News

PCA's Upper School Renovation Creates New Opportunities for Students to Learn, Lead, Grow

Katie McDonald — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:36:25 Z

Next week, students returning to Prestonwood Christian Academy's Upper School will step into more than newly renovated classrooms. They'll discover spaces intentionally designed to prepare them for college, careers, and lives of Christ-centered leadership.

From professional business presentations and cutting-edge STEM research to meaningful spiritual conversations and live event broadcasting, PCA's newest learning environments reflect the schools unwavering commitment to educational excellence grounded in a biblical worldview.

"This renovation represents far more than new classroomsit reflects our commitment to preparing students for the future while remaining firmly rooted in our mission to develop Christ-centered leaders," said Dr. Michael Goddars, Superintendent of Prestonwood Christian Academy. "Every space was intentionally designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and purpose."

Today's students need experiences that challenge them to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and work together.

That's exactly what the new Business & Entrepreneurship Suite was designed to provide. Students will collaborate in a professional conference-style classroom before stepping into a fully equipped executive boardroom to present business proposals, conduct meetings, analyze case studies, and solve authentic business challenges. The suite transforms business education into an immersive experience where leadership, entrepreneurship, communication, and ethical decision-making come to life.

Down the hallway, students interested in science, engineering, robotics, and research now have spaces designed specifically for innovation.

Six science laboratories were completely renovated with new epoxy resin laboratory workstations, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, enhanced safety features, and modern instructional technology creating environments that support hands-on discovery while meeting the demands of today's laboratory instruction.

The new STEM Lab gives PCA's world-qualifying Robotics teams, STEM Honors students, engineering classes, and Science Olympiad competitors a place to design, build, test, and collaborate long after the traditional class period ends. It's a space created for learning AND living STEM.

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is comprised of four schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually worldwide. More than 2,000 students are enrolled at the system's campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA Hybrid (K-4th Grade) and PCA Online. In addition, St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with severe learning differences. The PCA School System has been recognized as one of the country's strongest Christian education programs, providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students' spiritual health in addition to their academic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA's rigorous Liberal Arts educational program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the Class of 2026, seniors have been offered $245,095,459 in scholarships for academics, arts, and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is celebrating its 30th anniversary during the 2026-27 school year.

Prestonwood Christian Academy Plano's Xavier Mitchell to Represent USA in 18U Baseball World Cup

Katie McDonald — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:34:20 Z

PCA Plano senior Xavier Mitchell has been selected to represent the United States in the 2024 18U Baseball World Cup. He was first chosen for an 84-player roster, and then selected for the final 20-man roster on July 22, 2024.

Mitchell and his teammates will compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier from August 2-11 in Panama City, Panama, where Team USA is the defending champion at the Americas Qualifier after winning gold in Mexico in 2022.

Mitchell is currently a senior at PCA Plano and a left handed pitcher on the Varsity Baseball team. He was selected for TAPPS D1 District 2First Team All-District and TAPPS D1First Team All-State in both 2023 and 2024, as well as 2023 TAPPS D1 District 2District MVP. He is committed to play baseball at the University of Texas at Austin following his graduation from Prestonwood Christian Academy in May 2025.We are so excited that Xavier will have a chance to represent the United States of America on the national team, said PCA Varsity Baseball coach James Vilade. His relentless work, dedication to baseball, and more importantly his faith in God are big parts of his success. He has been an amazing part of our school and program. Xavier is very deserving of this honor. Along with the rest of the Prestonwood Christian Academy community and our baseball program, I cannot wait to watch him play for our country.

Mitchell joins PCA Alumni Jordan Swagerty who made the 18U team in 2008 and Coach Mike Maack (former Lions Varsity Head Coach) who served as the 18U team pitching coach for the 2013 gold medal team.

Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 2,200 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th Grade), and PCA Online. PCA 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. PCA also promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program and are currently accepting applications. Interested families are invited to take a campus tour or attend an upcoming Parent Preview to learn more! Details and registration are available at prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System Again Named ACSI Exemplary Accredited

Katie McDonald — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:28:44 Z

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is proud to announce that Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) again awarded Exemplary Accreditation for another five years.

ACSI Exemplary Accreditation is designed for high performing schools who are seeking to be held to higher standards for all programs and operations. Exemplary schools are expected to effectively meet the Inspire standards and indicators at a high level as well as the modified and additional indicators contained within the Exemplary Addendum.

We just went through the ACSI accreditation process, and it was a big deal, said Dr. Michael Goddard, PCA Superintendent. Sometimes you hear about Christian schools or private schools not having a lot of accountability, but thats just not true. We went through a hard process that has taken multiple months.

In addition to simply meeting the indicators at an effective or highly effective level, an ACSI school must have a demonstrable history of exemplary programs and practices in governance, executive leadership, school viability, academic instruction, student learning, spiritual formation, and overall school culture (a vibrant, Christ-centered ethos among students, faculty, and leadership). The school must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing school improvement, evidenced by stakeholder feedback, multiple forms of data, and past accreditation reports to drive successful school improvement initiatives.

ACSI accredits hundreds of schools. We did the math and about 2% of their schools achieve Exemplary status, said Dr. Shannon Cole, Assistant Superintendent and PCA Plano Head of School. I am so grateful for families who sacrifice to have their students here. As I think about our Academic offering, I want parents to know the value of what they are getting. Our teachers are exemplary, and that is why we have obtained this incredible status!

Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 2,200 students enrolled at three campuses: PCA Plano (PreK-3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (PreK-3 through 12th Grade) and PCA Online. PCA North is celebrating its tenth school year! PCA Online is celebrating record-breaking enrollment and has been serving students for 15 years. PCA has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. The school places great value on the growth of students spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCAs rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. Since its first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2023, graduates have been offered more than $178.9 million in scholarships for Academics, Fine Arts, and Athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning.