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Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) announced that the school’s Prosper campus has become a candidate for AdvancED Accreditation.

Prestonwood Christian Academy North is a satellite of Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano at which nearly 1,500 students are enrolled in Pre-K3 through twelfth grade.  In August 2014, PCA North opened with 50 students in grades Pre-K3 through fourth, and in just one year, the school has grown to serve more than 100 students and added a 5th grade.
           
AdvancED is the unified organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). AdvancED provides nationally recognized accreditation for school districts and individual schools and represents 32,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in 70 countries worldwide, educating 20 million students.
           
“Accreditation through AdvancED is a rigorous process that demonstrates to PCA’s students, parents, and community that we are focused on student achievement, maintaining effective school operations, providing an enriching learning environment, and adequately preparing students for the future,” said Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor. “We are proud that AdvancED has recognized the quality of education provided at PCA North at this relatively early stage of our school, and we look forward to moving forward in the accreditation process.”
           
Using the AdvancED Standards for Quality School Systems as a framework, PCA North is conducting an internal review and engaging a broad cross section of representatives from across its stakeholders in its self-assessment. Following the scheduled internal review in April 2016, PCA North will host an AdvancED Quality Assurance Review Team comprised of trained education professionals from across the nation.
           
PCA North focuses on the education, training and overall formation of a child’s heart and mind and is currently accepting applications.  Interested families are invited to the PCA North Preview Breakfast on Nov. 10, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. by registering at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.  Families are also invited to take a tour of the Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms on the campus at 1001 W. Prosper Trail, Prosper 75078.
 
Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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 Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit Prestonwood Christian Academy Admissions for more information!

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Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) celebrated its past 22 State and National Championship teams and 36 individual State Champions during Homecoming Championship Reunion weekend including a Wall of Champions unveiling last Friday prior to the PCA Lions’ football game versus Bishop Dunne.

 “Thank you to each of these former student-athletes,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, PCA’s Head of School.  “You laid the groundwork of PCA’s culture of striving for excellence in everything for God’s glory.”

The Wall of Champions in Prestonwood Christian Academy’s Gateway Plaza was built to honor athletes who excel in the arena of athletic sportsmanship. It also honors two who have gone before us who showed what it meant to be true champions for Christ. The teams recognized were:

Female:

  • 2001 Competitive Cheer
  • 2003 Volleyball
  • 2004 Volleyball
  • 2004 Competitive Cheer
  • 2005 Volleyball
  • 2005 Soccer
  • 2006 Competitive Cheer
  • 2007 Competitive Cheer
  • 2009 Competitive Cheer
  • 2010 Competitive Cheer
  • 2014 Basketball
  • 2015 Competitive Cheer
  • 2004 – 2015 Individual State Champions     

Male:

  • 2005 Football
  • 2009 Football
  • 2010 Football
  • 2010 Soccer
  • 2010 Basketball
  • 2012 Basketball
  • 2013 Basketball
  • 2014 Basketball
  • 2015 Basketball
  • 2015 Golf
  • 2002 – 2015 Individual State Champions       

Each of the 22 State and National Championship teams and Individual State Champions were honored with a plaque on the Wall with the names of players, coaches and trainers etched in commemoration. These champions fought through adversity to defy odds, desired excellence and determined to rise above all circumstances.

Among the plaques of the championship teams and individuals, two bronzed memorials are also present memorializing PCA student Connor Cruse and PCA Coach Wade McLain. These two Lions departed this world leaving huge footprints and permanent impressions on the PCA community as strong warriors for Christ. The McClain and Cruse families were in attendance at the ceremony and shared the honor of unveiling the Wall of Champions.

“Of course, we are proud of these plaques celebrating great championships,” said Dr. Taylor. “But it’s even more important to strive to live like a champion for Christ each and every day, as did Coach McClain and Connor Cruse.”

In addition to the Wall of Champions unveiling, PCA alumni enjoyed a reception before and during the PCA football game.  On Saturday, nearly 50 alumni men returned to Lions Stadium for a flag football tournament, where many of them relived their glory days on the field!

About Prestonwood Christian Academy

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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!

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Prestonwood Christian Academy invites you to attend a free event, “Ask the Experts: You, Your Child’s ADHD and Your Family…Answers and Strategies” featuring Dr. Robert Chudnow -- Specialist in Behavioral Neurology and ADHD and Dr. M. Maqbool -- Pediatric Neurologist and Sleep Expert.

This informative evening is open to the public, but you must register in advance.
 
Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Student Life Center, Prestonwood Christian Academy Upper School
6801 W. Park Blvd.

Plano, TX 75093


We look forward to hosting parents from around the DFW community who are interested in these topics and how they affect a family. Please click here to reserve your spot!

 

*Regrettably, childcare is not available for this event.

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PCA North celebrated enrollment of their 100th and 101st students this week. Emma and Logan Nottingham were recognized by PCA North Principal Donna Leadford and PCA Head of School Larry Taylor Monday at Back to School Day All School Worship.

One year ago, Prestonwood Christian Academy North opened its doors on the first day of school. More than fifty students and 18 staff members flooded the halls of the new school in the addition of Prestonwood Baptist Church North Campus at the intersection of Prosper Trail and the Dallas North Tollway in Prosper.

Today PCA North began the 2015-16 school year with an addition of a fifth grade and a student population that has almost doubled, an amazing feat in just one year! The school this week enrolled their 100th and 101st students, Emma and Logan Nottingham, who are going into the first grade and Pre-Kindergarten 4.

Principal Donna Leadford leads the school with her passion for Christian education and more than 30 years of experience. “The excitement about PCA North is incredible,” said Leadford. “The students and their parents know they are a part of something special here, and I look forward to meeting more families interested in continuing to establish a campus that will provide Kingdom education to our community for many years to come.”

PCA Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor, announced last year the intention of growing PCA North through eighth grade in the next three years. Additionally, a Strategic Planning Task Force has been assembled to work on the future ninth through twelfth grade Upper School.

“After much prayer and strategic discussion, I am thrilled to announce our decision to grow PCA’s North Campus in only its second year of operation,” said Dr. Taylor on Oct. 26, 2014. “Our desire is to add a grade every year until we reach twelfth grade, and we will be praying and planning to that end. I believe with the addition of grade levels, PCA North will reach many more families and continue to be a positive influence on this community.”

PCA North focuses on the education, training and overall formation of a child’s heart and mind and is accepting applications.  Interested families are invited to take a tour of the Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms on the campus at 1001 W. Prosper Trail, Prosper 75078.

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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. Interested families are invited to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

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Julius Randle Impact Camp Randle hangs out with young campers.

Julius Randle of the Los Angeles Lakers hosted a youth basketball camp in Plano at his former school, Prestonwood Christian Academy. The one-day camp took place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Prestonwood Sports and Fitness Center. Randle was fully involved and interacted with the 150 PCA students who had the opportunity to meet, learn from and get to know him.

Randle spent time running drills with and speaking to boys and girls ages 6 to 16 representing all skill levels. In addition to basketball and athletic skills, campers received valuable life tips to help them achieve success in every area of their lives. This engaging camp was a fun and safe environment for children to gain inspiration both on and off the court from Randle.

Randle attended Prestonwood Christian Academy from 2007 until he graduated in 2013, and was widely regarded as a top five player in the class of 2013.  During his senior season, he helped lead PCA to its third state title in four years, averaging 32.5 points and 22.5 rebounds per game.

“We are truly thankful to Julius for making it a priority this summer to come home and put on a camp at his alma mater,” said Chris Lovell, PCA Head Varsity Boys Coach. “In addition to being the ultimate competitor on the court, Julius is a great example to our students showing them how to be humble and a good teammate.”

The Julius Randle Youth Impact Camp is a collaborative effort between Randle, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Prestonwood Baptist Church, and iSG Camps, a division of the International Sporting Group (iSG).  iSG manages youth basketball camps with professional athletes in the U.S. and Canada.

"This event can have a lasting impact on children who attend," says Art Lowe, Executive Director of iSG. "We're excited to support Julius Randle's desire to make a difference with youth in his home community."

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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. Interested families are invited to take a tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

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 June 16, 2015 -- PLANO, TX — Today Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) announced Ms. Tifini Lozano will assume the role of the Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Lozano’s appointment is part of PCA’s strategic succession plan. Ms. Lozano will work alongside current Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Gwen Hobbs in the two years leading to Mrs. Hobbs’ retirement.

“Ms. Lozano brings a wealth of experience, and she is an accomplished leader,” commented Dr. Larry Taylor, PCA’s Head of School.  Ms. Lozano received her Bachelors degree in English from the University of Oklahoma, Teaching Certification from the University of North Texas and Masters in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Ms. Lozano has taught in the Fort Worth ISD, served as the Head of the English Department at Southwest Christian School, and the Assistant to the Admissions Director at Fort Worth Academy.  Ms. Lozano joined the staff of Prestonwood Christian Academy in 2006 as the Assistant to the Senior Director of Curriculum, then the Middle School English Department Head and eighth grade English teacher.

Ms. Lozano is currently the Director of PCAplus Virtual Academy at Prestonwood Christian Academy.  As Director of PCAplus, Ms. Lozano was instrumental in the accreditation process for the virtual academy's accreditation through AdvancED and has previously served on review teams for digital learning accreditation.  She has also participated as a panelist on several webinar's discussing blended learning and best practices in online learning, and she also co-presented sessions on technology integration at the 21st Century Vancouver Symposium. 

Assistant Head of School, Academics, Mrs. Dana Epperson, reflecting on the retirement of Mrs. Hobbs said, "PCA has been extremely blessed to have Mrs. Gwen Hobbs on staff for the past 15 years. In addition to the enormous collaborative work she led in the creation and sequencing of all PCA objectives, Mrs. Hobbs continues to serve as 'gatekeeper' to our curriculum. She ensures that our PCA objectives build one upon the other while preventing unnecessary redundancy.  Our students benefit from such oversight because we are able to teach objectives from a developmental approach while maximizing learning time.  Additionally, Mrs. Hobbs led our school accreditation and re-accreditation process on multiple occasions.”

About Prestonwood Christian Academy

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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 2015-16 school year. Interested families are invited to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

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Live from NASA Johnson Space Center PCA 6th Graders Skype with NASA Astronaut Col. Jeffrey Williams.

As part of the Sixth grade science curriculum at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA), May 27 was set aside to celebrate the culmination of the Astronomy Unit. Through the school’s relationship with Institute of Creation Research, 117 Sixth grade students participated in a Skype interview with NASA Astronaut Col. Jeffrey Williams, who is currently training in Houston at the Johnson Space Center to prepare to go back to the International Space Station on Expeditions 47/48, currently scheduled to launch in March 2016.

The morning began with a presentation of the flags by PCA’s Sixth grade Honor Guard, followed by an introduction of special guests. PCA’s Worldview Director, Dan Panetti, introduced Col. Williams via Skype to the Sixth graders, faculty and parents in attendance.  Nine students were selected to ask questions of the astronaut as well.

“I’ve accumulated about a year in space over the course of three missions, and viewing the earth from orbit always takes your breath away,” said Col. Williams. “When you see the beauty and majesty of the earth, the atmosphere, geology, civilization and all of the things that make this planet such a special place in the universe, it is spectacular.”

Dr. Henry Morris III, President of Institute of Creation Research, also was in attendance.  ICR is supportive of PCA’s recently introduced Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Honors program. Dr. Morris asked Col. Williams about how his faith impacts his work as an astronaut.

“When you’re a Christian, your faith impacts your work no matter what your occupation,” said Col. Williams. “Being a Christian gives you a much larger, broader perspective of the world. You have not a career, but a vocation, which literally means ‘calling,’ because you’ve been called into service.”

Following the hour-long live interview with Col. Williams, students competed against one another to see who constructed the best rocket created out of one soda bottle and duct tape. An air compressor and water propelled students’ rockets, and each of the rockets was judged on their design and longest hang time. During this fun day, students also had the opportunity to use high-powered telescopes to look at the sunspots on the sun. James Worrell, PCA parent and founder of Day Four: Society of Biblical Astronomy provided the amazing telescopes for students.  

Students in Sixth grade at Prestonwood Christian Academy are involved in a broad range of sciences that make up Earth Science. They review scientific method and laboratory technique as well as the use of advanced scientific instruments.  Studies of meteorology and astronomy are major parts of PCA’s science curriculum. The students study stars, planets and other astronomical objects as well as the history of space exploration, and each topic is presented from a biblical perspective.

“PCA’s Astronomy unit is vital for students to learn that their faith in Christ and discovery in science are compatible, even complementary,” said PCA Science teacher, Tricia Panetti. “The opportunity our students had today to Skype with Astronaut Williams demonstrated to them a real-life example of how his discoveries in science and space gives him a greater appreciation of God’s handiwork. Society today tells our students that science and faith are oxymoron, but today we saw proof that they do go hand-in-hand. At PCA, we desire to give our students a love and passion to study science and that faith enhances their discovery.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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 2015-16 school year. Interested families are invited to take a tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

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PCA Students at the Texas Capitol Eighteen Upper School students visited the Texas Capitol on April 21, 2015.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) Upper School students had the opportunity to travel to Austin on Tuesday, April 21, to meet with elected officials including the Texas Land Commissioner, State Attorney General, State Representatives and PCA alumni who now work at the Texas Capitol.

“Meeting with house representatives and senators was exciting, but what made it more enjoyable is that they are fellow believers,” said senior Denicia Walker. “I enjoyed being able to pray and encourage these men as they fight for important issues.” 

The 18 students began the day in the House Gallery of the Capitol building where several members of the Texas House read and adopted a resolution honoring the work and ministry of Prestonwood Christian Academy.  Afterwards, Representatives Ron Simmons and Pat Fallon went to Gallery to meet the students.

The PCA students met with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton where they learned about his role and had the opportunity to ask questions.  They also visited the Texas General Land Office to meet with Land Commissioner George P. Bush.  PCA alumnus Aaron DeLeon (2010), who serves as the Special Assistant to the Land Commissioner, arranged the meeting.

“It's always great to see students who are interested in public service,” said DeLeon. “It's even greater to see students from Prestonwood visiting with some of today's top public servants. The students at PCA are truly tomorrow's leaders.”

The group gathered in the Old Supreme Court Room on the third floor of the Capitol and visited with several elected officials, staff members and lobbyists. State Rep. Scott Sanford was the first to visit. Rep. Sanford is not only a member of the Texas House, but also the Executive Pastor at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church.  He spoke with the students about several bills and highlighted his efforts to pass HB 3567, a bill that would protect clergy from legal repercussions if they refused to marry a couple for reasons that violated their sincerely held beliefs.

Laura Colangelo, Executive Director of Texas Private School Association, who works with the private school non-profit advocacy group spoke to the students about SB 4. The bill, introduced by State Senator Larry Taylor, would give lower income families an opportunity to receive funds to help pay for a private school education through scholarships funded by businesses who are then given tax credits.  

Representatives Scott Turner, Matt Shaheen and Jeff Leach as well as State Senator Van Taylor each made time to visit with the PCA contingency.  Rep. Leach specifically discussed his bill, HB 205, which would prohibit organizations performing abortions from providing human sexuality or family planning instruction or instructional materials for use in a public school.  Rep. Matt Shaheen spoke about his bill, HB 1355, which would make it a criminal offense for an elected official to threaten, punish or intimidate any person based on that person’s religious beliefs.

In addition to the elected officials, a representative from a pro-family organization called Texas Family joined to help inform the students about the legislative process and encouraged them to get involved to make a difference for their community.

Three PCA alumni, Alyse Ullery (2011), a policy analyst for State Senator Konni Burton, Garrett Paulette (2012), a University of Texas at Austin student interning for Rep. Matt Shaheen, and DeLeon also visited with the current PCA students. They encouraged them to follow their passion and to keep their convictions strong.

“I was in high school when I found my passion in civil service, but I never would have discovered it without the influence of other young people who were pursuing that same passion,” said Ullery.  “As an alumna, I hoped to inspire current students who might be interested in how they can influence our governmental process.  There is a way to influence politics as a young person, and I hope by sharing my experience as a policy analyst that I can encourage more PCA students to work towards changing Texas politics for the better.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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 2015-16 school year. Interested families are invited to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

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National Signing Day at PCA Addison Garcia signs to play basketball at Hardin-Simmons University, and Eric Stevenson signs to play football at Wheaton College.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) honored two student athletes who signed Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level next year.

Senior forward Addison Garcia of The Colony signed to play women’s basketball at Hardin-Simmons University.  Garcia was a four-year letterman with the Lady Lions Basketball team. As a member of the 2014 State Championship Team, she was named the Time Warner Cable game MVP. She was also a key member of the 2015 State Runner-Up Team. Addison led the Lady Lions on and off the court as a Co-Captain and was named to the All-District team for the past two years. Her career average of 10 points and 7 rebounds per game demonstrates the strength of her play.  Addison works hard off the court as well.  She has a 3.93 grade point average, was named to the TAPPS 5A All-State Academic team in both her junior and senior year, is a National Merit Hispanic Scholar and member of the National Honor Society.

Senior linebacker and running back Eric Stevenson from Lewisville signed to play football at Wheaton College in Illinois.  Eric has been a two-year starter on back-to-back state finalist teams. He earned First Team All-District and Second Team All-State in 2014 and was named District Defensive Player of the Year.  He has been named to All-District both years as both a linebacker and a running back. Eric was First Team All-State Linebacker as a junior in addition to being named Academic All-State. In his senior year, Eric had 104 carries for 525 yards and 11 touchdowns along with 18 receptions for 209 yards at running back. Eric had 111 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, four sacs, two Interceptions, four caused fumbles and three recovered fumbles at linebacker. Eric has received Wheaton College's Don and Ann Church Scholarship which is a four-year full tuition award given based on academic standing and scholarship essay.

“I am proud of the two students who signed today to play at collegiate athletic programs,” said PCA’s Athletic Director, Chris Cunningham. “What impresses me more than their outstanding athletic talent, however, is their heart for the Lord and their dedication to academic achievement.  I know they are going to make a positive difference at these universities in more ways than just in their respective sports.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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 2015-16 school year. Interested families are invited to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!

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World Impact Day Parade of Flags A parade of flags representing the countries where PCA students have or will serve

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) celebrated its annual World Impact Day today and commissioned 463 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.

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

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 15th year that PCA has sent students and staff on Minimester, which has resulted in PCA students visiting 74 countries.  This year, students are serving in eight countries abroad, seven states in the United States and multiple locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

World Impact Day began with All School Worship at Prestonwood Baptist Church. In addition to worship music led by Upper School students and a parade of flags of the countries where PCA students have or will serve, a group of eight PCA students of Asian Indian Ethnicity performed an Indian folk dance set to a praise and worship song in the Hindi language.

Attendees also heard from PCA Alumni dad, Johnson Ellis, who has served on dozens of mission trips with PCA students, as he challenged the audience to find ways to serve their local communities on a daily basis, not just during Minimester. Mr. Ellis interviewed PCA senior Djery Baptiste who grew up in Haiti and now feels called by the Lord to give back to those who have little.  Baptiste, who has committed to play basketball at Vanderbilt next year, spoke about the service work and weekly Bible studies he participates in Dallas’ Bonton neighborhood through H.I.S. BridgeBuilders. He encouraged his fellow classmates who are serving on mission next week. “The most important thing you can give the people you talk to, especially the children, is hope,” said Baptiste.  “The people in my country do not grow up with hope of a better life. God’s Word has power.”

Following All School Worship, Upper School students dispersed amongst the Lower School classrooms for activities with the children and a time of prayer.  All 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.

World Impact Day continues to be special for both PCA students and their families.  Parents and grandparents took time to pray together after the Commissioning Service. “World Impact Day is a favorite event in our home,” said PCA mom, Julie Sparks. “My kids look forward to collecting items for the older students to use during their trips and absolutely love praying for the students going and people they will impact. We look forward to hearing what God will do over the next couple of weeks!“

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th 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 2015-16 school year. Interested families are invited to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org for more information!