School News

Congratulations to Prestonwood Christian Academy North's first National Merit Recognition Award Recipient for the 2024 National Merit competition. Based on her results of the fall 2023 PSAT, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation named PCA North Senior, Grace Herring, a National Merit Commended Scholar. About 34,000 Commended students throughout the nation are recognized for their exceptional academic promise. She placed among the top 50,000 scores of more than 1.3 million students who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

The College Board, which administers the PSAT and SAT among its activities, recognizes academic excellence through its National Recognition Programs. Students selected for this prestigious honor can cite it on their college and scholarship applications. In turn, colleges use the listing of this honor as a way of identifying students from underrepresented groups—i.e., ethnic minorities and/or those who attend school in rural areas or small towns—who have excelled on their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and in their classwork.

"We are incredibly proud of Grace for being the first PCA North student to earn this achievement,” said Dr. Goddard. “She is a faith-filled Lion who is able to articulate her biblical worldview in a culture of opposing ideas. She represents Prestonwood Christian Academy North well, and she showcases how a student can shine at a liberal arts school where faith is intentionally integrated with learning resulting in a distinctive environment and community."

For PCA Plano and PCA North, the annual Upper School Retreat is a cherished tradition that kicks off the school year for students in Grades 9-12. Held at Sky Ranch, this retreat provides a unique opportunity for students to bond with their peers and reconnect with their school community. The retreat's timing at the beginning of the year gives students a chance to reset and prepare themselves for the year that lies ahead.

While the retreat is filled with fun activities and opportunities for students to enjoy games, outdoor activities, and quality time with friends, it goes much deeper than that. The event is designed to encourage personal and spiritual growth. One of the standout elements of the retreat is the speaker who delivers a powerful message tailored specifically for the students, inspiring and challenging them as they embark on the new school year.

This year, PCA Plano welcomed Ryan Newsome, the new Director of Spiritual Development, to share his message with the students. Newsome focused on the school year's theme, "Be Strong and Courageous," a call to action rooted in faith and perseverance. His message resonated with students, encouraging them to lean on their faith and school community as they navigate the ups and downs of Upper School life. At PCA North, Prestonwood Baptist Church’s Next-Gen Pastor, Lance Millsaps, delivered a similarly impactful message, also centered around the theme of Be Strong and Courageous. His talk aimed to inspire students to enter the new year with confidence, faith, and a supportive community backing them.

These powerful messages are only part of what makes the Upper School Retreat so meaningful. In addition to the speaker sessions, the retreat includes dedicated breakout time with advisory groups. These advisory groups are comprised of smaller, grade-level sections, led by a teacher or advisor, and serve as an essential support system throughout the year. The time spent in breakout sessions during Retreat allows students to engage in deeper discussions, reflect on the messages they've heard, and begin to foster stronger relationships with their peers and advisors.

These breakout sessions are invaluable in fostering a sense of community. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts and goals for the year in a supportive environment. By doing so, they not only develop a greater sense of trust with their classmates but also set the tone for a school year characterized by mutual support and encouragement. The relationships that are nurtured during these sessions often grow and evolve over the year, providing students with a reliable network of friends and mentors.

In the end, the Upper School Retreat at Sky Ranch is more than just a few days away from the classroom. It’s a foundational experience that shapes the PCA Upper School journey in profound ways. From strengthening friendships to deepening faith, the retreat offers students a chance to create lasting memories and begin the year on a positive and purposeful note. Whether through moments of fun or reflection, the retreat serves as a vital stepping stone in each student's high school journey, setting the stage for a year of growth, connection, and courage.

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 that’s 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!” 

 

Town of Prosper Mayor David Bristol made an important proclamation emphasizing the significance of Friday, October 6, marking a special day for PCA North. He stated, “I, David. F. Bristol, Mayor of the Town of Prosper, Texas, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2023, as Prestonwood Christian Academy North Day in the town of Prosper, Texas, and I hereby extend my best wishes and sincere congratulations on the occasion of reaching this 10-year anniversary.”

Not only is it the 10-year anniversary of PCA North, the day marked the school’s first official Homecoming which recognized the graduating class of 2023. The celebration began with a parade in the morning featuring Mayor Bristol on a fire truck along with other impressive floats and vehicles. The parade was followed by a pep rally at the PCA North football stadium which was packed with students, parents, faculty and staff.

Mayor Bristol congratulated the school and its Kingdom education impact. PCA North finished the day naming their first ever Homecoming King and Queen at the football game that evening.

PCA North is part of the Prestonwood Christian Academy School System which serves students in the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,200 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA Hybrid (a three-day in classroom/two-day at home program) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences. PCA North is celebrating its 10-year anniversary growing from 52 students to serving 646 today. PCA North is accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year. Go to prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information.

 

PCA School System faculty & staff spent a morning volunteering in the community with partners like Grace Bridge food pantry in Celina, Grace Bridge Resale in Frisco, Minnie’s Food Pantry, Metrocrest Services, Neighbors Serving Neighbors Food Pantry and more. It was a great pause in the busyness of getting ready for school in order to serve God in North Texas!