United Christian Academy (UCA), formerly known as UC Academy, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the community and faith, particularly its pivotal relationship with Abundant Living Family Church. Established in 1978, UCA began its journey as a ministry of Upland First Church of the Nazarene. Initially named “Ninth Street Christian School,” and later “Upland Christian Schools,” the institution started in Upland, California, catering to preschool and elementary grades. The school expanded its offerings over time, introducing a junior high in 1992, followed by a high school in 1994, demonstrating consistent growth and commitment to Christian education.
A significant turning point arrived in 2008 when discussions arose about merging UC Academy into a larger school district under the Nazarene Church. This proposition sparked concern within the school community. Many feared that such a merger would dilute the unique strengths of UC Academy, especially its cherished small-school environment that fostered close-knit relationships between faculty, staff, and students. This intimate setting provided ample opportunities for student and parent involvement in school life and leadership, a hallmark of the UCA experience.
Driven by dedicated parents who valued these distinct characteristics, UC Academy sought a new path forward. This led to a transformative connection with Abundant Living Family Church (ALFC), which later transitioned and was renamed Patria Church in 2024. Abundant Living Family Church generously offered to host the school on their expansive 30-acre campus in Rancho Cucamonga, California. In 2009, with a student body of 350, the school re-established itself as an independent Christian institution, adopting the name “Upland Christian Academy.” This move marked a new chapter, allowing UCA to preserve its core values while embracing a fresh start.
The institution acknowledges its heritage with gratitude, recognizing the divine guidance that preserved and relocated the school to Rancho Cucamonga, a dynamic and expanding community. UCA proudly calls Rancho Cucamonga home and is enthusiastic about serving and developing alongside this thriving community. Reflecting its integration and broader vision, the school rebranded in 2018 to “United Christian Academy,” also recognized as “UC Academy” and “UCA,” further solidifying its identity within its new community and beyond, while always remembering its roots with organizations like Abundant Living Family Church.
