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 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 campus tour or attend an upcoming School Preview to learn more! Details and registration is available at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissionsevents. 

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 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!

On Wednesday, May 25, 2016, Prestonwood Christian Academy’s Varsity Baseball team played for the TAPPS 5A State Championship after defeating St. Thomas High School of Houston 5-4 the day prior. Facing opponent Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School from Beaumont, TX, PCA won 7-1 securing the school’s first ever baseball State Championship and finishing the 2016 season with a 31-1 record.

Prestonwood Christian Academy has experienced an unprecedented athletic year. In 2015-16, PCA won what the local media are calling the TAPPS “Triple Crown;” State titles in football, boys basketball and baseball in the same school year.  In addition to the Triple Crown, PCA team also achieved State Championship titles in girls golf and competitive cheerleading and secured individual gold medals in swimming and multiple track events.

“Winning State Titles doesn’t happen often in the life of a school, and it’s a feeling that needs to be cherished and used as motivation,” said Chris Cunningham, PCA’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. “This has truly been a special school year, and we are giving all the glory to God.  We teach Kingdom Athletics at PCA, which is more than just how to excel in a selected sport. It’s training the hearts and minds of student-athletes to value hard work, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship in the classroom of athletic development and competition. Colossians 3:23 says, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,’ and this is the standard on which we base our expectations of our student-athletes!”

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. 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!

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) celebrated its annual World Impact Day today and commissioned more than 500 students and staff members who will serve both locally and abroad next week.  Each year, PCA sets aside a Minimester week during the spring semester for Upper School students to serve on mission.

“World Impact Day is one of my favorite days at PCA,” said Shara Lott, PCA mom and Chairwoman of the 2016 World Impact Day Committee. “Teaching our students to reach souls for His Kingdom is the heartbeat of our school. From the supply collections in Lower School, to classrooms praying over Upper School trip participants...this is the culmination of what we are trying to teach our students: Go out, serve and share Christ locally, stateside and internationally!"

From the beginning of the school year, all PCA Plano and PCA North students are involved with World Impact Day and Minimester, though pre-kindergarten through sixth graders will have school as usual next week.  In the fall, every Lower School class is paired with a mission trip and the younger students begin praying for the older students who will serve during Minimester.  The younger students also begin collecting supplies that will be donated to each specific mission trip.

A central theme of PCA’s mission statement is equipping students to impact communities for Christ, which is why the school places such importance on World Impact Day and Minimester. This marks the 16^th year that PCA has sent students and staff on Minimester, and this year, students are serving in 14 countries abroad on four continents, six states in the U.S. and multiple locations in Texas and around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

World Impact Day's All School Worship at Prestonwood Baptist Church began with a powerful video of PCA students and parents reciting The Great Commission in their native language. In addition to worship music led by Upper School students and a parade of flags of the nations where PCA students have or will serve on mission, attendees also heard from Safeeya Schnaufer, who was born and raised in a strict Muslim home in the Middle East. At a very young age, Ms. Schnaufer witnessed violent acts against her own accused of disobeying Islamic law. She shared her powerful testimony of becoming a follower of Jesus inspiring PCA students to continue the theme of World Impact Day: “Live on Mission,” from Matthew 28: 19-20 which says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Following All School Worship, Upper School students dispersed amongst the Lower School classrooms for activities with the children and a time of prayer.  All PCA students were served a small lunch of rice and beans in honor of the millions of children around the globe who do not have enough to eat daily.

“No matter the age of your child, everyone this morning was blessed by the parade of nations, worship music and testimonies,” said Mrs. Lott. “It was truly beautiful to see all of the students commissioned as the service came to a close. This service is always powerful, and it brings tears to my eyes to see PCA kids preparing themselves and their hearts for the mission work ahead!"         

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 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 take a tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

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 of Frisco 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 of Dallas 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 of Dallas 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 of Plano 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 of Carrollton 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 of Dallassigned 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.