Operation: Home
MCA’s Relocation &
Long-Term Sustainability Plan
After almost 50 years of building a strong foundation in our current home, we are thrilled to announce that Manhattan Christian Academy is embarking on a new chapter! As we look toward the summer of 2025, we have an incredible opportunity to secure a new space that will allow us to continue providing a safe, loving, and academically rigorous Christian education.
We have identified an ideal new location at 401 West 219th Street and are actively seeking to raise the necessary funds for a five-year lease. Achieving this goal will require the generosity of our community and external donors, and together, we can make MCA’s next chapter a reality.
Given the challenges of New York City’s real estate market, we need your support now more than ever to make this transition possible and to ensure our students thrive for years to come.
Your support is crucial as we take this significant step forward.
Thank you for being a vital part of our journey!
What sets us apart.
Our Mission: Educating New York City children to serve and lead by knowing God and understanding His world.
Our Vision: At Manhattan Christian Academy, our mission is to nurture and educate young minds in a Christ-centered environment, preparing them for academic success and lives of purpose. Our vision for the future is rooted in our unwavering commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow through faith, community, and excellence.
Impact on Students and Community.
The new facility at 401 West 219th Street will not only provide the space we need for our current student body but will allow us to expand our enrollment, create state-of-the-art classrooms, and offer enhanced extracurricular programs.
This new facility will initially accommodate 21,000 sq ft, providing ample space for our current needs. Importantly, this space has the potential to be expanded, allowing us to more than double our capacity as MCA grows. This flexibility ensures that our investment today will support future growth and continue to benefit students for years to come.
Envisioning the Future.
We invite you to imagine what this new space will mean for our students and community. With classrooms designed for interactive learning, a library that inspires discovery, and communal areas for collaboration, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Voices from the Community.
“Being an alumni, parent, and teacher at MCA has created a unique sense of community and connection. I carry cherished memories from my academic and spiritual education into my role in shaping the next generation. I can relate to my children's and students' experiences, understanding their challenges and appreciating their growth opportunities. As a parent, I am invested in MCA's mission and environment for my child and all students, hoping to continue to foster a supportive, faith-based, enriching atmosphere. Balancing these roles allows me to engage with MCA's legacy while contributing to its future!”
-Melissa Palacios | MCA PK Teacher, Current Parent, Class of ‘99
Funding the Future of Manhattan Christian Academy.
Our ultimate goal is to raise $5 million to secure a new home for Manhattan Christian Academy (MCA) at 401 West 219th Street. The funds will ensure we can cover rent and make necessary updates to the facility. Below is a breakdown of our funding targets and how we plan to reach them. Each target represents a viable option for our school to move forward with our new home:
Final Target: $5 Million
Target A: $3.6 million (16,000 sq ft at $720k/year)
Target B: $4.7 million (21,000 sq ft at $945k/year)
Target C: $5 million (21,000 sq ft at $945k/year + essential updates)
Fundraising Rounds:
Initial Round (Fall/Winter 2024) – Goal: $2 million
This "financial viability" fund will be reserved to cover the first two years of rent at the West 219th Street location.
Second Round (2025-2026) – Goal: $3 million
This round will cover the remaining overhead for the new facility. Approximately $300k will go toward essential updates, while the rest will be reserved to cover the next three years of rent.
Preparing for Beyond 2030
MCA is actively enhancing its program across spiritual, academic, and extracurricular dimensions. Here’s an update on our key initiatives:
Spiritual Outcomes: We’re expanding our spiritual outcomes plan for all students from PK-12, with a pilot currently underway for grades 5-8. This initiative aims to deepen our students' spiritual development.
High School Growth: We’re focused on growing our high school by incorporating specialized teachers across all subjects. This will enhance the quality of education and provide more tailored learning experiences. Additionally, we are expanding high school athletics and clubs to offer a well-rounded experience.
Academic Excellence: We are committed to rigorous, data-informed instruction in reading and math, ensuring all students not only meet but exceed grade-level standards. This approach allows us to track progress and adapt our teaching strategies effectively.
Together, these initiatives reflect our dedication to fostering a holistic educational environment that nurtures every aspect of our student's development and strives to bring God glory in all we do!
MCA is implementing strategic measures to address our financial operating gap and ensure long-term stability. Our focus areas include:
Strategic Enrollment Marketing: We are enhancing our marketing efforts to attract new families and increase enrollment, which is crucial for our financial health.
Sustainable Tuition Increases: We are planning gradual and sustainable tuition increases to support our operational needs while remaining accessible to families.
Hiring a Development and Fundraising Director: We are in the process of hiring a full-time director dedicated to development and fundraising. This role will be essential in cultivating donor relationships and securing additional funding.
These initiatives are designed to strengthen MCA's financial foundation and support our mission for years to come.
Every contribution, large or small, will play a vital role in securing MCA’s future.
Ways to give.
There are several ways you can make a difference:
Online Giving: Click the “Give Today” button below to make a secure donation.
By Mail: Send checks made payable to Manhattan Christian Academy with a note for the “Future Home Campaign.”
Planned Giving: Contact the school office to discuss legacy gifts or stock donations.
You Are Needed.
Now, more than ever, MCA needs your help to make this vision a reality. We are asking for your support as we embark on this journey to secure a new home for our students and ensure MCA thrives for decades to come. Please consider making a donation today or joining one of our upcoming fundraising events. Together, we can build the future of MCA for the glory of God.