Leaders celebrated the announcement of a new private Christian school called The King’s Academy in the Bonton/South Dallas community today with a reception at Buckeye Commons Recreation Center (formerly known as Turner Courts Recreation Center). In its inaugural year, 2019-2020, the school will welcome students in PreK-4 through first grade and continue to add a grade every year until completion.
The King’s Academy will offer families a faith-based education that focuses on the heart, mind and soul of each student. Prestonwood Christian Academy School System, through a collaborative effort with several existing ministries and programs such as Bonton Farms, BridgeBuilders, Prestonwood Baptist Church, has developed strategic partnerships to not only start a school but continue the authentic transformation taking place in the community.
“We are humbled and excited about our partnership with The King’s Academy, which will provide a rigorous academic program combined with an effective spiritual and character development plan,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, Superintendent of Prestonwood Christian Academy School System. “Establishing a Christ-centered school focused on a child’s mind and heart is our mission. What an honor it will be to develop these boys and girls into men and women—our future leaders in areas of law, business, medicine, engineering, education, ministry or any assignment in which God calls them to excel!”
The school has been years in the making starting with the founding of BridgeBuilders under the direction of Mike Fechner bringing faith, hope and love to the Bonton community. Before Fechner lost his battle to cancer in 2014, he shared his vision to open a Christian school in Bonton. In 2013, Bonton Farms was formed under Daron Babcock providing an agricultural intervention to restore lives, create jobs and ignite hope in South Dallas. One of Bonton Farms’ six pillars to transforming a community is education. In 2017, Norm Miller, Chairman of the Board of Interstate Batteries, contacted Babcock about starting a Christian School in Bonton, still interested in funding Fechner’s original vision. Miller and Babcock met with Dr. Larry Taylor of Prestonwood Christian Academy, and a group formed to conduct weekly strategic planning sessions.
In early 2018, Norm and Anne Miller committed to provide start-up funding for The King’s Academy, and the school board was formed. Dr. Shailendra Thomas, a nationally respected educator has been announced as the inaugural Head of School for The King’s Academy. She has more than 30 years of experience in education including serving for 13 years as Head of School at Fellowship Christian Academy under Dr. Tony Evans’ church ministry. Dr. Thomas grew up in Bonton and is looking forward to returning to the place of her childhood.
“I believe that education involves more than a child’s intellectual abilities; it should ultimately inspire learners to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives,” said Dr. Thomas.
The King’s Academy’s tuition model is based on a family’s income in order for Kingdom education to be affordable for all children. In addition, breakfast and lunch will be provided for students as well as quality after-school programming from community ministries. Generous donors will make this funding model possible.
For more information on how to enroll in or support The King’s Academy, please visit www.tkadallas.org.
Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses as part of its school system. PCA Plano serves Pre-K3 through 12th grade. PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 8th grade) is celebrating its fifth school year with more than 170 students and is now enrolling through 9th grade as it grows to the first graduating class of 2023. PCAplus is celebrating record-breaking enrollment and has been serving students for 10 years. St. Timothy Christian Academy is a K through 12th grade school for students with learning differences which joined PCA’s School System in 2017. Prestonwood Christian Academy School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. Each school 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.