With a foundation firmly rooted in faith and service, Mount Dora Christian Academy (MDCA) carries forward its storied legacy. The academy’s mission is clear: to educate, equip, and empower its community to embrace love for God and others, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Situated in the heart of Mount Dora, Florida, MDCA stands as a beacon of educational excellence and spiritual growth. Serving students from the tender age of 2 through 12th grade, the academy exemplifies a commitment to holistic education. Nestled on a picturesque 70-acre campus, it offers an environment conducive to academic achievement, artistic expression, and athletic prowess.

But MDCA is more than just an educational institution. It’s a nurturing community that fosters spiritual growth, intellectual curiosity, and a heart for service. It’s a place where students are empowered to discover their passions, unleash their potential, and contribute positively to the world they inhabit.

A Legacy of Excellence and Transformation

Christian Home & Bible School embarked on its educational journey on September 10, 1945, welcoming an inaugural class of 55 students. At its inception, the institution embraced a profound motto: ‘To develop the whole child – mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.’ Through the years, students have embraced their identity as proud Bulldogs, fostering a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie. From the remarkable achievement of the 1961 boys basketball State Championship team to the present day, the legacy of excellence at Mount Dora Christian Academy remains unwavering.

Recognizing the importance of aligning its identity with its aspirations and community engagement, Christian Home & Bible School undertook a transformative journey. In a significant move, the school revealed a new name that resonates powerfully within the local community. In February 2015, the institution announced its historic transition from Christian Home & Bible School to Mount Dora Christian Academy. This change of name marks a significant milestone, signifying the institution’s evolution while staying rooted in its enduring mission.

While the name has transformed, the essence of the academy’s mission remains constant. Mount Dora Christian Academy is steadfast in its commitment to nurturing and educating students holistically, upholding the principles of growth across all dimensions of their lives – intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual. With a history enriched by tradition and a vision anchored in the future, Mount Dora Christian Academy continues to strive for excellence and inspire greatness in its students.

Nurturing Excellence and Tradition Since 1945

MDCA has upheld a tradition of excellence since its establishment in 1945. The academy’s founding principles centered on holistic child development, encompassing mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual growth.

Over the years, MDCA has continuously evolved, adapting to meet the needs of its students and community. In 2015, the academy underwent a significant transformation by changing its name from Christian Home & Bible School to Mount Dora Christian Academy. Despite this change, the institution’s core mission and values have remained unwavering.

With a commitment to delivering a robust curriculum, MDCA maintains a cadre of dedicated educators who create a secure and nurturing learning environment. The academy’s leadership team plays a pivotal role in steering its success, while the guiding principle of cultivating faith-driven world changers within a Christ-centered community remains central.

The pillars that uphold MDCA’s ethos are rooted in its motto:

• Love Like Jesus: A foundation of compassion and kindness, reflecting the example set by Jesus.
• Grace and Space, Without Excuses: Fostering accountability and understanding within an environment of grace.
• Live in the Future, Build on the Past: Embracing progress while honoring the wisdom of tradition.
• Enjoy the Journey Together: Promoting unity and shared growth among students, faculty, and the community.

MDCA prides itself on high student engagement and positive relationships between students and educators. Embracing diversity and promoting a growth mindset, the academy encourages students to approach challenges with enthusiasm. Moreover, MDCA recognizes the essential role of parental and community engagement in shaping a well-rounded educational experience for students.

As MDCA looks forward, it remains committed to its foundational principles while adapting to meet the ever-evolving needs of its students and the broader community.

Fostering Community and Communication

Within the nurturing walls of MDCA, a cornerstone of the institution’s philosophy lies in fostering an environment characterized by safety, respect, and inclusivity. Collaboration and the cultivation of positive relationships are core values embraced by the school community. Among MDCA’s recent undertakings is the establishment of the Academic Success Center, a testament to its commitment to academic excellence.

MDCA employs the Canvas platform as its information management system, providing parents with continuous access to student grades and assignments around the clock. The school’s proactive email and phone communication policy ensures that teachers respond to messages within a single workday, reflecting the institution’s dedication to transparent and timely communication.

In the area of digital engagement, MDCA effectively utilizes various platforms to stay connected with its school community. The academy maintains an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, leveraging these platforms to share updates, news, and insights with its followers. Regular email correspondence is yet another avenue through which MDCA keeps its community informed and engaged.

Recognizing the importance of fostering a strong home-school partnership, MDCA’s preschool and elementary teachers take the initiative to send out newsletters to parents and guardians on either a weekly or monthly basis. These communications serve as a valuable channel for sharing important information, educational resources, and glimpses into the vibrant activities taking place within the school.

Through these various initiatives, MDCA showcases its dedication to creating a dynamic and cohesive school community that thrives on communication, collaboration, and shared values.

Commitment to Inclusivity

The establishment of the Academic Success Center stands as a testament to its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility at MDCA. This innovative initiative enables the institute to cater to a broader spectrum of students, offering services that often go beyond the scope of traditional private schools.

Embracing the principle of Universal Design for Learning, many of its dedicated educators employ versatile teaching methods that cater to students with varying needs and capabilities. This approach reflects the school’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every student’s unique potential is recognized and nurtured.

MDCA’s commitment to diversity extends across multiple facets of its institution. Firstly, MDCA’s board of trustees has undergone expansion to incorporate a more diverse range of individuals, enriching the perspectives that guide the school’s growth. Secondly, a concerted effort to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff is ongoing, reinforcing the school’s belief in the value of a varied and inclusive academic community. Thirdly, MDCA extends scholarships and financial assistance to prospective students, thereby fostering an environment that attracts individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

At MDCA, its actions underscore its conviction that a diverse and inclusive educational environment enriches the learning experience, nurtures empathy, and prepares its students to thrive in a world characterized by differences.

Elevating Educational Excellence

Annually, each member of MDCA’s faculty undergoes a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by an academic administrator. This evaluation serves as a means to ensure the continuous growth and refinement of its teaching staff.

In a significant stride towards enhancing instructional quality, MDCA’s approach has evolved this academic year with the introduction of instructional coaches. These coaches collaborate closely with educators, assessing their instructional approaches, gauging effectiveness, and proposing strategies to elevate student engagement and achievement.

MDCA’s commitment to excellence is exemplified by its elementary school’s Blue Ribbon recognition in 2017. This prestigious acknowledgment serves as a testament to its unwavering dedication to providing an outstanding educational experience.

MDCA’s academic prowess is mirrored in the high percentage of students who graduate with athletic scholarships, attesting to the holistic development fostered at the institution. Beyond traditional academics, MDCA equips students with the skills and opportunities to excel in various fields.

Recognizing the significance of informed decision-making regarding higher education and career paths, MDCA proudly hosts an annual college and career fair. This event serves as a platform for its students to explore an extensive array of potential career paths, thereby empowering them to make well-informed choices about their futures.

Bridging the Gap in Education

Amidst its ongoing expansion, MDCA remains committed to enhancing its technological capabilities. Both the management and faculty tirelessly dedicate themselves to adopting the latest technological advancements and continuously refining their pedagogical strategies. This collective effort is aimed at ensuring the optimal education of both the school’s staff and students.