Q: When will the new school be done and occupied?
A: Construction is progressing as planned and the new school building will be ready for occupants for the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Q: Will tours of the new building be provided? If so, when?
A: Yes, coordinated group touring opportunities will happen, although the exact dates those tours will be offered are still being determined based both on construction and access factors. It is our hope to offer some level of “sneak peek” before Spring Break. If and once confirmed, information on those opportunities will be shared with the MCA community. We also hope to schedule a “Grand Opening Ceremony” once the building is complete prior to the start of the next academic year. Details on that possibility will be shared in advance.
Q: Who will be in the new school building? Is the new school building a grade(s) specific school?
A: Based on enrollment and a number of factors, it has been decided to have the new school building serve as the school for 9th through 12th grade. The Lower School will serve as the school for pre-school through 5th grade. The current Upper School will serve as the school for 6th through 8th grade. The new school was not built with a certain grade level in mind and as such was designed in a way that is adaptable to many ages if and as necessary. As always, and as necessary, we can and will be flexible with the use of all of the school buildings to manage future needs.
Q: Will each school have a name?
A: Yes, the current Lower School will be called the Elementary School, the current Upper School will be called the Middle School, and the new school building will be called the High School.
Q: Will the new school building have student lockers?
A: Yes.
Q: Is the new gymnasium at the new school building only being used for sports? Or will other activities be included in that space?
A: While all of the usage parameters have not been confirmed, it will be used for other activities as necessary, possible, and appropriate. It is a large and great open space. Like the gymnasium, all spaces in the new school building will be used for maximum benefit.
Q: Will there ever be crossover between the current Upper School and the new school building?
A: While each building at the upper campus will serve as the primary location for defined grades, there may be situations when students at the upper campus need to move from one building to another (not between campuses) for certain classes (i.e. Art, Music, Science, etc.). The operational and safety protocols for such are being developed and will be shared based on defined needs at a later time.
Q: Will the students in the new school eat lunch in that building?
A: The new school does have a full kitchen. The administration will be working with the staff in Dining Services to confirm those answers prior to the building’s opening for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Q: Will the new school have an area for Chapel or will the two buildings at the upper campus share a Chapel area?
A: At present, that remains undetermined. The gymnasium in the new school could easily be used for Chapel and other large gatherings. Decisions will be confirmed before the start of the new academic year and shared with the MCA community.
Q: Is there a library in the new school?
A: At present, no specific space has been defined as a library. As is the case for all of the new space, the usage will be determined by enrollment and needs assessments.
Q: If any grades from the current Lower School move to the new school building or current Upper School will they still have recess? And if so, where? Physical Education? And if so, where?
A: Needs will be assessed each school year as we grow and move forward. Next year 6th grade will be at the Upper Campus. Students will have opportunities to go outside at lunch, weather permitting. Physical Education at the Upper Campus will be held in the gymnasium in the new school building.
Q: If any grades from the current Lower School move to the new school building or current Upper School, will they follow the current daily schedule at the Lower (elementary) School? Or not?
A: The specific schedule for the 6th grade is still being determined. Decisions will be made and shared in advance of the new academic year.
Q: Is the new school building all paid for or are there still needs?
A: There remain numerous needs and opportunities to help. Through God’s grace, financing, and support by many generous donors, we have achieved much in the capital plan. That shared, we have plenty of needs including sponsorships and donors to finish the work and manage the mortgage. Our building campaign is ongoing through this phase of growth. More specific details will be shared at a later date. Please contact Keith Beckett if you would like to learn more.
Please note: We have received numerous questions about future buildings, athletic fields, and additional construction plans. To provide more accurate information, the leadership is praying, completing a needs assessment, and a strategic plan. Each of those will be ongoing during the balance of the current academic year and help to guide future plans and decisions. Before the end of the current academic year or by the start of the next academic year, we hope to have answers to those questions, timelines, and next steps. In addition to publishing the results of strategic planning, we will be updating our website about those matters and the capital campaign. We also plan to have an open forum near the end of the current academic year for the MCA community to share more.
In the meantime, check out our sneak peak video of the building’s progress.
