Prestonwood Christian Academy

I just read the review about the admissions department. I found them to be caring and sincere in their interest in my family. They are the gatekeepers of the culture and standards of the school and may have to communicate to a family that their child may not be a good fit. We chose PCA because of the Christian foundation and the school's unwavering commitment to excellence. We have found PCA to hold true to their mission statement to " assist CHRISTIAN parents." I say bravo for not wavering on this issue!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I don't have any affiliation with this school. I was researching if I could enroll my friend's brother, who is an international student. Celeste Cordon (admission lady) was extremely rude and told me that probably he won't be a good fit for them after talking less than 3 minutes with me . Her first question was if he was Christian, and I really did not know (my friend asked me to call this school and ask about their experience with international students, so I assume that he is Christian). My exact words were: "Let's say he is", since I had other questions (more down to earth), such as if they have any other international students, if they provide visa support etc. Celeste Cordon would not give me the time of day after that. So much for Christian Values! This conversation left a very bad taste in my mouth.

We have been a part of this great school for 9 years. We are beyond grateful to be a part of this community we call family! They have so many programs and want each child to use the gifts and talents the Lord has given them. There are minimester mission trips, Student Leadership Institute, Stand up and Be Heard in the Lower school, Shurly grammer, Tuition Assistance and much more. Come and take a tour of our great facility. The moment you walk on this campus you will feel the love of the teachers, students, parents and administration. The one thing I've loved is watching the teachers (with each of my children) love them unconditionally and help them grow in their strengths. If you want a well rounded school that excels in academics, athletics, art and most importantly God's Word come to a tour and you will see just what I'm talking about. There is not a perfect school but we sure do love being a part of PCA!!
—Submitted by a parent

Prestonwood is a great school for teachers' and staffs' children. If your child is not one of those lucky kids, then the school offers few opportunities. The college guidance is zero help in navigating the college application process, despite paying $700.00 for a special class to facilitate college applications The athletic department is also sub-par with coaches who run teams like a club rather than as a competitive team.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall I believe PCA is a very well organized operation with excellent quality teachers and staff who truly love the kids and desire to see God work in their lives. No, Im not star-stricken :) I have been to 2 other Christian schools. I truly believe that each school strives for excellence, yet PCA stands out above the rest. I sense more unity with leadership, faculty and parents than other schools. The cirriculum is rock solid and well organized, even through grade level transition. I have 3 children: K5, 4th and 7th. I have 2 children who top the charts in education, and they are challenged and given ample opportunity to shine. I also parent a child who needs that "extra push" to excel; he receives an abundance of encouragement and extra academic help through the learning lab. Of course, you cannot control how kids treat each other all the time, yet PCA takes great strides in teaching the kids to operate with Godly character. In fact, the middle school hosts a split (guys /girls) parent &child brunch monthly and addresses pertinent junior high issues: cliques, manners, internet etiquette, ect. (Tacking issues early) No school is perfect, but PCA fits my family perfectly.
—Submitted by a parent

Very laid back academics, not challenging at all. School focuses are narrow, limited mostly to sports and various arts. It seems the school only opens programs it knows it can win in.

I can't say enough great things about PCA!! The academics are extremely challenging; the teachers are wonderful; the administrative heads are approachable and caring; the school continues to make progressive changes as needed, and the school really promotes the pursuit of Christ in all things. We were previously at another Christian school, and made the switch to PCA a few years ago, and we are so glad we did!
—Submitted by a parent

We have two students at PCA and have been there for nine years. The teachers are incredible! Our children have formed strong friendships with their peers and we are thankful to be a part of the PCA community. They offer high quality academics, athletics and arts opportunities. This school is well rounded and a great place for spiritual growth. There are many opportunities to serve others in the community and around the world. We love PCA!
—Submitted by a parent

My husband & I couldn't be more thrilled with the quality, Christian education that our son is receiving at Prestonwood Christian Education. Not only are they a partner with us in training our son in Christian values and principals, their approach to education and stimulating his mind and body, as well as his spirit, are beyond compare.

I agree with the posting on April 5. Teachers and Administration nice. It is a shame that the school teaches to be 'Christ-like' but many of the students and parents do not act like it. I am also looking for a more challenging school that has a friendlier atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are nice and very caring, but I feel the focus is on athletics and money and not on academics. The environment can be brutal on some kids. My daughter has been tormented by a clique of 'mean girls' who enjoy watching her suffer. We'll be looking elsewhere, not just for the atmosphere, but for a more academically challenging school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have found PCA to be a rewarding experience for my son. PCA provides a very nurturing atmosphere with teachers that truly care about their students. The accademics are very challenging as compared to Plano ISD. PCA promotes the partnership with parents that is essential in providing a superior education for our children. All parents ideas, questions' and interactions are welcomed with open arms. It is so nice not to be treated like a number! The Christian atmosphere (along with unifoms) promotes a wonderful learning atmosphere!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with our daughter's education.
—Submitted by a parent

Although teachers are wonderful and caring, the students are not. Not all of the students are easily accepted. If I am going to have to pay so much money to go to a school, I would actually want to enjoy it. The teachers really care about the students well being, and academic success, it is just hard with how the students are. The way they choose to discipline some students is unfitting to their needs, and tends to be unfair.
—Submitted by a student

Good School. May push kids to hard.
—Submitted by a parent

We have found PCA to be a wonderful school. Our three boys love it! There are so many great learning opportunities through the curriculum and we love it that everything that is taught all goes back to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. Our experience is that the faculty and administration really care about the kids and educating them in a manner that's pleasing to God. It's a great school.
—Submitted by Melody Benson, a parent

Prestonwood has been the best experience we have had of the three private schols we have been involved with.
—Submitted by a parent

My son had a wonderful experience at PCA. All except one teacher (now gone) were superior. The teachers and staff are genuinely committed to the quality of the education and the spiritual environment of the school. The atmosphere is very positive, very supportive and very demanding of excellence. The extracurricular activities available are excellent and the school provides the financial and administrative support and facilities for all of the programs to excel. The overall school administration can be heavy-handed, inflexible, and monolithic at times despite the congeniality of the Headmaster. The attitude is definitely 'our way or the highway'. And the Headmaster tends to overrule/overshadow the school principals. As with many private schools, the financial demands are high. The student body comes from very up-scale families with all of the related 'stuff' and problems associated with the free-flow of cash. Just check out the High School parking lot and see
—Submitted by a parent

Prestonwood is a great school. The academic program has continue to improve over the years. They maintain an enviroment focused on Christ in addition to a high academic standard. Extras available include, technology, art, music, foreign language, p.e., etc. Parents are encouraged to get involved. The school welcomes your assistance to help with maintaining an environment that is morally sound in addition to maintaining high academic standards
—Submitted by a parent

PCA is an awesome school that has been influential in my life spiritually and academically. I am 18, (Class of 2005) and have attended PCA since it opened in 1997. The relationship between students and teachers is so close that they are a part of our lives. Today, for instance, I was very stressed out and my teacher asked me to step into the hall. She helped me sort out my workload into tangible amounts and offered me an assignment book to help keep me on the ball. Constantly teachers are willing to go the extra mile. Chapel is real. Everyone loves everyone, even if you're in a different 'group'. We're a stong community and a close family. 150 words is simply not enough room to share the spirit of my school with you. Thanks!
—Submitted by Chelcey Smith, a student