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Mrs. Pam Merryman Mrs. Merryman is the 2022 Eudora Welty Fellow

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) is proud to announce PCA Plano Upper School teacher, Mrs. Pam Merryman, who teaches AP/Honors English IV and is a doctoral student at Southern Methodist University, was recently named the 2022 Eudora Welty Fellow. Mrs. Merryman used archival holdings at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) this summer to research how Eudora Welty constructed her identity in her writing.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to conduct research in the Eudora Welty archives and am grateful to those who make the Eudora Welty Research Fellowship possible,” said Mrs. Merryman. “Through my research in the Welty archives, I hope to gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the personal inspiration and creative process that went into Welty’s writing of her only children’s book, The Shoe Bird. Ultimately, I seek to note how this entertaining tale of Arturo the Parrot and the bird community—who gather from all over the world to learn about the power and value of communication, love, memory, and freedom—provides insight into Welty’s other literary works that also explore these vital aspects of the human experience."

Established by MDAH and the Eudora Welty Foundation, the fellowship seeks to encourage and support research in the Eudora Welty Collection by graduate students. The Eudora Welty Collection is the world’s finest collection of materials related to Welty and one of the most varied literary collections in the United States.

“We are so grateful and blessed that Mrs. Merryman is using her God-given talent through her research and that our students are the beneficiary of her passion and expertise,” said PCA School System Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Shannon Cole.

After receiving her BA in secondary education from Howard Payne University, Merryman completed her MA in liberal arts at Southern Methodist University where she is currently working toward her Ph.D. Merryman used the $5,000 fellowship to cover travel, housing, and other expenses incurred while doing primary research at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building in Jackson.

Interim Upper School Principal, Dr. Chad Nichols, who has worked with Mrs. Merryman for many years, said, “Pam Merryman is one of the finest educators I have had the privilege to know, and that is in part because of her intense scholarship and dedication to being a life-long learner.  By constantly honing her skills in literary interpretation, she is able to draw from a constantly growing pool of knowledge to pour into her students as is evidenced by this fellowship.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy is made up of six schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,000 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade with first graduating class of 2023), PCA Hybrid (a three-day in classroom/two-day at home program) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered more than $154.6 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is now enrolling. Go to prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information.

About The Eudora Welty Research Fellowship

The Eudora Welty Collection is the world’s finest collection of materials related to Welty and one of the most varied literary collections in the United States. The collection includes manuscripts, letters, photographs, drawings, and essays that span Welty’s entire life. Beginning in 1957, and over the course of more than forty years, Welty donated materials to the department, primarily literary manuscripts and photographs. At her death the remainder of her papers were bequeathed to MDAH and included unpublished manuscripts and 14,000 items of correspondence with family, friends, scholars, young writers, and noted writers. The collection may be accessed at the William F. Winter Archives & History Building, 200 North Street, Jackson. The application is available at mdah.ms.gov. For more information about the collection or the fellowship, email April Blevins at ablevins@mdah.ms.gov.

*Source

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Rob Kelton Mr. Rob Kelton accepts appointment to lead School System’s Learning Lab

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) School System announced that Mr. Rob Kelton has been appointed as Director of Specialized Learning. Kelton comes to PCA from Parish Episcopal School.

“Prestonwood Christian Academy is committed to equipping all students for college and beyond,” said Dr. Mike Goddard, PCA School System Superintendent. “PCA strives to establish students for life through a very intentional Kingdom education focus that equips them academically and spiritually. I am excited to add Mr. Rob Kelton to the excellent team at PCA. He is passionate about investing in the lives of students, especially those whom God has gifted with different learning abilities, and he fully embraces our vision of developing courageous Christian influencers who will impact the culture for Christ for generations to come.” 

Mr. Kelton brings nearly 30 years of experience to Prestonwood Christian Academy, most recently as Director of Learning Lab at Parish Episcopal School of Dallas. During his tenure at Parish, he developed the Learning Lab from 30 students, where now, they serve more than 120 students with mild to moderate learning disabilities and dyslexia. He also established a dyslexia program for students to receive remediation as class. Before his time at Parish Episcopal School, he was on staff at the Shelton School for 23 years, where he served as a teacher in the classroom for 13 years and was promoted to Testing Coordinator, administering cognitive, perceptual, attention, and academic tests for 10 years. 

Mr. Kelton earned his B.A. in Leadership at Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE, and holds a Primary Montessori Certification. He served on the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

“I am thrilled to join the PCA School System where I can partner with students, parents, teachers and administrators to build a successful team approach to empower each student to reach their highest potential,” said Mr. Kelton, who began his position on July 5, 2022. “I’m excited to join this amazing Learning Lab team as we work to set a foundation of success for students’ time at PCA and beyond.”

Kelton and his wife, Aimee, currently attend Prestonwood Baptist Church. Before PBC, Mr. Kelton served as a hallway captain for the Children’s Ministry and a 6th grade small group leader at Northwest Bible Church.

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is made up of six schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,500 students are enrolled at the system’s campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA Hybrid (K-2nd and 5th-6th Grades) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with severe learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the Class of 2022, seniors have been offered more than $165 million in scholarships for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA celebrated its 25th school year in 2021-22.

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Dr. Jeremiah Johnston

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System and Prestonwood Baptist Church announced on April 24 that Dr. Jeremiah Johnston has joined their staff in a dual role with a goal to undergird a biblical worldview in all aspects of the school and church.

Dr. Johnston, one of the most recognized and brightest scholars in the church today, will serve as Associate Pastor of Apologetics & Cultural Engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church and Dean of Spiritual Development at Prestonwood Christian Academy. He is president and founder of  Christian Thinkers Society, whose mission is to train and equip Christians to defend the core truth at the heart of the Christian faith.

“For over three years, my wife and I have prayed over how the Lord would lead our family and our ministry to be part of a local church, serve on the pastoral staff team and fully utilize our gifts, scholarship and the ministries of Christian Thinkers Society to enhance a school and local church collaboratively,” Dr. Johnston said. “We have sensed a very clear call to Prestonwood Church and Prestonwood Christian Academy System of Schools. We desire to add value to the culture of excellence and join the mission of Prestonwood Church and Schools, which is ‘excellence in all things and all things to the glory of God.’

“Audrey and I, along with our five children — including our triplet cowboys — are elated to be joining the Prestonwood family and community.”

Dr. Johnston is a New Testament Scholar called to equip Christians to love God with all their hearts and minds. Author and co-author of eleven books and Bible studies, Dr. Johnston is passionate about resourcing believers to give intellectually informed accounts for what they believe. As a theologian and culture expert, he has the unique ability to connect with people of all ages, making him an ideal fit for both Prestonwood Baptist Church and Prestonwood Christian Academy.

“We live in an ever-changing world and a culture that is constantly shifting — and not for the best, to be honest — and as believers we need to be firm in our foundation so that we may stand strong for truth in all areas of life,” said Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church. “The addition of Dr. Johnston and his expertise and spiritual gifting will help undergird what we instill at both the church and school.

“I truly believe this partnership will become a model for churches and schools as we seek to engage with our biblical worldview in an increasingly hostile and secular culture.”

Dr. Johnston will also provide professional development training for Prestonwood ministers, staff and key leaders -- focusing on trending questions, best practices in communicating faith in a post-Christian world, including the development of certificate programs and further education for pastors. He will work in tandem with the PCA team in creating events, training sessions, teaching series and conferences specific to cultural engagement and effectively communicating a Christian worldview.

Dr. Mike Goddard, Superintendent of Prestonwood Christian Academy School System, said the school seeks to equip students in their Christian worldview and to model Christ-like leadership.

“We look forward to Dr. Johnston’s role at PCA in expanding the equipping of our Biblical Worldview curriculum and integration at the local, national and international level.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is made up of six schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,000 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade with first graduating class of 2023), PCA Hybrid (a three-day in classroom/two-day at home program) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered more than $154.6 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year. Go to prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information.

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Cutting the ribbon PCA leaders ceremoniously cut a ribbon celebrating the newly renovated space.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) Plano celebrated the opening of a new working studio for Upper School students in film, broadcasting and photography to explore the art of storytelling through media communications. In the new studio, PCA students will become creators of meaningful messages instead of passive receivers of them.

PCA leaders ceremoniously cut a ribbon celebrating the newly renovated space. “When you have an opportunity like this studio opening, that provides students and staff to be on the forefront of communication, you are able to equip the next generation to be world class impactors,” said Prestonwood Christian Academy School System Superintendent, Dr. Michael Goddard. “We are so thankful for parents and sponsors who invest in the next generation where it matters most, like this media studio. Our students will be the next generation of influencers with a Biblical Worldview being their priority.”

The studio provides kinesthetic learning opportunity for Communication Arts programming available to more than 400 Upper School students. The studio includes acoustical tiles that also serve as backdrops for filming, four lighting areas which include backlights and color-changing LEDs, a green screen track, podcast station, TriCaster lighting console, and new paint and carpeting.

“As the Communication Arts Program continues to grow and expand offerings for students, it has been not only a dream but a real need for Prestonwood Christian Academy to build a studio for students in Film, Broadcasting and Photography,” said Mrs. Meg Parker-Wilson, Director of Communication Arts for the System. “We are humbled by and grateful for the donors who caught the vision for present and future Lions whose passions lie within these disciplines. Our mission is to inspire our students to be creators of meaningful messages not just passive receivers of them and now they can do this in ways they never could before!”

PCA’s Communication Arts curriculum is a difference factor which exists to train students to be intentional storytellers who think critically about their message, creatively engage their audience, and effectively use communication to transform the culture for Christ.

“Each of us has a unique story inspired by the greatest of all storytellers—God,” said Mrs. Parker-Wilson. “Based on this truth, curriculum and faculty aim to inspire and train students how to use various mediums of communication to transform the culture even beyond their primary education experience.”

“We want to thank our donors, the Harley and Strawbridge families, for helping us raise the funding needed to provide this state-of-the-art studio space,” said Dr. Goddard. “The PCA family always responds generously to make plans a reality in order to avoid incurring any long-term debt.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy is made up of six schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,000 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade with first graduating class of 2023), PCA Hybrid (a three-day in classroom/two-day at home program) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered more than $154.6 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year. Go to prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information.

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Fall 2021 Signing Day L to R: Lilly Hartnell, Maia Brown, Christian Bates, Trenton Shaw, Caroline Kniffen

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) honored five student athletes who signed Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level last week during National Signing Day.

“We are proud of these students for their commitment and dedication to their sports,” said PCA’s Athletic Director Chris Cunningham. “I look forward to all that God is going to continue to do in and through their lives at the next level.”

Christian Bates signed to play baseball at Henderson State University. Bates hit .286 as a junior at PCA, posted a .902 OPS, and he reached double digits in stolen bases with 10.

Maia Brown signed to play women’s soccer at the University of Arizona. Brown has played for six years in the U.S. Development Academy and the Elite Club National League (ECNL) for the Dallas Texans SC and FC Dallas. She was 2018-19 FC Dallas Team Captain and a 2021 Dallas Cup Finalist with FC Dallas. Brown played varsity soccer and track at Prestonwood during her freshman year and was a state regional qualifier in track in the 100m and 200m. Brown excels in academics as well! She is in the top 10 percent of class at PCA, is a College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholar, on the Principal’s Honor Roll and a member of the National Honor Society.

Lilly Hartnell, PCA Online student, committed to play women’s ice hockey at Saint Anselm College. Hartnell qualified and attended the National Championships four consecutive years and was a quarterfinalist twice. She played boys hockey in Florida until being selected for Nationally Ranked AAA girls hockey program in Pittsburgh. Hartnell was then selected to play for two other Nationally Ranked AAA programs: Dallas Stars Elite, her current team Belle Tire in Detroit, Michigan. She was one out of 75 girls selected for USA Hockey National Development Camp.

Caroline Kniffen has committed to play women’s soccer at Texas A&M University during her freshman year at PCA. She is graduating in December 2021 in order to attend Texas A&M as a freshman in January 2022. She plays at the US Soccer Girls Training Center (Dallas) and played youth soccer for Liverpool RASE Academy where she was ranked #1 in the country and won multiple National Titles. Her honors include: Top Performer at Id2 National Training Center, Arizona, 2018 MVP SRPL Regional Championships, 2018 Top Scorer SRPL Regional Championships, 2018 SRPL National Qualifier and Regional Champions, 2019 ECNL Conference Selection Program, 2019-2020 ECNL National Finalist and 2020-2021 1st Team All ECNL.

Trenton Shaw will play baseball at Oklahoma State University next year. In 2021, Shaw was named TAPPS All-State, All-District and All-Area. Shaw has participated in MLB Breakthrough Series three times, is a Perfect Game All-American and a High School Preseason All-America nominee. Currently ranked as a top 10 player in the state of Texas and top 50 in the United States, Shaw batted .523 as a junior with five home runs. He has posted three wins on the mound with 44 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched. 

Prestonwood Christian Academy is made up of six schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,000 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade), PCA Hybrid (a three-day in classroom/two-day at home program) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered more than $154.6 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year. Go to prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information.

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National Merit Commended Matthew Bower and Benjamin Oommen are National Merit Commended Scholars.

Congratulations to two Prestonwood Christian Academy seniors who placed in the 2021 National Merit competition. Matthew Bower and Benjamin Oommen were named National Merit Commended Scholars based on their results of the fall 2020 PSAT. In addition, Kimberly Beeman, Abram De Armas (Class of 2023) and Monica Spooner have been named College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars. Maia Brown, Sydney Brown, Rihana Nesru and Jackson Shuler are College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholars.

About 34,000 Commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. They placed among the top 50,000 scores of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

The College Board, which administers the PSAT and SAT among its activities, recognizes academic excellence through its National Recognition Programs. Students selected for this prestigious honor can cite it on their college and scholarship applications. In turn, colleges use the listing of this honor as a way of identifying students from underrepresented groups—i.e., ethnic minorities and/or those who attend school in rural areas or small towns—who have excelled on their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and in their classwork.

"We are incredibly proud of these bright students who excel academically and are involved as leaders on our campus,” said Dr. Mike Goddard, Superintendent of PCA School System. “Each of these faith-filled Lions is able to articulate their biblical worldview in a culture of opposing ideas. These nine students represent Prestonwood Christian Academy well, and they showcase how a student can shine at a liberal arts school where faith is intentionally integrated with learning resulting in a distinctive environment and community."

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is a ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church and made up of six schools serving more than 2,000 students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. Schools include PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade), PCA Hybrid (Kindergarten through 2nd and 5th through 6th) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered more than $154.6 million in scholarships for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. All PCA schools are enrolling.

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National Merit Commended Matthew Bower and Benjamin Oommen are National Merit Commended Scholars.

Congratulations to two Prestonwood Christian Academy seniors who placed in the 2021 National Merit competition. Matthew Bower and Benjamin Oommen were named National Merit Commended Scholars based on their results of the fall 2020 PSAT. In addition, Kimberly Beeman, Abram De Armas (Class of 2023) and Monica Spooner have been named College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars. Maia Brown, Sydney Brown, Rihanna Nesru and Jackson Shuler are College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholars.

About 34,000 Commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. They placed among the top 50,000 scores of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

The College Board, which administers the PSAT and SAT among its activities, recognizes academic excellence through its National Recognition Programs. Students selected for this prestigious honor can cite it on their college and scholarship applications. In turn, colleges use the listing of this honor as a way of identifying students from underrepresented groups—i.e., ethnic minorities and/or those who attend school in rural areas or small towns—who have excelled on their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and in their classwork.

"We are incredibly proud of these bright students who excel academically and are involved as leaders on our campus,” said Dr. Mike Goddard, Superintendent of PCA School System. “Each of these faith-filled Lions is able to articulate their biblical worldview in a culture of opposing ideas. These nine students represent Prestonwood Christian Academy well, and they showcase how a student can shine at a liberal arts school where faith is intentionally integrated with learning resulting in a distinctive environment and community."

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is a ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church and made up of six schools serving more than 2,000 students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. Schools include PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade), PCA Hybrid (Kindergarten through 2nd and 5th through 6th) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered more than $154.6 million in scholarships for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. All PCA schools are enrolling.

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For 25 years, Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) has been investing in the lives of its students by helping them intentionally build their lives on Kingdom foundations and a biblical worldview.

“As we reflect on 25 years of impact, let’s be reminded that God has orchestrated every step along the journey,” said Dr. Michael Goddard, superintendent of Prestonwood Christian Academy System of Schools. “From small beginnings to the new expansions, we continue to daily hear stories of Christ’s impact on the lives of our students, teachers, alumni and community. We are grounded in proud traditions and are roaring forward into God’s gift of future opportunities.”

Since its humble beginning in 1997 at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, PCA has expanded into a system of six schools serving more than 2,000 students in preschool through 12th grade: PCA Plano in Plano, Texas, St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano, Texas, PCA North in Prosper, Texas, The King's Academy in South Dallas, Texas, PCA Hybrid and PCA Online. At each campus, students are offered an education that encourages spiritual growth, character building and academic excellence so they are equipped to live strong, empowered lives for Christ.

“The word ‘Christian’ in our name is not just a label. The mission of the church is the mission of the school: introduce Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to as many people as possible, using the most effective means,” said Dr. Jack Graham, Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church. “Over the last 25 years, with the blessing and favor of God, Prestonwood Christian Academy has grown to become an unstoppable force for education and the gospel.”

Over its two-and-a-half decades of existence, Prestonwood Christian Academy has reached the following milestones:

  • Nearly 5,000 students, parents and guardians have made professions of faith in Jesus Christ.
  • More than 400 PCA 7th-12th grade students take part in mission trips each year through the “Minimester” program, and more than 800 7th-12th grade students, faculty and staff serve their local communities annually on Service Project Day. 
  • Since 2002, PCA graduates have been awarded more than $154 million in college scholarships.
  • $38 million in financial aid has been provided for students who otherwise would not be able to attend PCA through the Sponsor-A-Child tuition assistance program.
  • PCA has graduated more than 2,000 alumni, 15 of which are on staff in the PCA System of Schools. 

“At Prestonwood Christian Academy, learning will always be more than an education. It's an investment that is establishing students for life,” Dr. Michael Goddard said. “We greatly look forward to the next 25 years.”

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PCA Hybrid Middle Students

Yesterday as part of Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) School System’s 25th anniversary, PCA Hybrid officially opened the doors of its new school and welcomed 48 students in grades Kindergarten, 1, 2, 5 and 6. Additional grades will be added as students advance. In addition, five new faculty and staff members have joined PCA Hybrid from both public and private schools in the area.

PCA Hybrid operates at the PCA Plano Campus and provides a unique design for families who desire additional flexibility in their schedules by offering a hybrid of Blended Learning and Project-Based Learning. These instructional platforms are incorporated within a three-day-a-week school classroom schedule and include a two-day-a-week “satellite classroom” learning design. The school model furthers PCA’s ability to expand Kingdom education and provide an additional high-quality Christ-centered educational model for the North Dallas community. 

“We are so thankful and excited about PCA Hybrid,” said new PCA Hybrid mom, Emily Ha. “Our boys had a great first day at school and can’t wait to go back. We loved having both homeschool and family time on our hybrid day. This is such an incredible opportunity to be more hands-on in our kids’ schooling, have more time with them while also attaining a Christian education!” 

Principal Bill Wendl brings a passion for Christian education and more than 37 years of experience to PCA Hybrid, most recently serving as the Middle School principal at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano from 2006 through 2019. 

“PCA Hybrid is designed for students and families who not only desire a Kingdom education, but also see the opportunity to leverage the flexibility of the hybrid schedule. In addition, they recognize the importance of a real-world application of knowledge,” said Wendl. “We encourage parents to evaluate all of their options and prayerfully consider the best opportunity for their child to grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.”

PCA Hybrid is an extension of Prestonwood Christian Academy School System which also consists of PCA Plano, PCA North in Prosper, PCA Online, St. Timothy Christian Academy and The King’s Academy. Prestonwood Christian Academy launched a new website in support of its transition to a system of schools. The school system launched a new website on Aug. 19 which features a homepage for the Prestonwood Christian Academy School System and allows users to navigate to any of the four PCA schools and two affiliate schools. PCA Hybrid continues to accept applications for the 2021-22 school year. Interested families should call 972-930-4009 to set up a tour.

Prestonwood Christian Academy School Systemis a ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church and made up of six schools serving more than 2,000 students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. Schools include PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade), PCA Hybrid (Kindergarten through 2nd and 5th through 6th) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered more than $154.6 million in scholarships for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. All PCA schools are enrolling.

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Dr. Clarence Williams Dr. Clarence Williams joins the PCA School System as Chief Vision Officer.

Dr. Clarence Williams has been named Chief Vision Officer, Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) School System, a ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church. Dr. Williams currently serves as the Executive Director of Support Services for the Frisco Independent School District. Effective July 1, Dr. Williams will assume leadership for the successful implementation of the PCA School System strategic plan and vision as well as oversight of  Academics, Campus Ministry, Biblical Worldview Institute, Communications, Co-curriculars and Campus Administrators. 

“Dr. Williams is an incredible educator with a history of effective leadership, problem-solving and cognitive agility. He is motivated by the challenge of equipping children with a quality and inspiring education in a rapidly changing world,” said PCA School System Superintendent, Dr. Michael Goddard. “That motivation undergirded by his love for the Lord will have a powerful influence on our students, faculty, staff and administration. I am thrilled to have him on our team!”

Dr. Williams’ professional experience of 27 years includes 10 years with Frisco ISD in various roles. He was recognized by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) as Principal of the Year for personal excellence, outstanding leadership and commitment to student success. Dr. Williams is currently an Adjunct Professor for Texas A&M University-Commerce within the Educational Leadership department teaching doctoral level classes. Before entering administration, he spent 12 years investing in students in the classroom as a teacher and instructor.

Dr. Williams’ passion for education and continuous learning is evident in the certifications he holds and his active participation in key organizations. Dr. Williams holds certifications in Texas Superintendent EC-12, Texas Principal EC-12, Texas Teacher 8-12, Texas Principal Evaluation, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Mid-Management Certification, Texas Principal Evaluation Support System (TPESS) and Texas Teacher Evaluation Support System (TTESS). He is active in the Texas Association for Secondary School Principals, Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Texas Association of School Administrators, The Texas Association of School Business Officials, and assists the Dissertation Committee for doctoral students at Texas A&M University-Commerce of North Texas.

Dr. Williams earned his Ed.D. in educational leadership (2018), and his Ed.M. with an emphasis in training and development (1997) from Texas A&M University-Commerce and his B.S. in business administration from Northwestern State University (1982).  He is a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Prosper, Texas where he serves as Deacon Chairman.

“I am delighted to be joining Prestonwood Christian Academy as Chief Vision Officer. And grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. I look forward to partnering with the team and parents in providing a Christ-centered education to students who are in pursuit of excellence, to be the best, fully committed to become tomorrow’s leaders. I am confident that we can make a significant impact for the Kingdom,” Dr. Williams commented.

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is made up of five schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 1,650 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 11th Grade adding a grade through the first graduating class of 2023), PCA Hybrid (starting in fall 2021) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2021, graduates have been offered $152 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. All PCA schools are now enrolling for the system’s 25th school year in 2021-22.