Congratulations to the seven Prestonwood Christian Academy seniors who placed in the 2018 National Merit competition. Matthew Buttry (Plano) and Karen Sculley (Plano) were named National Merit Semifinalists based on their results of the fall 2017 PSAT. In addition, Alex Donaldson (Lewisville), Logan Doyle (Carrollton) and Landon Sibley (The Colony) were National Merit Commended. Bella Arenas (Carrollton) and Nick Vazquez (Carrollton) have been named National Hispanic Scholars.

National Merit Commended students rank in the top 97 percentile of all students in Texas who took the 2017 PSAT.  National Merit Semifinalists rank in the top 1% of all students in Texas who took the 2017 PSAT.  Approximately 1.5 million high school juniors from across the country compete each year in the National Merit Competition. College Board and Scholarship America selects just 5,000 Hispanic/Latino students from 400,000 to be named National Hispanic Scholars.

"We are proud of these bright students who excel academically and are involved as leaders on our campus. Each of them is able to articulate their biblical worldview in a marketplace full of opposing ideas and ideology," said Dr. Larry Taylor, Head of School, Prestonwood Christian Academy. "These seven students represent Prestonwood Christian Academy well, and they showcase how a student can shine at a liberal arts school where faith is not separated from learning, but rather integrated intentionally, resulting in a distinctive environment and community."

Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-K3 through 12^th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 8^th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy. PCA North is celebrating its fifth school year with 170 students and is now enrolling through 9^th 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. PCA has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. The 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. Since its first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2018, graduates have been offered more than $110 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) today celebrated the commencement of construction for a new Middle School and the beginning of renovations of a Fine Arts center at the school’s Plano campus. The anticipated completion of the Fine Arts renovation is scheduled for August 2019, and the Middle School building is scheduled to be completed by January 2020.

PCA and Prestonwood Baptist Church leaders ceremoniously broke ground celebrating the new building. “The learning that will take place here over the years for our Middle School students will have a far-reaching impact,” said PCA’s Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor. “From STEM to outdoor learning, to the arts and collaborative spaces, our students will be challenged to use their minds in a rigorous way in an effort to bring glory to the Lord.”

In its final buildout, the Middle School building will provide full programming for over 400 Middle School students and create visible unity and community for Middle School students as well as greater faculty collaboration. (PCA's four grades of Middle School students are currently split between two buildings, sharing space with PCA’s Lower and Upper School students.)

“Our vision, our heart, is one Middle School division under one roof providing unity, community, security and identity for our Middle School students,” said Leesa Trout, Sixth Grade English Teacher.

The new building will not only create more physical unity for Middle School students and faculty but provides opportunity for broader curriculum needs as well. The new building will include collaboration space, innovation labs, a new media center/library, a dedicated Middle School Learning Lab, two technology labs including robotics and outdoor learning space.

The renovated Fine Arts center will meet the growing demands of PCA’s robust, award-winning program. The approximately 20,000 square feet of space will include a black box theatre, Fine Arts gallery hall showcasing student artists, new band hall, choir space with practice rooms and a mock trial courtroom.

“The proposed renovations to PCA’s Fine Arts facilities, as well as the addition of a black box theatre will be a huge step forward for our school,” said Fine Arts Director Joel T. Rutherford. “These changes to our facilities will allow for increased programming and opportunity for our theatre department as well as greater efficiency and effectiveness for our band, choir and art departments. I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead for our Fine Arts Department, and I can’t wait to ‘move in’ to our outstanding new and renovated facilities.”

Through the school’s EQUIP Campaign, Prestonwood Christian Academy has secured 85 percent of the $20 million project goal, enough funding to move forward with construction of its new Middle School building and the renovation of the Fine Arts facility.

“We recognize that our $20 million goal is ambitious, and we want to thank our lead donors for helping us raise the $17.3 million that was needed to break ground today,” said Dr. Taylor. “Our prayer is to raise the remaining $2.7 million needed to make this incredible plan a reality in order to avoid incurring any long-term debt. Historically, our PCA family has always responded generously to capital needs, and we anticipate that they will do so for this project as well!”

Lead EQUIP campaign donors who were recognized at the ceremony are Tim and Peggy Horner, Grace Bridge/Master Cares courtesy of Charles and Carol Loper, Chip and Nicki Loper, Emery and Amy Petrof and Bill and Trisha Ruzynski, in addition to several anonymous donors.

Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-K3 through 12^th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 8^th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy. PCA North is celebrating its fifth school year with more than 160 students, and PCAplus has been serving students for 10 years. PCA 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. Since it first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2018, graduates have been offered more than $110 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning.

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The ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) recently announced the accreditation of Prestonwood Christian Academy. ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising.   

Prestonwood Christian Academy joins a growing number of Christ-centered schools, churches and ministries across America, supported by over 27 million donors that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal.  When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability.

“We are pleased to accredit a ministry committed to assist Christian parents by helping equip students to embrace biblical truth, strive for academic excellence, and model Christ-like leadership to influence their homes, churches, and communities for Christ,” said Dan Busby, president of ECFA.

Founded in 1995, Prestonwood Christian Academy (www.prestonwoodchristian.org) places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities.

To learn more about Prestonwood Christian Academy and their stewardship opportunities, visit ServantMatch®, ECFA’s program that matches God’s servants with the stewardship options of ECFA members based on ministry sectors and categories. It is ECFA’s newest online feature that allows you to quickly and easily find giving opportunities.

ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA Standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising and board governance.  For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ECFA.org or call 1-800-323-9473.

Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-K3 through 12^th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 7^th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy. PCA North is now enrolling through 8^th grade. PCA 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. Since it first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2017, graduates were offered nearly $100 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. Both Prestonwood campuses are currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 school year. PCA North is hosting a Meet and Greet on April 19, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. when families will have the opportunity to visit with PCA’s Head of School and PCA North Principals, ask questions and take a tour. Details and registration are available at prestonwoodchristian.org/preview.

At a reception during the 2018 TCEA Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas, it was announced that Mrs. Sherri Forrest, Manager of Technical Services at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA), had won the honor of “Technical Support Person of the Year.” This award recognizes exemplary support personnel who make significant contributions by providing technical support to facilitate the successful use of technology on a campus or at the district level. These employees exemplify innovation and are dedicated to advancing teaching and learning with technology. It is one of several honors given out as part of TCEA’s Educator Awards and Scholarships.

“Infusing technology in the classroom enables PCA teachers to reach our students in their native language,” said PCA Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor. “I am thrilled that the TCEA has honored the work that our Technology team, led by Mrs. Barbara Brown and Mrs. Sherri Forrest, puts in every day, striving for excellence as they provide students with tools to access, create, share and collaborate as global, digital citizens. As our Portrait of a Graduate outlines so clearly, our Technology Program engages students in learning so that they reach their God-given potential.”

Currently in her 18^th year in technology education, Mrs. Forrest has led PCA’s technical department to revolutionize how it provides service to the Pre-K through 12^th grade, multi-campus school system. She meets weekly with campus technicians to discuss project timelines and provide assistance as needed.  Mrs. Forrest has been the mainstay of PCA’s ability to initiate and sustain the one-to-one program for all K through 12^th grade students. She recently became a JAMF Certified Casper Technician (CCT). 

“Sherri will do whatever it takes to resolve technical issues for all PCA students and employees,” said Mrs. Barbara Brown, PCA’s Senior Director of Technology. “She has spent countless hours learning the new systems that PCA has acquired to manage the one-to-one environment.  Sherri’s remarkable leadership is an amazing gift to Prestonwood Christian Academy.  Her integrity and genuine servant’s heart propel everyone who knows Sherri to be a better person and employee.  She embodies the phrase:  There is nothing so strong as gentleness and nothing so gentle as true strength.  Her kindness is exceeded only by her tireless drive to create technological excellence for each Prestonwood Christian Academy student and employee.”

Mrs. Forrest graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Business Information Systems and then worked as the Office Manager and Tech Systems Manager at HEB Printing and Associates for 12 years. Mrs. Forrest spent time in the Frisco Independent School District and served as the Technology Director at Legacy Christian Academy before making the move to Prestonwood Christian Academy.

“I feel very honored and humbled to be awarded with such a distinction,” said Mrs. Forrest.  “I have a great team and loving family that have supported and led me to this point.  I am always striving for excellence in my work.  I look for ways to serve and desire to be someone people can depend on. Caring for others is very important to me. I am so happy to be able to represent PCA to the technology educators of Texas in this way.”

“It is our honor to bestow these awards on deserving educators who are out in the field making incredible advances in teaching and learning with technology,” said Lori Gracey, the Executive Director of TCEA, about Mrs. Forrest and all of the 2018 Educator Award winners.

Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12^th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 7^th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy. PCA North is now enrolling through 8^th grade. PCA 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. In addition to PCA's spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. The graduating class of 2017 was offered more than $10 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is currently accepting applications. Interested families are invited to take a campus tour to learn more! Details and registration are available at prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions. 

About TCEA

TCEA (tcea.org) is a nonprofit, member-based organization that has supported the use of technology in education for the last 37 years. Our primary focus is on integrating technology into the PreK-16 environment and providing our members with cutting-edge knowledge and resources through conferences, workshops, online and print publications, and collaborations with higher education and business. 

Prestonwood Christian Academy Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor, Board of Trustees, and Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Dr. Jack Graham, announce plans to add a High School at the PCA North campus in Prosper. PCA North is currently part of PCA’s School System which consists of two elementary schools (Plano and Prosper), two middle schools (Plano and Prosper), a high school (Plano, and soon to be Prosper), a virtual academy, and St. Timothy Christian Academy, a school for unique learning needs. PCA North is in its fourth year of existence and offers Biblically-based education to Pre-School-three-year-olds through seventh grade. This strategic announcement includes adding a grade every year through the first graduating class of 2023. PCA’s System is one of the largest private and Christian schools in the Metroplex, and is currently serving over 1,600 students. 

PCA’s School System is fully accredited through AdvancEd and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). PCA is one of only eleven Christian schools in the nation earning Exemplary Level Accreditation. “The quality of a PCA education continues to strengthen. Multiple assessment instruments confirm that our students are learning at, or above, their ability level. These objective measurements, such as the standardized test scores, our AP-Advanced Placement Scores, the Duke Talent Search Testing, and our SAT and ACT Test Scores reveal key data that we track and analyze,” Dr. Taylor shared. Dr. Taylor added, “Although the scholastic and co-curricular programs are strong, at the very core of our mission is to produce followers of Jesus Christ. Students who can enter the university, and then the world, fully confident in their belief system, but also competent in the areas of business, law, medicine, ministry, education and beyond.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy is a ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church. Reflecting on this significant decision, Dr. Jack Graham, Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church said, “I believe we have, and continue to build, the finest Christian school in America. PCA is a positive influence on our church and community, and it is obvious that God is doing great and mighty things here.”

Mike Daugherty, PCA North parent and Board of Trustees member, sees the expansion as an opportunity for students to continue their academic and spiritual growth. “The addition of an Upper School and expansion through 12th grade is an exciting milestone in the life of Prestonwood Christian Academy North.   Just four years ago, a small group of families came together to launch PCA North under the PCA School System.  Knowing our students will now have the opportunity to continue their Christian education through the 12th grade is truly a blessing and a gift from God.  At PCA North, we have a very special place where our kids are receiving an incredible and rigorous education while at the same time being prepared to be disciples that will make an impact on the next generation for Christ,” Daugherty said.

Prestonwood Christian Academy North has a strong Lower School program encompassing PK3 through fourth grade. Learning is interactive and hands-on and PCA students score above the national average in every academic area.  All courses are taught with a biblical worldview and students learn at an early age to care for and pray for others. As with PCA’s Lower School, PCA Middle School teachers know that learning occurs best when students are engaged and interacting. Through PCA’s STEM endowment, the Middle School science department provides students with cutting-edge experiences inside and outside the classroom. PCA North students compete in spelling bees, Math Olympics, speech meets, art competitions, and athletics.  And, a Future Problem Solvers International team was added this year. 

Dr. Chris Kouba, PCA parent and Lead Pastor of the North Campus of Prestonwood Baptist Church is looking forward to the growth of the school as the northern corridor continues its explosive growth, “With over four families per day moving into the city of Prosper alone, in addition to the explosive growth in North Frisco, Northwest McKinney, Little Elm, and Celina, you are starting to see more and more fields turn into construction sites for new retail, new homes, and new planned developments.  Every year school districts are building and adding new schools and all are preparing for the growth that has moved from ‘coming’ to now ‘here.’  This growth provides PCA North an incredible opportunity not just to get in on the advancement and development of the area, but to expand and build and grow something that will far outlast any of these new buildings or facilities and that is hearts and minds shaped and molded by a Kingdom education.  There is simply nothing more important than investing in the next generation and PCA North does that through Kingdom education,” said Dr. Kouba.

PCA North Principal, Donna Leadford is ready for the challenge, “I’ve often said that PCA North has the best of both worlds.  We have the fun and excitement of growing a new campus, but the benefits of being a part of an exceptional 21-year-old school.  We opened our doors in 2014 as a Lower School, but quickly grew to serve Middle School students as well. Currently, we serve students in PK3 through seventh grade and we will continue adding a grade level per year in eager anticipation of the first PCA North graduating seniors.” 

Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12^th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 8^th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy. The school 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. In addition to PCA's spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. The graduating class of 2017 was offered more than $10 million in scholarships for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is currently accepting applications. Interested families are invited to take a campus tour or attend an upcoming School Preview to learn more! Details and registration are available at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions. Families may also call 972.930.4010 to schedule a Thursday tour.