Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA), Prestonwood Baptist Church and St. Timothy Christian Academy (STCA) announced a formal partnership beginning with the 2017-18 school year.

St. Timothy Christian Academy, an independent Kindergarten through grade 12 school, was established in 2006 by the late Dr. Paul Warren, a noted Christian behavioral pediatrician who also helped PCA launch its Learning Lab program for students with learning differences.

“This new relationship is an incredible opportunity for our students, staff and parents to grow further in appreciation of the biblical definition of diversity as well as minister to the needs of others beyond our own,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, PCA Head of School. “In attempting to be a blessing to the St. Timothy community, we recognize that PCA stakeholders are the ones who will be blessed!”

STCA and PCA share a “philosophical and educational like-mindedness” that will provide students from St. Timothy with spiritual and educational opportunities currently unavailable to them, Dr. Taylor said.

PCA leadership initially considered creating its own program for students with learning differences, studying similar Christian schools across the country, however, all three entities realized after months of meetings and prayer that the partnership with St. Timothy would be the best fit for both schools.

The interaction between PCA and St. Timothy students will center around combined chapel services initially; however, it’s possible that St. Timothy students will eventually attend some classes at PCA. The interaction between the student bodies will create new opportunities for both groups and represents great teachable moments for students at PCA and St. Timothy.

The PCA-St. Timothy partnership models what Dr. Warren envisioned from the very beginning.

“Paul’s vision was always to have a Christian school with a program for children with learning differences and support for their families,” said his wife, Mrs. Vicky Warren, Director of Operations and Development. “The establishment of St. Timothy in 2006 was the realization of a 20-year dream of Paul’s. “This partnership between STCA and the Prestonwood organization is further fulfillment of the dream and vision. We are thrilled and look forward to all that God has in store!” 

St. Timothy students will begin using classroom space in Prestonwood Baptist Church at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year which will provide increased educational and extracurricular opportunities for St. Timothy students. Interested parents are invited to an Open House on Sunday, May 21, at 1:00 p.m. at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093. For more information, please call Mitzi Bouillion at St. Timothy Christian Academy at 972-509-7822.

About Prestonwood Christian Academy

Prestonwood Christian Academy is celebrating its 20^th school year serving 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.  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 scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2017-18 school year. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a Thursday tour at PCA Plano or PCA North by visiting www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.

About St. Timothy Christian Academy

St. Timothy Christian Academy is unique in its approach of working with children with learning differences in a redemptive Christian environment while providing hope and support for their families. Experienced teaching professionals provide a multi-sensory learning environment. Bible, art, computer, social skills, and adaptive P.E. are also an important part of the educational program. A weekly chapel service is offered as well. Through love, prayer, and dedication, STCA aims to improve the quality of life of the entire family. Recognizing the unique learning style of each student, St. Timothy Christian Academy is committed to bringing academic success to students who may have faced failures in traditional classroom settings. Skilled in innovative teaching methods and approaches, the staff at St. Timothy Christian Academy strives to stimulate the learning style of each student through the adaptation of individualized curriculum, specialized assessments, pacing, and grading that is tailored to each child.

About Prestonwood Baptist Church

Prestonwood Baptist Church comes from humble beginnings, meeting in a community center in Dallas 40 years ago. The Lord has had His hand on Prestonwood as it has grown to nearly 42,000 members on three campuses in Plano, Prosper and Lewisville. With seven weekend Worship Services, hundreds of Bible Fellowship classes for all ages (including adult classes in six languages), and multiple outreach and community ministries, more and more people are reached in the North Texas regions with the love of God and the transforming message of the Gospel. That same message is taken by Prestonwood members to various parts of our state, country and the ends of the earth, ministering in places such as South Asia, Cuba, East Africa and the Middle East. The message delivered by Pastor Jack Graham from the pulpit is also heard around the world through PowerPoint Ministries, the broadcast ministry of the church.

On Feb. 1, 2017, National Signing Day, Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) honored three student athletes who signed Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level.

“I am proud of these student athletes that we are honoring here today,” said PCA’s Athletic Director, Chris Cunningham. “They are not only athletically talented, but they have hearts for the Lord, and we are excited to see them represent Prestonwood Christian Academy at these fine universities next year.”

Three-year varsity player and Senior Maddie Dorsett signed to join The University of Texas’ women’s soccer program next year.  Dorsett earned TAPPS All-District Honorable Mention her Freshman year, however, she chose to focus on track during her Junior year. As a Sophomore and Junior, Dorsett won TAPPS State Champion medals in the 4x100. 

“Maddie is a smart player, and God has blessed her with grace and speed,” said PCA head soccer coach, Stan Renfro. “When she runs she is arguably the fastest player in our district and proven in track to be one of the fastest in the state. Maddie is quiet, calm and composed, but she can cover the field and track down players that appear to have a clear breakaway.  That speed has also proven to be a great asset as an offensive player as schools must scramble to adjust when she plays forward.”

Senior Melody Jayroe signed to play women’s soccer next year at Liberty University after three years as a varsity player at PCA. (She did not play during her Junior year.) Jayroe was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Prosper Invitational Tournament as a Freshman, and as a Sophomore, Jayroe was named PCA’s Defensive MVP and earned TAPPS All-District Honorable Mention. Jayroe is also an AP/Honors student and a member of the National Honor Society.

“After taking last year away from PCA soccer, I didn’t realize what we getting when Mel returned to the program this year,” said Coach Renfro. “Her impact is felt in every game, and she is a difference maker. Having an athletic goal keeper is vital, and Melody is that and more. She is a skillful and smart soccer player when in the field which allows her to read the game and communicate properly with her teammates when she is in the goal. Because of the level of competition, we have had to lock Mel into the goalie position for district games, but the few games she has been on the field, you would never know she was our goalie. Mel’s impact to this team has been tremendous both on and off the field.”

Senior Nate Tribon signed to play football for Texas A&M University—Commerce. Tribon is a 6’7”, 285-pound offensive lineman who helped anchor one of the biggest, toughest offensive lines in the state.  

“Known as Nate ‘The Tractor’ Tribon, he and his fellow linemen plowed through defenses, making holes for running backs and protecting quarterbacks in one of the most productive offenses in Prestonwood Christian Academy history,” said Assistant Athletic Director, Steven Greek. “The offense averaged over 500 yards per game and nearly 50 points per game in 2017.”   

 Prestonwood Christian Academy is celebrating its 20^th school year serving 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.  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 2016 was offered more than $15 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2017-18 school year. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a Thursday tour at PCA Plano or PCA North by visiting www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.

Last Wednesday, Dec. 14, was just another normal Wednesday for most PCA students. The countdown to Christmas break was on, everyone was busy studying for finals, preparing presents for teachers, and making plans for the holiday. But for one third grader, Dec. 14 was anything but ordinary! 

Dallas radio station WAY-FM 89.7 was holding a year-end pledge drive last week in partnership with Food for the Hungry. Each gift of $100 would unlock a month of meals for a child fleeing war-torn Sudan. PCA third grader Chanel Shuler and her mom, Dr. La Rochelle Shuler, were listening to the station on Wednesday and Chanel was moved by the stories of the Sudanese refugees. She asked to borrow her mom’s cell phone and the next thing her mom knew, eight-year-old Chanel was on the phone with the radio station. 

Dr. Shuler had given her daughter $500 to spend as she wanted on herself for Christmas so Chanel had built a “shopping cart” on Walmart.com. While live on the air with WAY-FM, Chanel gave up her entire Christmas, emptied out her Walmart “cart,” and instead donated that money to the starving children in Sudan. By giving up her own gifts worth $500, she provided a month of meals for five refugee kids fleeing South Sudan! Chanel’s act was so inspiring that when other WAY-FM listeners heard her on the radio, they were then inspired to make gifts of their own, some even took her number of $500 and “added zeroes to it!” 

“Chanel got it! She understands that it is more blessed to give than to receive!” said Chanel’s mom, Dr. Shuler. “My heart is overjoyed that her testimony is inspiring so many. We give all glory to God and the absolutely wonderful school she is attending, Prestonwood Christian Academy, with a well-rounded educational program grounded in God’s Word and Living principles.” 

Serving others is a core value at PCA, and from PreK- through 12^th grade, the school encourages students to follow Christ’s example of leadership through servanthood. PCA involves students in activities that require them to serve others, teaches students the value and joy of service before self, and trains students to glorify God through service in their local school, Church and community. 

“We are so proud of Chanel,” said Lower School Assistant Principal Yvonne Valasek. “Praise God that Chanel has such a kind heart and responded in such a generous way. She inspires us all!”

Prestonwood Christian Academy is celebrating its 20^th school year serving 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.  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 2016 was offered more than $15 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2017-18 school year. Interested families are invited to a PCA Breakfast Preview on Jan. 20, at 8:30 a.m. in the Leadership Center, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano 75093.  Online reservations can be made at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.  Families may also call 972.930.4010 to schedule a Thursday tour.

Today Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) sent more than 800 students and faculty members out across the Metroplex to serve during the 14th annual PCA Service Project Day.

"This year, PCA Service Project Day fell one week after our students spent two days being challenged by nationally acclaimed thought-provoking speakers about truth," said Dr. Larry Taylor, PCA Head of School. "Our seventh through twelfth graders and faculty members who serve others across our North Texas community understand that authentic servant leadership takes place as they put aside their needs and focus on the needs of others. We want our students to understand that going beyond the walls of the classroom and reaching out to others in local communities and around the world is an opportunity to invest into others and learn through serving."

The more than 800 students and faculty members served multiple communities in a myriad of ways. Service projects included:

• Restocking and displaying donations at North Collin County Habitat for Humanity ReStore in McKinney
• Yard work at multiple Senior Citizens Services residences in Carrollton and Farmers Branch
• Assisting teachers in classrooms and on the playground at schools including Crossover – Mi Escuelita Preschool, Roseland Homes Head Start Center, Sunnyview Head Start, St. Matthews – Mi Escuelita Preschool and St. Philip's School and Community Center Head Start, all of Dallas
• Serving and providing new shoes for students at an inner-city elementary school in Plano through Samaritan's Feet, a non-profit organization that provides shoes for impoverished children
• Organizing donations and cleaning at Union Gospel Mission Super Thrift Shop in Irving
• Assist with preparation of and serving lunch at Union Gospel Mission – Calvert Place Men's Shelter in Dallas
• Clean and organize stalls at Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding in Wylie
• Sort, pair up and box shoes at Buckner International (Shoes for Orphan Souls) in Mesquite
• Sorting clothes and cleaning the store at GraceBridge Food Bank and Community Outreach in Celina
• Volunteering at H.I.S. BridgeBuilders in South Dallas
• Sorting and stocking shelves at God's Food Pantry in Plano
• Sorting and boxing food at North Texas Food Bank in Dallas
• Stocking shelves and putting together food boxes for Thanksgiving at Frisco Family Services in Frisco
• Visiting with residents and making a craft with them at CC Young Memorial Home in Dallas

PCA senior Berkeley Taylor has participated in six PCA Service Days, and it is a day to which she always looks forward. However, this year was different as she volunteered in a completely new way. "Today our group was assigned to serve at an elementary school and we had the opportunity to wash the feet of all of the children in the school," she said. PCA partnered with Samaritan's Feet to then supply each child with a new pair of tennis shoes. "It was awesome to talk to the kids while we washed their feet and realize that we all struggle with the same issues at our core. I loved being able to get to know these kids, serve them and see their faces light up when they got their new shoes!"

Serving others is one of the core values at Prestonwood Christian Academy, and in addition to today's day of service, PCA's Upper School also participates in "Minimester" during a week in the spring when students go on mission trips locally, nationally or abroad. These events have created a culture of servant hearts among the student body.

"Fulfilling the Great Commission is certainly a passion of mine, and that fire was ignited while I was a student at Prestonwood," said Micah Reis, PCA's Director of Events and PCA Alumna Class of 2003. "As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel, and it's often easiest to do that by serving people both in our local community and around the world. I enjoyed watching the Middle School girls interact with the residents at CC Young Memorial Home today, and I know the impact we made today is similar to the one our Upper School group will make around the world when we go to South Asia on Minimester!"

About Prestonwood Christian Academy

Prestonwood Christian Academy is celebrating its 20th school year serving more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 7th 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 2016 was offered more than $15 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2017-18 school year. Interested families are invited to a PCA Dessert Preview on Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Leadership Center, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano 75093. Online reservations can be made at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions. Families may also call 972.930.4010 to schedule a Thursday tour.

Prestonwood Christian Academy unveiled a completely redesigned website at www.prestonwoodchristian.org with the desire to appeal to prospective families as well as communicate effectively with current parents, students, alumni and other stakeholders. Prestonwood’s users’ experience should be enhanced as the new site is now responsive, meaning that desktop webpages adapt to any mobile or tablet device to be easily viewed.

“A significant number of our prospective parents from all over North Texas and out of state find PCA online through Google searches and word of mouth,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, PCA’s Head of School. “It is critical in today’s fast-moving, innovative, and technologically advanced world that PCA is able to virtually stand out as warm and welcoming, that our difference factors are defined, and that our philosophy of Kingdom education is easily understood.”

In PCA’s fifth year of partnership with Finalsite, the redesign process began in February and continued throughout the summer months. In addition to an entire website dedicated to promoting Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, the site also boasts a home for PCA’s other campuses: PCA North in Prosper and PCAplus Virtual Academy.

In designing the new website, a primary goal for the school was appeal to prospective families with marketing information, but to also communicate effectively with current families and alumni using strategic navigation. Additionally, PCA desired to improve user experience by creating better readability, with more white space, and reduce the number clicks needed to reach information. A new interactive Campus Map was created for the website to support on-campus visitors, and easy access is readily available for donors and corporate sponsors as well.

“More than 60% of PCA’s website traffic views our site on a mobile or tablet device,” said Dr. Taylor. “We know our families and staff will greatly enjoy the benefits of our new responsive site. It is our hope and prayer that this powerful communication tool reaches families in our community who are seeking academic strength and spiritual growth for their student.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy is celebrating its 20^th school year serving 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 6^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 2016 was offered more than $15 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 tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!