Mercer Christian Academy, located in Princeton, WV, is a ministry partnership between Johnston Chapel Baptist Church and Maranatha Baptist Church. We strive to offer high academic and spiritual standards to the families of preschool-12th grade students in Mercer and surrounding counties. Since 1980, MCA has been fulfilling its mission to assist parents and the local Bible-believing church in the task of training their children to reach their fullest potential, both academically and spiritually, recognizing each as a unique creation of God. We are educating for life!

The 2023-2024 school year has begun with a 25% increase in enrollment, giving us opportunity to minister with many new families. Our 33 member faculty and staff strive to educate and challenge each student to their fullest potential, while showing them the love of Christ through the ins and outs of daily life.

Under the direction of choir teacher Alandra Brannan, our high school choir has been invited by Mrs. Brannan’s former choral director and mentor, Bryant Moxley, to participate in a concert he is conducting at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall! The MCA choir will be the first choir from West Virginia to participate with the international company, MidAmerica Productions, who is planning the event. Not only will these students have rehearsal and performance in Carnegie Hall, they will also take part in missions work with NYSUM (New York School of Urban Ministry), and be able to see and experience what life is like outside Appalachia and how they can go beyond just being tourists by bringing help and hope everywhere they go. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will be taking place at the end of May 2024.

In addition to choir, we offer many organizations and extra-curricular activities for our students to be involved in. Our Jr. Civitan club is an international club focused on service. Students who are interested in being a member pay dues and participate in service activities, including weekly cleaning at the school and a canned food drive. Last year’s canned food drive brought in a grand total of 5,257 cans that were donated to local mission food pantries.

Students can also be a part of student council. Congratulations to newly elected Student Body President Dillon Lucas, Vice-President Savannah Taylor and Secretary Kate Thyng. Other optional organizations include Prayer Group and Yearbook.

Sports at MCA are always an exciting part of our student life. Soccer, Volleyball, Golf and our newly-formed Cross Country team are available as fall sports. Cheerleading has been working hard for the upcoming basketball season and competitions. Elementary/middle/high school basketball gives opportunity to students for the winter months and Baseball, Golf, and Track are available in the spring. Out of a 2023 graduating class of 16 students, MCA currently has 4 graduates participating in collegiate athletics at Bluefield College and Concord University in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and esports.

Our 2nd annual “MCA Day” is coming up!  Our desire in starting this day is to highlight the history of our school and those who saw the need for Christian education in our area. We want to ensure our students understand the importance of the ministry and what it has meant to so many over the years. We unite as a student body to praise the Lord for all He has done at MCA.