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Welcoming St. Timothy to Prestonwood! PCA Upper School students welcomed St. Timothy students, parents and faculty with fanfare on Wednesday, May 10. St. Timothy joined PCA for lunch and All School Worship.

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 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 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.

 

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Grace_teapot.jpg Junior Grace McCraw received an $88,000 scholarship offer to Kansas City Art Institute for her piece, Floral Teapot. Juniors and Seniors apply for this scholarship, and Grace was selected as one of four recipients because of her outstanding work in ceramics at the K-12 Exhibition.

Five Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) Upper and Middle School students were selected to attend The National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition which took place on March 22 through 24 in Portland, Ore. Only 150 ceramic pieces were selected from national entries for this exhibition.

PCA sent five students to the exhibition this year due to excellent faculty direction and the level of skill students demonstrated in ceramics. Four PCA students received recognition while attending:

  • Junior Grace McCraw received an $88,000 scholarship offer to Kansas City Art Institute for her piece, Floral Teapot. Juniors and Seniors apply for this scholarship, and Grace was selected as one of four recipients because of her outstanding work in ceramics at the K-12 Exhibition.
  • Senior Teresa Backiel received a Bailey Pottery Equipment Award and Orton Foundation Cash Award for her piece, Stacked Hexagons.
  • Freshman Heather Gray received an Artistic Merit Award and Bailey Pottery Equipment Award for her piece, Steampunk Octopus.
  • Eighth Grader Davis Works received the Curator Book Award, which is a hand-selected award by the curator of the show, for his piece, Hexagon Vase. 

The National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition is an annual juried ceramic competition for Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) students in the United States. Designed to showcase the best K-12 ceramic work made in the country, the exhibition takes place in a different city each year in conjunction with the annual conference of The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA). The NCECA conference is the preeminent ceramic event in the US annually, gathering professionals from universities, colleges, museums, art galleries and the ceramic arts world to a host city to view exhibitions, demonstrations, talks and other ceramic events. Scholarships and awards are also presented to many of the winners.

“I am so excited for these students and the opportunities that these awards will bring,” said PCA Upper School Art Teacher Martha Underriner. “Many of these awards can open the door to scholarships and recognition in the arts. Congratulations to these students for their immense accomplishment!”

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 encouraged to schedule a Thursday tour at PCA Plano or PCA North by visiting www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.

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2017 National Signing Day (From left to right) Melody Jayroe signed to play women's soccer at Liberty University. Nate Tribon signed to play football at Texas A&M University--Commerce. Maddie Dorsett signed to play women's soccer at The University of Texas.

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 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 encouraged to schedule a Thursday tour at PCA Plano or PCA North by visiting www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.

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PCA 3rd Grader Chanel Shuler gave up her own Christmas gifts to provide a month's worth of food for five Sudanese refugee children through WAY-FM's pledge drive last week in partnership with Food for the Hungry.

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, who are from Frisco, 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 and her husband had given their 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 12th 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 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 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.

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PCA 3rd Grader Chanel Shuler gave up her own Christmas gifts to provide a month's worth of food for five Sudanese refugee children through WAY-FM's pledge drive last week in partnership with Food for the Hungry.

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 12th 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 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 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.

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Of the 1,500 competitive entries, PCA's Group Musical performance was one of only seven invited to perform on the Main Stage at Texas Thespian State Festival.

On Dec. 1 through 3, 2016, Prestonwood Christian Academy’s (PCA) International Thespian Society Troupe #6605 attended the Texas Thespian State Festival at the Dallas Convention Center where they received the equivalent of “State Championships” in two events. PCA’s thespians represented the only school from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to receive an invitation to perform on the main stage. 

More than 7,000 students from across the state of Texas attended the festival, and there were 1,500 competitive entries primarily from large 5A and 6A public schools as well as private schools. Out of the 1,500 entries, just 36 performances were called back for the final round. From those 36, judges then selected the top seven performance events to appear on the state main stage, and Prestonwood Christian Academy had two of those seven events selected. 

“I am so proud of our ITS students for all of their success this year,” said Joel Rutherford, PCA’s Fine Arts Director. “I’m impressed with their hard work, commitment and creativity. It’s always beautiful to see our students take light into a dark place, represent Christ and PCA so well, and then compete and achieve at the highest levels, too!”

PCA’s two selected events were Monologue performed by sophomore Mollie-Claire Matthews and Group Musical performed by senior Zach Albracht, sophomore Lauren Bridgeman, sophomore Matthew Buttry, junior Timothy Crisp, freshman Hunter Hall, sophomore Hope Hellberg, sophomore Julia Letcher, senior Paige Price, junior Avery Rudd, senior Tanner Scheef, freshman Samantha Seal, freshman Isabelle Simpson, senior Sabrina Simpson, freshman Leighton Strawbridge and senior Eric Weiss.        

In addition to the students who appeared on the main stage, PCA’s group acting event performed by freshmen Gaby Goonetilleke, Heather Gray, and Anna Murray will advance to the National Competition at the University of Nebraska in June.           

Prestonwood’s dominance in theatre competition can be attributed to the school’s feeder program as most of the school’s Upper School students began acting when they were in Middle School. PCA’s Middle School Jr. ITS troupe took 24 students to this year’s Texas State Thespian Festival entering four events: Group Musical, Solo Musical, Group Acting and Monologue. The handful of Middle School students competed in the 1,500 events primarily comprised of high school thespians. Of the four events that PCA’s Middle School students entered, two qualified for the National Competition in Nebraska next summer including Elly Porter in Solo Musical and Group Musical made up of Molly Anderson, Macy Bridgeman, Hannah Crouse, Mia Dorsett, Mary Kate Dugan, Kylie Lamm, Kate McCrary, Audrey Meece, Ella Moore, Ashley Pelham, Grace Rutherford, Gracie Smith, Chloe Sparks, Emma Stephens, Riley Waddell and Kambell Wrona.

Prestonwood Christian Academy has an award-winning and nationally-recognized theatre program that strives to provide Middle and Upper school students with a creative and multidisciplinary art form. PCA’s Theatre Department recently produced Peter and the Starcatcher in November, and is currently casting for their spring musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which will be performed at the Eisemann Center on April 5-8, 2017. 

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 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.

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washingfeet.jpg PCA Seniors washed the feet of students at an elementary school before they were fitted with new tennis shoes provided by Samaritan's Feet.

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.

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PCA National Merit Students Bottom row (l to r): Hannah Mathes, Abbie Chavez, Haley Kell, Madeline Sappington Top row (l to r): Chris Sculley, Jonathan Walsh, Josh Anil, Ryan Chow, Dr. Larry Taylor

Prestonwood Christian Academy congratulates eight seniors who placed in the 2016 National Merit competition! Josh Anil of Carrollton was named a 2016 National Merit Semifinalist and Abbie Chavez of Lewisville was named a National Hispanic Scholar. Ryan Chow (Dallas), Haley Kell (Carrollton), Hannah Mathes (Carrollton), Madeline Sappington (Carrollton), Chris Sculley (Plano) and Jonathan Walsh (Plano) were National Merit Commended. 

National Merit Commended students rank in the top 97 percentile of all students in Texas who took the 2015 PSAT.  National Merit Semifinalists rank in the top 1% of all students in Texas who took the 2015 PSAT.  Approximately 1.5 million high school juniors from across the country compete each year in the National Merit Competition.

“We are proud of these fine, intelligent students who not only excel academically, but are also 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 eight students represent what PCA strives to be: 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 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 6th 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 campus tour or attend an upcoming School Preview to learn more! Details and registration is available at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissionsevents

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PCA Mobile Website PCA's new website is easily accessible on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile phones!

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 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 6th 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!

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Dr. Ron Moss Dr. Ron Moss, PCA's Director of Guidance & College Placement, was honored with a lifetime achievement award by The North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, Inc.

The North American Coalition for Christian Admissions (NACCAP) recently honored Dr. Ron W. Moss, Director of Guidance and College Placement at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) in Plano, with their lifetime achievement recognition.

“NACCAP is honored to acknowledge the lifetime achievement of Ronald W. Moss,” said Mr. Chant Thompson, Executive Director of NACCAP. “Over the years, Ron has contributed mightily to the effectiveness of our organization. As we endeavor to help students and Christian school enrollment professionals with the wonderful task of helping families realize the dreams they have for their educational future, Ron has been a key part of those decisions.”

Dr. Moss has been involved in the counseling, admission and enrollment management profession for more than forty years.  Five years ago he began a new chapter in his educational career at Prestonwood Christian Academy upon completing his eighteenth year at Southern Methodist University as Dean of Admission and Executive Director of Enrollment Services. SMU Enrollment Services includes undergraduate admission, financial aid, merit scholarships, student records, and the bursar.  Prior to SMU, Dr. Moss served as Director of Admission at Rice University for twelve years.  He began his career as Director of Freshmen Admission at Texas Christian University.

“It is no surprise to those of us who are fortunate to work alongside Dr. Moss each day that he was honored for a lifetime of diligence and good work,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, Head of School at PCA. “We are grateful for the way Ron serves so many in our community and beyond.”

In addition to his college guidance and counseling duties at PCA, Dr. Moss has been a frequent speaker and author concerning the profession and has served numerous professional associations in a variety of leadership roles.  He recently completed a term as a member of the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) Editorial Board and is a former faculty member of the association's annual Admission Middle Management Institute (AMMI).  He also has served on the NACAC Executive Board, as a chief delegate for two terms to the NACAC assembly, as a member of the Fund for the Future Committee, as chair of the State and Regional Presidents Council, and is a recipient of the association's John B. Muir Editor's Award for contributions to the profession's literature.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Moss. “It is a joy to represent our Lord on a daily basis.”

Through his current work at Prestonwood Christian Academy, Dr. Moss has become an active participant in the national dialogue and professional development for professionals at faith-based secondary schools and colleges and universities. He was recently elected to the Executive Board of the National Association of Christian College Admission Professionals (NACCAP) and serves as a member of the association's Professional Development Committee. He is part of the design team which recently developed and wrote the curriculum for a nationally based certification program for college counselors employed in faith-based high schools. He now serves as a Senior Faculty member for the program which launched during the 2015-16 academic year.

Dr. Moss also has served the Texas Association of College Admission Counselor (TACAC) in numerous leadership capacities including President and founding Secretary.  Additionally, he has been on the faculty of the TACAC-College Board's Admission and College Counseling Institute Summer Institute for twenty-five years, recently completing a five-year period as Institute Co-Director.  He also is the recipient of the Association's Founders Award. He has served two elected terms on the National Guidance and Admission Committee (GAAC) of The College Board and currently serves as a member of the Board's 21st Century Consortium.  In his role with the College Board he also has served the Southwest Region of the College Board in numerous other capacities including Chair of the Regional Council, Chair of the Nominating Committee and Conference Coordinator.

Dr. Moss also serves on a number of scholarship programs including Coca-Cola Scholars, Campbell Scholars, the Sponsored Scholarship Service and Chevron Scholars.  He also has served or currently serves on The Common Application Committee, Hobson's Advisory Board, College Guide Advisory and America's Junior Miss.  In his licensed ministry, he also served a number of churches in a variety of roles. He received Doctorate from the University of North Texas, where he served as a Research Fellow and received the school's Distinguished Graduate Student Award.  He also is a recipient of the PTA Lifetime Membership Award.  As an Eagle Scout, he has remained active in scouting, including various duties with the local troop from which his two sons earned their Eagle Awards.  His wife, a former admission professional, remains a professional educator and active volunteer.

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 6th 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!