Prestonwood Christian Academy North

By Melissa Gautier

As the North Dallas area continues to grow, so does the demand for quality Christian education. For more than five years, Prestonwood Christian Academy North has been faithfully serving the communities and surrounding areas of Prosper, Celina, North Frisco, McKinney, and Little Elm. Striving to provide students with an incomparable learning experience focused on core Christian values, PCA North uses innovative teaching methods led by Christ-centered, highly-experienced instructors that equip students with Biblical truths, scholastic excellence, and critical life skills needed for their journeys beyond graduation.

Core Values, Character Development, Liberal Arts Curriculum

PCA North aspires to develop five key attributes in students: Reverence for God, an eternal perspective, Christ-like humility, scholastic excellence in a liberal arts program, and critical thinking, including problem solving and creativity. College preparation is at the forefront of the upper school’s program, providing a rigorous Christian liberal arts curriculum accredited by AdvancED, with additional exemplary accreditation attained through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). Utilizing innovative teaching methods allow instructors to cultivate twenty-first century skills and crucial character development in students. “This comprehensive portrait of a PCA graduate is our goal,” says Head of School Dr. Larry Taylor.

Growth and Expansion Underway

The school’s growth and success has been remarkable. In just five years, PCA North’s 50-student enrollment in PreK-3 and PreK-4 has grown to serve more than 240 students, adding a ninth grade this past year. PCA North and Prestonwood Baptist Church in Prosper have broken ground with construction underway for an additional building that will include seven new classrooms, a second gym, and room for future growth, including a space that will add an additional 10 classrooms when completed. The anticipated opening of the new building serving students in PreK-3 through 10th grade is scheduled for August 2020, just in time for the 2020-21 school year. In its final buildout, the expansion will provide room for more than 350 students and allow space for middle and upper schools to be separated from the lower school.

Teaching Students to Demonstrate the Love of Christ

“The learning that will take place here over the years for our middle and upper school students will have a far-reaching impact,” says Dr. Taylor. “From STEM to outdoor learning, to the arts and collaborative spaces, our students will be challenged to use their minds in a focused effort to bring glory to the Lord.” Currently enrolled freshmen can look forward to being PCA North’s first graduating class in 2023.

“The Prosper region and 380 corridor in North Texas is exploding with growth and so is our church,” says Dr. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church. “Adding more space is one way to reach people with the Gospel and teach God’s Word—a huge marker going forward as Prestonwood continues to fulfill our mission.”

The new building will not only create more physical room for PCA North students and faculty, but provide opportunity for broader curriculum needs. The new classrooms will include two science labs for expanded upper school offerings, a technology lab, several multi-use learning spaces, and an art and ceramics lab. “Our prayer is that this expansion paves the way for many more students in the 380 corridor to receive a Kingdom education with a Biblical perspective, rigorous academics, and caring faculty and staff,” says Dr. Taylor.

The success of the school is attributed to the leadership, faculty, and families who collaborate to fulfill the mission of PCA: To assist Christian parents by helping equip students to embrace biblical truth, strive for academic excellence and model Christ-like leadership to influence their homes, churches and communities for Christ. PCA North is located in Prestonwood Baptist Church North Campus at the intersection of Prosper Trail and the Dallas North Tollway in Prosper and offers the same academic curriculum, campus ministry program, technology, and other platforms as PCA Plano. They welcome and encourage prospective students and their parents to tour their campus or attend an upcoming preview.