Frequently Asked Questions
To answer some of your questions as quickly as possible, we’ve compiled a list of those most frequently asked by MCA parents. Be sure to read more throughout this website and in the MCA Parent-Student Handbook so you’re well-informed and prepared to support your child through a successful educational journey.
May I visit my child at school?
Yes. Parent interaction and cooperation are a vital part of the success of Maranatha Christian Academy.
- We invite parents and others to contact the front office via email to schedule a visit with the administrator or school staff.
- Parents may come to the school to eat lunch with their child(ren) once they’ve received permission from their child’s teacher and the front office.
Do you serve lunch at MCA?
Students may bring a lunch from home or buy one at school. We work with the following vendors to serve a “hot lunch” option. Please visit the Food Services page for more information.
Does MCA provide bus transportation to and from school?
We do not offer transportation to and from school. We encourage our families to carpool and rideshare to minimize traffic congestion and gas consumption.
Does MCA offer student field trips?
We believe appropriate field trips can enhance or supplement classroom instruction, provide recreation, and be a positive reinforcement tool. So, from time to time, classes and groups within the school will take field trips. We will notify parents and obtain a signed permission slip before any planned trips. Please read about our field trip policies and procedures in the MCA Parent-Student Handbook.
Must students attend full-day classes at MCA?
We expect Maranatha Christian Academy students to attend the full day of school and carry a subject load of seven or eight classes throughout middle and high school. Junior students may be excused for half of the day if they are taking classes at Mercer County Vo-Tech. Senior students may be excused for half of the day if they are taking classes at Mercer County Vo-Tech or another college.
What should I do if my child must be late or absent, or leave early from school?
We ask that parents and students refrain from making appointments during the school day except when necessary.
If a student is tardy due to a doctor or dental appointment, please bring a note from the doctor or dentist.
If your child must leave early during the school day, or if someone else will pick up your child, please send a note to let us know. Also, please let your child know who will be picking him/her up.
What is the dress code policy at MCA?
The way students dress influences their behavior, self-image, and performance. We want to encourage students to dress in a way that encourages the development of personal self-respect and self-esteem. Please see the MCA Parent-Student Handbook for more details, but here are the basics for our K5–12th graders.
Girls may wear the following:
- MCA-sponsored tops/t-shirts that are loose-fitting and modest
- Jeans or capris that are loose-fitting and free from holes
- MCA-sponsored jackets and hoodies inside the classroom
- Appropriate jewelry
Girls may not wear the following
- Leggings, jeggings, jogging pants, sweatpants, shorts, pajama pants, or camouflage
- Hats
Boys may wear the following:
- MCA-sponsored shirts/t-shirts
- Jeans that are free from holes
- MCA-sponsored jackets and hoodies inside the classroom
- Hair: neatly trimmed, above the collar, eyebrows, and ears
Boys may not wear the following:
- Baggy pants, jogging pants, sweatpants, pajama pants, or camouflage
- Sandals, flip-flops, or other similarly loose-fitting footwear
- Hats
- Earrings
Special Note on Elementary (KS–5th-Grade) Girls Attire
Girls may wear dress sandals in the appropriate season. Elementary students may not wear high-heeled shoes. For the safety of our students on the playground, students may not wear flip-flops or other loose-fitting footwear.
What if my child needs medicine or medical help?
We will administer medications with written permission. We will treat minor cuts, scrapes, etc. If a medical emergency occurs, we will make every attempt to notify the parent, a close relative, or another person noted on the child’s application. If we cannot reach someone, we may give permission to transport your child to a hospital if the teacher, administrator, or other staff member deems it necessary. Please keep us updated on your child’s medical history, allergies, illnesses, medicines taken regularly, etc.
May MCA students carry their cell phones on campus?
Depending on the student’s grade, he/she may or may not carry a cell phone on campus. Please see the Technology page and the MCA Parent-Student Handbook for more information.
What is FACTS Family Portal?
FACTS Family Portal is a great way to keep communication between home and school strong. It provides you with almost real-time access to your child’s attendance, daily grades, progress reports, report cards, discipline, homework, missing assignments, and other useful school information. Please see the Log-In page for access details.
What is BrightArrow?
BrightArrow is the automated notification system we use to deliver voice, email, and text notifications. Please be sure we have current and accurate contact information so you can quickly be informed of all school emergencies, attendance calls, and other important messages. Please see the Log-In page for access details.