Business-related Questions:

Academic-related Questions:

Student life-related Questions: 

Getting Involved:


Other Important Information

With so many things happening at Maranatha, we wanted to make the following information easily accessible as well. Please click on the drop-down items below to learn more.

Key Events

Maranatha offers numerous events throughout the year. Below are some highlighted events to learn more about.

Meals for Minneapolis

  • This all-school outreach and fundraiser is the most impactful event on the calendar. Students, staff, and sponsors come together to pack 60,000 meals for families in need in our community and at the same time, families raise important funds for the school to continue its mission. Click here to learn more.

Maranatha Gala

  • It's the party of the year! A fun theme, great auction items, delicious food, fantastic fellowship, and a beautiful venue make the Gala the most in-demand ticket in town. To learn more, click here

Mustangs Golf Invitational

  • Fore! Join alumni, parents, and friends of the academy on the golf course this summer for our annual golf tournament. Click here to see how you can tee off and support Mustangs' athletics.

Annual Business Meeting

  • Have a clear, strategic vision for the school is imperative to the success of Maranatha Christian Academy. The Annual Business Meeting is a live-streamed event where the Head of School and other admin share what God has put on their hearts for the upcoming year and beyond. Additionally, important business information is shared as we prepare for the next school year. This event takes place yearly at the end of January.

Spirit Events

  • Fall Fest is a fun week of games and activities centered around fall sports. The week concludes with a dance for high school students.
  • Homecoming week takes place the first week in February (it sometimes sneaks back into the last week of January). There are dress-up days, a coronation ceremony, a basketball extravaganza, and a dance. 
  • Spring Splash highlights our spring sports and includes Prom as the final dance of the year.

Experience Maranatha

  • During Experience Maranatha, grandparents, parents, and special friends are invited to join their student(s) for part of the day and view the amazing visual art displays, attend concerts, check out the innovation projects, shop at the book fair, and so much more. There are even food trucks available for lunch. It is an incredible day highlighting the arts at MCA. To learn more, click here

Back-to-School Night

  • This is the first time we are all together after a well-deserved summer break. Families get to meet their teachers, reconnect with friends - and meet new ones, and so much more.  Details can be found by clicking here.
Parent University

We believe there is a strong partnership between the school and the home, so much so that we work to provide parenting tips at various times throughout the year and a place with resources that can benefit parents on their daily journey. To learn more, check out Parent University

Summer Camp, Summer Reading, and Summer Tutoring

While we believe summer is a time to recharge and rest, it is also an opportunity for growth and finding new joys. 

Summer Camp

  • Connect with other families during the summer through our Summer Camp Program. Activities for all ages and grades are available.

Summer Reading

Summer Tutoring

  • Summer is a great time to seek tutoring for your student. Registration will be available April 15, 2024

Back-to-School!

The 2023-24 school year is here! We have listed important information as you prepare to start the school year. 

Important Back-to-School Events

Boohoo Yahoo! Breakfast - August 29 | 8 - 9:30 am

Back to School can be an emotional roller coaster. For some parents, it can be sad (boohoo), and for others, it can be joyous (yahoo). We are celebrating both ups and downs with donuts and coffee on Tuesday, August 29, in the Coffee House Lobby, from 8-9:30 a.m.

School Pictures, Yearbooks, Senior Pictures

School Picture Days:

  • Grades 5-12 | August 21 (during the Back to School Night)
  • PreK- Grade 4 | September 20
  • Picture Retakes | October 18

Please have your student dress appropriately for school pictures. Click here for details on ordering school pictures through Jostens. 

Yearbooks:

School yearbooks can be ordered through Jostens. More information will be available. 

Senior Photos:

Seniors need to take their school picture at Back to School night for their school ID only. 

Seniors and/or senior parents, please click here to connect to a special page on the Jostens website for you to upload your senior photos for the yearbook and graduation program. (A security key was emailed to each family to grant you access.)

Door Dismissal/Traffic Flow, and Transportation/Bussing

Door Dismissal and Carpool Traffic Flow:

MCA uses a staggered dismissal time and assigned doors to manage the car pool traffic flow. Please take a moment to view the Traffic Flow map

Transportation/Bussing:

Families residing in School District 279 may opt-in to morning bus transportation.  A Transportation Request Form can be completed as part of the enrollment packet.  If you have questions, please contact Matt Shepherd in the Business Office.

Our Business Office will submit the Transportation Request Form to District 279.  District 279 will then contact you late summer with a pick time and location (usually at your home or the cross street/corner near your home). Students are brought to the High School closest to their residence (either Osseo, Park Center, or Maple Grove High School) and then transfer to the bus going to Maranatha, arriving at Maranatha about 7:30 am.

After-school bussing is not available.

Lunch Program

Maranatha offers students, staff, and guests multiple options for hot lunch, from al a carte to vegetarian to premium, and more. Please click here to view the current month's menus.

Adding money into your family lunch account

  • Login into your FACTS family portal (district code MCA-MN)
  • Click on the financial tab to load money into the lunch account. Funds deposited will show up immediately. There is no waiting period.
  • Lunch accounts are family accounts so all enrolled children in a family will share the funds. 
  • Lunch accounts are not automatically replenished. Parents must authorize additional funds by logging back into your portal. When lunch accounts go below $$10, you will receive reminder emails to load additional funds. 
  • Parents are able to view what has been purchased each day in their account.

Junior/Senior Lunch 

Juniors and Seniors may eat lunch in the Coffee House. Lunch items may be purchased from the Coffee House if they choose. The Coffee House is not linked to student's lunch accounts and require payment by cash or credit card. 

Health Forms

As part of MCA’s continuous enrollment process, returning students entering Grades K, 7, 10, and 12 must provide an updated Health or Sports Physical and Immunization form.

For more information on physicals, immunizations, and medications, please visit our health section.

Teacher Assignments and Class Schedules

One of the most common questions asked is "When will we find out our teacher (PK-4th) or get a copy of our class schedule (5th-12th).

  • Teacher and Class Assignments for Lower School are sent by mid-August. Please do not email principals requesting teachers or class assignments. Our staff has a process to be sure that all classrooms are balanced according to need. Requests are not guaranteed or given priority above the overall class needs. 
  • Class schedules (Grades 5-12) are provided at Back to School night. If you have questions about your schedule, selecting classes, or drop/add, please contact Deborah Meiners in the Academic and College Counseling office. 
Academic Handbooks and Academic/College Counseling

Academic Handbooks:

Middle School Handbook

High School Handbook

BYOD Device Guide (Grades 4-12)

 

Academic, College, and Career Planning

Maranatha’s College and Career Counseling Department assists students in discovering God’s call on their lives through a greater understanding of their identity in Christ, strengths, giftings, and exploration of classes, careers, and career paths.

Each MCA student is assigned a counselor to guide them in all aspects of student life, ultimately to bridge from high school into their future – whether it’s college, missions, the military, or directly into a career.

Click here for more information. 

Summer Reading

At Maranatha, we believe in rest and rejuvenation during the summer, but we also believe in keeping the mind active. Many grades have Summer Reading Requirements. Please visit our summer reading schedule for details.