Partnership Announcement

List of 30 items.

• What will happen to the MCS Preschool?

  
  The MCS Preschool will continue to operate and thrive independently as its own entity, with a new name reflecting its future direction.

• Will Milpitas Christian continue to exist after the end of this school year?

  No, Milpitas Christian School (MCS) will conclude its elementary school operations at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. TKA will launch a new K-5 elementary school in 2025-2026, building upon the foundational principles of MCS and HA while continuing to uphold our shared core values and traditions.

• Why has Milpitas Christian decided to join with TKA and HA?

  Milpitas Christian School (MCS) has chosen to partner with The King's Academy (TKA) and Heritage Academy (HA) to better serve our students and community. All schools share a commitment to delivering a high-quality, Christ-centered education, which makes this collaboration a natural fit. By integrating our resources and aligning with our common values, we aim to provide an enhanced educational experience that supports academic excellence and spiritual growth. This partnership will help us build on our shared mission, offering students a more robust learning environment and furthering our dedication to nurturing their potential.
  

• Will this decision have any impact on my student's experience at Milpitas Christian this current school year?

  No, this decision will not affect your child's experience at Milpitas Christian this current school year. Your child will continue to receive the same excellent education and support, as we are dedicated to ensuring a positive and consistent experience throughout this year.

• What initially brought MCS to consider a partnership?

  Milpitas Christian School (MCS) began exploring a partnership due to several factors. We had been seeking a new, smaller campus that better suited our needs. Over the years, our educational offerings had reduced in scope, largely due to the financial challenges brought on by COVID and a reduction in enrollment. Despite these challenges, our unwavering faith in the Lord and our commitment to nurturing His disciples have remained steadfast. Many MCS families have naturally transitioned their children to The King’s Academy (TKA) over the years, reflecting a long-standing progression. This partnership aligns with our mission to continue providing high-quality, Christ-centered education while addressing the practical needs of our school.

• How was the decision made to create this partnership?

  The decision to collaborate on creating the new elementary school was made by the boards of TKA, MCS, and Heritage Academy. High-level and confidential discussions among the heads of these schools started in 2024. After careful consideration and due diligence, all three boards approved the partnership in July 2024.

• Why is this partnership happening now?

  This partnership is unfolding at a pivotal moment for MCS, TKA, and HA, guided by a sense of divine direction. For MCS, declining enrollment and rising costs have strained our ability to maintain a quality program. We had dreamed of expanding to include a high school, and while various relocation options were explored, none proved feasible. In our search for solutions, we discovered TKA's plan to launch a new elementary school in conjunction with HA. This opportunity aligns perfectly with MCS's vision of enhancing education and keeping tuition affordable. The new TKA elementary school will not only meet these goals but also honor the foundational principles and traditions of both MCS and HA while offering improved facilities.

• How does TKA benefit from a partnership with MCS & HA?

  Partnering with MCS and HA enables TKA to expand the scope of its Christ-centered mission. Financially, having more students on the existing TKA campus also gives TKA greater ability to continue to expand the scope and quality of its programs. Plus, partnering with MCS and Heritage gives TKA a proven curriculum and Jesus-loving staff as they build this new educational community.

• What will happen to the Milpitas Christian teachers and staff next school year?

  Milpitas Christian School (MCS) and Heritage Academy (HA) teachers and staff will be considered for positions at TKA. TKA is committed to integrating both MCS and HA staff into their new roles to ensure continuity and support a smooth transition for all staff and students.

• Where will TKA Elementary be located?

  TKA Elementary will be on the existing campus in Sunnyvale. Even though the elementary school is located on the same campus as the junior high and high school, it will have its own teachers and will be a distinct experience, separated by fencing from the rest of the school and having its own playground, lunch area, bathrooms, and spaces for art and music.

• Will TKA Elementary be offering a part-time program?

  No. For the 2025-2026 school year, TKA anticipates filling all available spots with full-time students. However, TKA will continue to offer support for homeschool families with students K-12 through TKA's Private School Satellite Program (PSP). The PSP program includes academic record maintenance, legal coverage, curriculum selection assistance, group activities, and one-to-one consultation with experienced leadership. PSP students are on The King's Academy affidavit.

• Is the TKA elementary school going to feel as intimate and personal as Milpitas Christian?

  TKA is committed to maintaining a nurturing atmosphere where students receive individualized attention and support. The school will continue to foster close relationships through an engaged, Jesus-loving staff, ensuring that each child benefits from a personal and faith-centered educational experience, consistent with the values and traditions of Milpitas Christian.

• How many classes will there be for each grade level?

  For the 2025-2026 school year, TKA is planning to have 2 classes at each grade level for K-5. They expect to increase the number of classes per grade level in future years.

• What will the student/teacher ratio be?

  The students per class will vary by grade level. For Kindergarten, TKA expects to have approximately 15 students per class, with both a teacher and a teacher's aid in the room. As students progress to higher grades, the number of students per classroom will increase, with grade 5 having approximately 20 students per class.

• What curriculum will be used?

  TKA Elementary will be using the Core Knowledge Sequence. This curriculum has been used by Heritage Academy, with great success. To find out more about this curriculum, visit https://www.coreknowledge.org/curriculum.The academic team is in the process of determining the math curriculum.

• What co-curricular activities will be offered at TKA?

  TKA Elementary's full range of co-curricular activities is still being finalized, but they will offer music, art, and PE as part of the core curriculum. TKA also plans to provide after-school enrichment programs. Their dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in the recent changes to their junior high and high school experience, including an expanded robotics program and a newly renovated STEAM building.

• In addition to after-school enrichment classes, will extended care be offered as well?

  Yes, TKA plans to offer morning and afternoon extended care in addition to enrichment classes. Specific timing will be determined later.

• What support will be available for students with learning differences?

  Although resources are limited, TKA does provide some services to students with diagnosed and documented learning differences. A full-time Academic Support Director creates individual student support plans for students needing some accommodations. Families must provide an Educational Evaluation, IEP or 504 with their initial online application. For more information, please refer to the Academic Support webpage at https://www.tka.org/academics/academic-support.

• What will TKA do to ease the transition for families?

  TKA is committed to making the transition smooth for families. MCS and Heritage families will be invited to a special sneak peek for the new TKA elementary school on Saturday, September 28, which will help families become familiar with TKA’s facilities and programs. TKA is also providing a special discounted tuition for MCS families to make the transition easier from a financial perspective.

• Are there admission criteria for students to be accepted to TKA?

  All students applying to TKA Elementary will go through an assessment to ensure they are ready to thrive in the grade for which they are applying. More details on the application process will be provided by TKA at their sneak peek event on September 28.

• What is the application process? When are the deadlines?

  For families with children currently at Heritage Academy or Milpitas Christian School, as well as TKA staff with elementary-age students, the application period opens on October 1. To receive priority consideration, please submit your application by October 25. The application process for other families will begin on October 26.

• Will there be additional tuition assistance available for families transitioning to TKA beyond the offered discounts?

  TKA will offer tuition assistance for TKA Elementary, similar to its existing tuition assistance for junior high and high school. The school supports a need-based tuition assistance program, with the amount of aid determined by the family’s financial situation and the availability of funds.

• How do I apply for tuition assistance?

  The Tuition Assistance application may be completed as soon as you've submitted your TKA admission application. The deadline for Tuition Assistance Applications for the 2025-2026 school year is no later than 7 days following your acceptance offer. TKA highly encourages families who need financial help to apply for tuition assistance early as the funds are limited and allocated as TKA receives applications.

• As an existing Milpitas Christian family, is there any special benefit for choosing TKA for my student next year?

  Yes, current MCS families are offered special discounted tuition rates and priority admissions at TKA. TKA has also proven its ability to continually improve the scope and quality of its educational program. This continuous improvement approach which will extend to the new elementary school. And, given TKA's existing junior high and high school, choosing TKA will provide families with a one-stop-shop for all their students, regardless of grade level.

• Is there a multi-child or sibling discount available? For example, if I move both of my children to TKA for the 2025-2026 school year, would this provide any financial benefit?

  Yes, TKA offers a discount for a second child enrolled at the school, and an additional discount for a third child.
  

• If my MCS elementary school child has a younger sibling who is not yet enrolled in school or is enrolled elsewhere, can we receive a discount on their tuition if they join TKA?

  TKA offers a multi-student discount for all families. However, if the second student is not enrolled at MCS he/she would not receive the discount that TKA is providing for existing MCS students.

• Will my child, who will be starting Kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year and is currently enrolled in TK at MCS, be eligible for tuition discounts?

  Yes. Students currently enrolled in transitional kindergarten (TK) for the 2024-2025 school year are eligible for special tuition rates at TKA for the 2025-2026 school year. For more information, please contact TKA.

• Will there be transportation options such as a school bus or carpool available?

  TKA acknowledges the interest in having a school bus or vanpool service and is currently evaluating this option. As of now, it has not been confirmed whether this service will be available for the 2025-2026 school year. TKA will update families with details as decisions are finalized in the coming months.

• Is TKA requiring volunteer hours?

  No, TKA does not require or track volunteer hours. However, parent and family volunteers are highly encouraged and play a crucial role in the school community. Their support has been integral to TKA’s success, and their involvment is warmly welcomed and appreciated.

• Where can I learn more about TKA Elementary?

  Click here to learn more.