Lower School - 8/7

Dear Lower School Families,

Welcome to a new school year at Maranatha Christian Academy! My name is Rachel David, and it is my privilege to serve as the Lower School Principal, walking alongside your family as we nurture not only academic growth but also spiritual development and Christlike character in each of our students. We believe that every child is uniquely created by God, and we count it an honor to help them discover their God-given gifts and purpose.

Our teachers have been working diligently over the summer to prepare for an exceptional school year. Their passion for both teaching and discipleship is evident in the time and energy they have dedicated to refining curriculum, collaborating on instructional strategies, and praying for each of their students. We are excited to announce several enhancements that will strengthen the academic rigor and overall learning experience for our students. This year, we have:

• Remapped our reading curriculum to create a more cohesive and challenging literacy pathway for all grade levels.

• Developed a robust writing program that will equip students with strong communication and critical thinking skills.

• Integrated Waggle into our math instruction, a powerful tool that not only supports student learning but also provides parents with valuable insights into the content and skills being taught.

These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to academic excellence while maintaining our strong biblical foundation. At MCA, we believe that true education is more than just academics—it is the development of the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. Our classrooms are designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, all within a safe and nurturing environment where students are known and loved.

We also believe that education is most effective when there is a strong partnership between school and home. Your involvement and support make a tremendous difference in your child’s success. Whether it is through prayer, volunteering, or simply staying connected, we value the unique role you play in this journey.

I look forward to all that God has in store for us this year. My door is always open, and I encourage you to reach out with questions, feedback, or just to share how your child is growing. Together, we will continue to see our students flourish both academically and spiritually.

In His Service,
Dr. Rachel David
Lower School Principal

We are pleased to introduce Emily Lewis, who will be joining our Lower School team as the Executive Assistant to the Lower School Principal. Rachel Hunt has made the decision to step away from her role in order to reduce her commute and spend more time closer to home. Emily brings a background in education, a passion for serving families, and a heart for Christian community. Please help us welcome her to Maranatha!

Emily grew up in Maple Grove and has always heard wonderful things about Maranatha. She's so excited to be joining our team. She received her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, watching Minnesota sports, playing pickleball, and crafting.

If you are in need of care beyond the school day, please consider registering for MCA's X-Tended Day program. This affords families the opportunity to extend a safe, loving, Christ-centered approach to their care. Care includes opportunities for clubs such as cheer, robotics, LEGO building, Spanish, and much more.

Registration for X-Tended Day opens August 15th. You can find more information by visiting our X-Tended Day Webpage.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to Dane Wellens, Lower School Assistant Principal. Sarah Rinke, our former Summer and X-Tended Day Coordinator, has accepted a teaching position at a Christian school closer to home.