MCA FAQs

What grades are offered at MCA?

MCA offers grades Kindergarten (starting at age 6) through 12. Because our Kindergarten (Learning to Read) and first grade programs are combined in one year, we wait until students are 6 years old before enrolling them. (In some cases, students may start at age 5 if they will turn 6 by December of that year.)

What is the quality of your staff?

Our teaching staff is required to have a Bachelor's degree before being hired. Throughout our history, our teachers have come with first-hand experience in Christian ministry or education or both. Character and a desire to serve others are important to us. The volunteer staff are parents or members of our church who have a vested interest in helping children succeed.

How do you instruct students without dividing them into individual classrooms?

Our academic program is geared to the individual. Twelve workbooks (Paces) make up one grade level in each subject and students receive individualized instruction from the staff throughout the school day. While students are together in the same classroom, each has an "office" that allows him or her to work independently. Each grade level has minimum requirements, but students may speed up and slow down depending on the difficulty level of each new concept. Compared to students in other school systems, MCA students often progress ahead of their peers and may graduate earlier.

On the flip side of the coin, many students who have struggled academically in traditional school environments have been able to succeed at MCA. Our elimination of peer comparison, combined with a system of mastery learning and individualized instruction build confidence and skills necessary for moving ahead. Child study teams also work closely with staff to modify curriculum and provide additional instruction as needed.

What is the quality of education?

The Academy offers a high quality college preparatory curriculum while at the same time equips those who will directly enter the labor force. Over seventy-five percent of our graduates enter college and have been accepted in many colleges including area Bible colleges (PBU, LBC), Rutgers University, Pennsylvania State University, NJIT, NYU, Monmouth University, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Does the Academy have any extracurricular programs?

The Academy staff works hard to offer more than simply an academic challenge. For the past nine years the students have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of theatrical productions working alongside adults as part of the cast and crew. Over the years, MCA has also been involved in interscholastic basketball, soccer, flag-football, volleyball, and baseball. Availability of these activities varies each year, as they are dependent on class size and interest of students and parents. In the spring, high school students may be able to compete in an annual convention tournament with a number of events including: athletics, public speaking, art, photography, creative writing, and music.