Winter 2023/2024 Issue - Magazine - Page 6
Mankato Christian Academy:
Preparing Students for a Future In Jesus’ Name
Meet the Head of School, Kathy Johnson
By Ashley Hanley, North Mankato
Why did you want to work at MCA? I retired from Public Education four years ago.
Working with high school students was an amazing career that brought me joy and
purpose. When they approached me I knew I wanted to be involved in some way.
Maybe as a volunteer or to teach a class. Then I met with a wonderful team of people
and felt compelled to join. It was something I wanted and needed to do.
I was a special education teacher for 20 years and a high school principal for 10 years. I also continue to work as a
Supervisor for Special Education Student Teachers at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I served on a school
board for St. Clair Public Schools for seven years. My husband, Leif, and I are involved in our church where I taught
Sunday School and confirmation classes for over 20 years.
What is MCA? Mankato Christian Academy is a Christian High School whose mission is to "Prepare Students for the
future in Jesus's name". Our vision is to develop students who are committed disciples of Jesus Christ and whose
knowledge and wisdom are grounded in Scriptural truth. Students who possess a character that reflects the love of
Jesus Christ and students who are in service to God and are leaders in their families, churches, and communities. We
strive to prepare students for the future whether that is college, starting a business, the trades, or the military.
How many students? This is our inaugural year and we feel blessed to have started small. We hosted an 8th-grade
shadow day recently and had an amazing turnout. We are expecting that next year we will more than double in size.
We will host another shadow day on April 10th for any student interested in enrolling at MCA next year.
When did you officially open? The school began on August 24th, 2023
Who does MCA teach? MCA is a high school for students in 9 - 12th grade.
What subjects are taught? MCA students are challenged to examine all subject areas and different cultures, past and
present, with Truth as the center-point. MCA maintains high academic standards for our students, both in the
challenges placed before them and in the level of expected achievement on coursework. Students are required to
complete 27 credits to graduate. Those credits are in English, Bible, Social Studies, Math, Science, World Language,
Fine Arts, physical education, health and a variety of electives. What makes MCA Unique is our weekly Formative
Learning Experiences (FLEx Days) . Each week our students explore our community and possible career interests in a
variety of ways. Students interact with area experts by attending field trips, through guest speakers, volunteer
activities, and an occasional recreational activity. We center the majority of these activities around our students'
future goals, interests, and aspirations. Our students are also given opportunities for internships in the community.
One example is a senior who plans to become a teacher, she is currently interning at a local Christian elementary
school where she is gaining on-the-job experience.
Best part of the job? Come to work each day with an amazing staff of dedicated, experienced, joy-filled, Christcentered people. The students give us joy and energy!
Why should someone choose MCA? MCA offers a challenging, Christ-centered curriculum with teachers who have
years of experience and knowledge and are dedicated to our mission and student success.
Do they get the same education as a public school? After working in public education for 30 years, I would say they
get the same quality education. The difference is that we have the opportunity to approach education with a
Christian Worldview.
How much is the average tuition? It costs approximately $17,000 to educate a high school student. Through
generous donations from our community that cost has been brought down to $5,500. Students can earn
scholarships by maintaining good grades and by volunteering in their churches and communities. Through those
efforts, the tuition can be brought down to $3,500 a year. We also have financial aid available. Students who
graduate from MCA have the opportunity to earn scholarships to either continue their education, buy tools to begin
a career in the trades, start a business, or support them in the missionary field.
When students graduate, what do you hope they take away from their experience?
We prepare our students to be equipped to attend college, have experiences and skills to enter the workforce, and
also be prepared to enter the military or start a business. As stated above, we desire our students to be Christcentered leaders in their families, their churches, and in the community.
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Womeninc Spring 2024
