News

Next week, students returning to Prestonwood Christian Academy's Upper School will step into newly renovated classrooms and 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 school’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence grounded in a biblical worldview.

 

"This renovation represents far more than new classrooms—it 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.

 

One of the most exciting additions to campus is the new Broadcast Command Center. Equipped with professional-grade broadcasting technology similar to what students will encounter in major news organizations and professional sports broadcast studios, the command center gives students authentic, hands-on experience producing live broadcasts and digital media. The impact extends well beyond the classroom.

 

The new infrastructure enables Prestonwood Christian Academy to livestream virtually any event across campus—from athletic competitions and fine arts performances to special programs and community events. Designed with future growth in mind, the system provides flexibility to support PCA for years to come while opening new opportunities for students interested in broadcasting, journalism, communications, and media production.

 

While many of the renovations focus on preparing students academically, others were created with an equally important purpose: helping students grow spiritually. The new Spiritual Development Suite offers an inviting place where students can meet individually with members of the Spiritual Development Team, receive biblical encouragement, and have meaningful conversations about their walk with Christ. The centrally located suite also supports discipleship, chapel planning, and intentional mentorship throughout the school year.

 

For PCA's international students, the new International Student Program Suite creates something every student needs—a place to feel at home. The expanded suite includes dedicated offices for academic support and private meetings, along with a larger community gathering space where students can build friendships, receive guidance, and connect with one another throughout the day. Every detail was designed to support students academically, socially, and spiritually while creating a true sense of belonging.

 

These new spaces are beautiful facilities, but more importantly, they are places where faith and learning intersect, innovation is encouraged, and students are equipped to influence the world for Christ.

Congratulations to our America250 Essay Contest winners! 

In association with Prestonwood Baptist Church, Prestonwood Christian Academy invited Upper School students to participate in Prestonwood’s America250 Essay Contest by submitting an original personal essay responding to the prompt, "Why I Love America." Through thoughtful stories and meaningful reflections, these students beautifully expressed what America means to them.

Please join us in celebrating this year's winners:
1st Place: Avery Boswell, PCA North Senior
2nd Place: Izzy Peters, PCA North Senior
3rd Place: Anna Kate Phegley, PCA Plano Freshman

Click the names above to read their award-winning essays!

Prize awards were generously donated by the Graham Foundation and will be credited to the students' Prestonwood accounts in accordance with school policy. Seniors may apply their award toward college tuition.

Congratulations, Lions! We are proud of the way you continue to think deeply, write with excellence, and represent Christ in all you do.

 

The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools State Academic & Speech Competition is always a highlight of the spring semester, and this year was no exception. Seventeen students from PCA North traveled to Waco to compete among some of the best private school students in Texas, and they represented our school with excellence, determination, and poise.

Over the course of three days, our students competed in a wide range of challenging academic and speech events, including TAPPS Math, Advanced Math, Calculator Applications, Number Sense, Lincoln Douglas Debate, Ready Writing, Literary Criticism, Solo Acting, Duet Acting, Prose Interpretation, and Poetry Interpretation. Each event required not only skill and preparation, but also the confidence to perform and think critically under pressure.

We are especially proud of the students who placed at the state level.

Pierce Holt, a Senior, and Henry Mitchell, a Sophomore, earned first place in Duet Acting, delivering a performance that stood out for its precision, chemistry, and emotional depth. Their achievement reflects countless hours of rehearsal and a commitment to excellence.

Conner Esty, a Senior, captured third place in Poetry Interpretation, demonstrating a powerful ability to bring written words to life with clarity and expression.

Tofunmi Kare-Opaneye, a Junior, earned seventh place in Solo Acting, showcasing strong stage presence and character development in a highly competitive field.

Izzy Peters, a Senior, had an outstanding showing across multiple academic events, placing sixth in Ready Writing and sixth in Literary Criticism, a testament to both creativity and analytical skill.

While we celebrate these individual accomplishments, we also recognize the dedication of every student who competed. Representing PCA North at the state level requires discipline, courage, and a willingness to grow, and each of our 17 competitors exemplified those qualities.

Competitions like TAPPS provide students with opportunities to sharpen their God-given talents, think deeply, communicate effectively, and pursue excellence in all areas. We are grateful for the hard work of our students and the guidance of our teachers who invest so faithfully in their success.

Congratulations to our entire Academic and Speech team on a remarkable showing at state. We are proud of you!

 

PCA North is proud to announce that our Art Team has won the TAPPS Art State Championship for the third consecutive year! The competition featured 22 categories spanning visual art, photography, digital media, physical art, multimedia, and art history. Awards were given to the top eight entries in each category, with first place earning 10 points, second place earning eight points, and third through eighth place receiving 6-1 points respectively.

This year, PCA North earned an impressive 216 points across 21 events with a total of 75 entries. Represented by 32 talented student artists, the Lions, under the direction of Mrs. Judy Seay, delivered an outstanding showing, with 35 entries placing in the top eight. An additional seven students received Honorable Mention recognition for their work.

The Lions secured the state title with first place finishes in 10 categories and second place finishes in six categories, clinching their third consecutive championship.

Individually, several students delivered exceptional performances, each earning more than 30 points at the state competition:

• Individual High Point Champion (TAPPS 2A): Addie Millsaps, 37 points
• 2nd Individual High Point Champion (TAPPS 2A): Daphne Peters, 36 points

"Winning  three consecutive TAPPS Art State Championships is a remarkable feat that should never be taken for granted," Upper School Principal Greg Wright said. "This sustained success is a combination of our North Upper School students using their God-given talents and being coached by the very best art teacher, Mrs. Judy Seay. Mrs. Seay goes above and beyond, spending countless hours to ensure that our art students are successful. I am very proud of our PCA North Art Program and we give All Glory to God!"

A complete list of the Lions who contributed points toward the State Championship team finish can be found below:

Individual State Champions | 10 points

Daphne Peters: 2D Mixed Media

Daphne Peters: Relief

Daphne Peters: Art History

Addie Millsaps: Painting

Addie Milsaps: Color Drawing

Gracie Kachuriak: Sculpture

Hannah Luder: Applied/Industrial Design

Matias Gonzalez Hernandez: Communication Design

Noah Pettett: Pottery, Ceramics & Plastic Arts

Wyatt Pointer: Senior Portfolio

 

2nd Place Winners | 8 points

Addie Millsaps: 2d Mixed Media

Cain Geiser: Senior Portfolio

Ethan Elliott: Relief

Gracie Weeks: Art History

Noah Pettett Short: Film-Animation

Wyatt Pointer: Printmaking

 

3rd Place Winners | 6 points

Gracie Kachuriak: Pottery, Ceramics & Plastic Arts

Hannah Luder: Fashion Design, Textile Arts & Jewelry Design

Keira Vanderlaan: Art History

Wyatt Pointer: Printmaking

 

4th Place Winners | 5 points

Daphne Peters: Communication Design

Gracie Kachuriak: Applied/Industrial Design

Addie Millsaps: Senior Portfolio

 

5th Place Winners | 4 points

Addie Millsaps: Color Drawing

Braelyn Stewart: Art History

 

6th Place Winners | 3 points

Ethan Elliott: Senior Portfolio

Sadie Obholz: Art History

 

7th Place Winners | 2 points

Hannah Luder: Computer Rendered Art

Gracie Kachuriak: Relief

Layla Matthews: Senior Portfolio

 

8th Place Winners | 1 point

Daphne Peters: Drawing – Black & White

Briley Rich: Color Drawing

Gem Floyd: Photography – Black & White

Keira Vanderlaan: Photography – Color

Layla Matthews: Art History

 

Honorable Mention

Hannah Luder: Computer Rendered Art

Hannah Luder: Applied/Industrial Design

Hannah Luder: Senior Portfolio

Gracelyn Shirley: Fashion Design, Textile Arts & Jewelry Design

Layla Matthews: Fashion Design, Textile Arts & Jewelry Design

Julianna Holifield: Painting

Max McAdams: Pottery, Ceramics & Plastic Arts

We are excited to share incredible news! Team 3160X has officially qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship!

Hosted by VEX Robotics, this prestigious global event will take place in St. Louis from April 21–24 and brings together the top robotics teams from around the world. Earning a place at this level of competition is a significant accomplishment and a testament to an exceptional season.

Team 3160X—Audrey Blaine, Jeffery Hu, Mark Ma, Abel Matthew, Timothy Mei, Colton Mills, and Jason Tian—has demonstrated remarkable consistency, innovation, and teamwork throughout the year. They advanced to the finals in all three invitational tournaments they competed in, showcasing not only technical excellence but also strong collaboration and composure under pressure.

Their success extended beyond tournament play. At the University of Texas at Tyler, the team was named Robot Skills Champion, highlighting their precision in programming and driver control. They qualified for the State competition through Skills and, through continued outstanding performance, ultimately earned their spot at the World Championship based on their Skills ranking.

This achievement reflects countless hours of dedication, problem-solving, and perseverance. Competing on the world stage is an incredible honor, and Team 3160X has proven they are more than ready for the challenge.

Please join us in congratulating Team 3160X and wishing them the very best as they represent our school on a global stage.