Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) announced that after an extensive search, Coach David Conrady, has accepted the Head Boys Basketball Coach position.

“I am excited to be a part of the coaching staff at Prestonwood Christian Academy,” said Coach Conrady. “I believe that God wants to use our gifts, talents, and abilities to His glory. I look forward to working with the young men on the varsity team to prepare them physically, mentally, and spiritually to meet the challenges they will face on and off the court of competition.”

Coach Conrady comes to PCA with 23 years of college coaching experience including six years at Division I University of Tennessee-Chattanooga where he served as Associate Head Coach from 2004 to 2010. During his time at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, he was part of three North Division Southern Conference Championships, two Southern Conference Tournament Championships, and two NCAA “March Madness” Tournament appearances.

Coach Conrady has a BA in Education from Furman University, where he also played and started at the point guard position. After beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant for two years at his alma mater, Furman University, he started his first full time coaching job as an assistant coach at Presbyterian College in South Carolina. The following year, Coach Conrady moved on to Mars Hill College, where he helped lead the Lions to a South Atlantic Conference Championship and to the NCAA Division II National Tournament. In 1995, he served for seven years as the Head Basketball Coach at North Greenville University, where he led their basketball program from the junior college ranks into NAIA, and then from NAIA into NCAA Division II. After seven years at North Greenville, Coach Conrady took over the Newberry College program, and led them to their best finish in 2004 since 1982.

In 2010 Coach Conrady stepped down from coaching to assume the role of National Basketball Director for SCORE International, an organization that uses sports and short-term mission trips overseas in order to fulfill the Great Commission of advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has been with SCORE International since 2010 and will continue to work as their National Basketball Director. Coach Conrady re-entered the coaching ranks two years ago where his two children were attending school, Chattanooga Christian School, and led the team to a 21-8 record and a District Championship in 2016.

Coach Conrady has a passion for basketball, and a heart for all that God can do in the lives of young men through the game.

“I want my players to understand that playing to the best of their God given ability is just as pleasing to God as other activities that we would consider to be ‘spiritual,’” said Coach Conrady. “It is my heart that my players will use their talents to bring God glory.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy has won an unprecedented five TAPPS 5A Boys Basketball State Championships in the past five years. Coach David Conrady and his family (wife Becky, son Andrew, a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and daughter Faith Ann, a rising junior in high school,) are excited to be a part of not only continuing the great basketball tradition at Prestonwood Christian Academy, but building upon it.

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 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 for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are invited to take a tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

Wondering what all the buzz is about at Prestonwood Christian Academy North in Prosper? Let us tell you about our warm and friendly school! We'd love to host you at the PCA North Preview Breakfast on Friday, April 1, at 9:00 a.m. This will be a great way to learn about everything happening at our campus as well as a chance to meet PCA's Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor, and Principal Donna Leadford.

Please register at www.timecenter.com//pcaadmissionsevents.  For more information and a fun video about PCA North, please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org/north!

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) leaders and students gathered on Feb. 9, 2016, to officially open the school’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Garden on the Plano Campus.

“PCA’s STEM Garden is another step in differentiating PCA’s academic program of excellence,” said PCA’s Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor. “As with everything we do, our STEM program is designed to produce followers of Christ who have an appreciation of science and the creative nature of God.”

The purpose of the STEM Garden is to provide an outdoor classroom and lab where hands-on learning activities for students from Pre-K through 12^th grade will take place. Students will experience STEM related activities that are connected to real world application. Teachers will guide students in conducting original research through inquiry-based lessons and give students an opportunity to be innovative--to explore, test, gather and analyze data.

“At PCA, we focus on these four STEM areas of study together not only because the skills and knowledge in each discipline are essential for student success, but also because these fields are deeply intertwined in the real world and how students learn most effectively,” said Middle School Principal Bill Wendl.

The design of PCA’s STEM Garden provides an outdoor learning classroom and laboratory for students at all levels. The garden is equipped with automated drip irrigation in 12 raised beds that are designed to grow the maximum amount of plants (primarily vegetables and herbs) with minimal amount of maintenance. In addition to the traditional raised bed approach to gardening, the strategic design of the PCA STEM Garden provides space for innovative gardening, which may include aquaponics, aeroponics, wicking beds and an off-the-grid technologically advanced greenhouse.

“The future possibilities of the PCA STEM Garden are endless,” said Wendl. “Imagine PCA students designing and maintaining an off-the-grid greenhouse at school which could then be replicated and set up by PCA students on Minimester in areas of need around the world! Our hope is that the STEM Garden will inspire PCA students to enter STEM-related occupations and be used by God to share the love of Christ!”

PCA’s STEM Garden is located next to the school’s softball field to the north of the Upper School campus. Joining Dr. Taylor and Mr. Wendl to cut the ribbon officially opening the STEM Garden were Mrs. Diane Crutcher, PCA STEM Program Donor; Mr. John Klingstedt, Assistant Head of School Operations; Mrs. Dana Epperson, Assistant Head of School Academics; Dr. Terry Rodgers, Upper School Principal; and Mrs. Paige DeLeon, Lower School Principal. District Director Ms. Ebony Wilson represented state Representative Ron Simmons’ District 65. Following the ribbon cutting was a special “ground breaking” ceremony performed by Lower and Middle School students who planted lettuce and swiss chard.

“As people of the Lord, we share a common love for the outdoors,” said Mr. Wendl. “We strive to develop curiosity within our students throughout all different disciplines and our new STEM garden will go a long way to achieving our goals!”

Prestonwood Christian Academy has 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 5^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. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a Thursday tour by visiting www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions or calling 972.798.6780.

On February 3, 2016, Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) honored seven student athletes who signed Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level. “I am proud of these seven 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 seven fine universities next year.”

Senior sprinter Jaevin Reed signed to join Texas A&M University’s track and field program next year.  Last spring, Reed won gold State Champion medals in the 200m and the 400m in addition to gold for her anchor leg in the 4x100 relay.  She holds multiple school and TAPPS State records and has been named All-District and All-State.

Senior pitcher and third baseman Jacob Salim signed with George Washington University to play baseball in 2016.  Salim transferred back to PCA for his senior year from IMG Academy in Florida where he led his team in hitting last fall. He was selected to the Perfect Game All Tournament Team in Florida last summer.

Senior Ryan Bradberry signed to play football next year at Augustana University. Bradberry was captain for the State Championship-winning PCA team this season doing double-duty at both outside and inside linebacker.

Senior Deonte Williams signed today to play football at Baylor University.  Williams is a four-year starter, and was named first team All-District and first team All-State at linebacker.

Senior Collin Whitaker signed to play football at Rice University in 2016. Collin is a four-year varsity letterman and a three-year starter. He was named first team All-District and first team All-State both at cornerback on defense and at running back on offense.

Senior Tyreece Rivers signed today to play football at Oklahoma State University.  Tyreece is a two-year starter at left guard and was named All-District.

Senior Will Jones signed to play football for the United States Naval Academy in 2016.  This team captain is a three-year starter, three-year All-State honoree and first team All-State Defensive lineman. 

Prestonwood Christian Academy has 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 5^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. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a Thursday tour by visiting www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions or calling 972.798.6780.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) celebrated the opening of a new 18,000-square foot building on its Plano campus today with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The $5.7 million Student Life Center (SLC) will serve as the Chapel and cafeteria for more than 600 seventh through twelfth grade students.

“The new Student Life Center is a place on campus not just where young men and women will study and eat,” said PCA’s Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor. “But it is a place of community – where students and teachers create bonds with each other over meals, study the Bible together and grow to know the Lord.  It is a place where our students will do life together.”

More than 700 students, parents, faculty, Board members and pastors filled the new SLC as PCA and Prestonwood Baptist Church dignitaries cut a ribbon prior to the Upper School’s weekly Chapel service which included student-led worship music and testimonies. The Student Life Center is situated between PCA’s Upper School and the Prestonwood Lake, where the cross from the original Prestonwood Baptist Church is in view from inside.

Prior to the opening of the Student Life Center, Dr. Taylor was joined by Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in dedicating the adjoining Joshua Plaza, a courtyard that will serve as a special gathering place to meditate, read and give thanks to God. A school marker, the much-acclaimed Divine Servant statue of Jesus washing the feet of the Apostle Peter, anchors the 5,000-square foot plaza reminding all to have a servant’s heart.

“Joshua Plaza represents PCA’s acknowledgement that God has established this school for the purpose of Kingdom education,” said Dr. Taylor. “And the statue exemplifies PCA’s goal of producing disciples of Jesus Christ!”

The new SLC and Joshua Plaza were enhanced by gifts from the Class of 2014, Class of 2015, and by the Board of Trustees who donated the Divine Servant statue in honor of Dr. Taylor’s 15^th anniversary as PCA’s Head of School.

Prestonwood Christian Academy has 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 5^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. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are invited to an upcoming Preview or to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information!