Maranatha Christian Academy
Shawnee, KS (2022; Phase 3 – Under Construction)
7055 Silverheel Street
Maranatha Christian Academy is a private K-12 school founded in 1974. Previously, the school had two separate Shawnee locations. Maranatha purchased a new plot of land in western Shawnee in 2020, where the 28-acre campus currently resides. In August of 2022, Maranatha opened their own school facilities, including the new 75,200 square-foot building. The campus also has an athletic complex, featuring a pro-turf field, 8-lane track, field lights, and bleachers. Phase 3 expands the elementary classroom area and is currently under construction.
The design-build team led the Maranatha Christian Academy leadership group through the process of assessing the needs, goals, and priorities of their growing school. A holistic design was the result, focusing on student and faculty interactions with an emphasis on a sense of unity. The brand new facility includes a large gym/auditorium, impressive locker rooms, expanded music classrooms and fully-equipped science labs. The project utilizes tilt-up concrete construction and integrates safety requirements for storm protection with a substantial storm shelter. The design program also provided faculty office areas, a full range of accessible classrooms serving kindergarten through 12th grade and a new Eagles’ Nest Commons area that acts as an entrance and central hub for a wide range of school activities, social events and extra-curriculars. Emphasis was placed on drop-off/pickup coordination on the site, as well as providing wide hallways and increasing building security. The new light-filled library and resource center is conveniently located off the south rotunda. The project design also allows for future phases, including a new performing arts wing and an expanded entrance and commons area. Phase 3 expands the elementary classroom area and is currently under construction.
Maranatha has grown immensely since it was founded 50 years ago. When the school first opened, there were only 49 students, and in 2024, there are close to 450, with about 60 staff members. The new building opened for the 2022-2023 school year; staff and families love their new home. Maranatha is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, as well as Cognia. They have produced numerous award-winning teachers and KSHSAA Coach of the Year recipients. The school hopes to continue to improve their educational, athletic and fine arts programs, while fostering a Christian character within their students and their community.
