What makes Prestonwood Academy stand out among private Christian schools. How does its curriculum prepare students for future success. Why do families choose Prestonwood for their children’s education. Uncover the secrets behind this elite institution’s 45-year legacy of excellence.
The Rich History and Rapid Growth of Prestonwood Academy
Prestonwood Academy, nestled in the heart of Plano, Texas, boasts a compelling history spanning over four decades. Founded in 1977 as Prestonwood Christian Academy by Dr. Jack Graham, this esteemed institution set out to provide an exceptional Christ-centered education. From humble beginnings in rented facilities with a small student body, Prestonwood quickly gained prominence due to its rigorous curriculum, outstanding faculty, and unwavering focus on faith, discipline, and character development.
The academy’s journey to becoming an educational powerhouse is marked by significant milestones:
- 1985: Acquisition of 30 acres in west Plano, paving the way for a state-of-the-art campus
- Early 2000s: Expansion of facilities, including swimming pools, athletic fields, and on-campus dormitories
- 2013: Official name change to Prestonwood Academy, reflecting its broader scope and influence
Today, Prestonwood Academy serves over 1,600 students in grades PK-12, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education on its pristine 60-acre campus. The school’s remarkable growth over 45+ years is a testament to its unwavering commitment to inspiring hearts, engaging minds, and shaping leaders for Christ.
Prestonwood’s Mission: Nurturing Hearts and Minds for Christ
At the core of Prestonwood Academy’s identity lies its mission to engage students’ hearts and minds for Christ. This holistic approach to education aims to nurture and develop children spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. The academy’s philosophy seamlessly integrates faith and learning across all academic disciplines, fostering an environment where students can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ while excelling academically.
Key elements of Prestonwood’s mission and philosophy include:
- Emphasis on discipleship and modeling Godly character traits
- Core values of faith, scholarship, leadership, stewardship, and relationships
- Commitment to equipping students with 21st-century skills
- Focus on nurturing creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities
- Integration of fine arts, athletics, global awareness, and servant leadership
By adhering to these principles, Prestonwood Academy prepares students not only for college and career success but also to become wise, principled Christian leaders in their communities and beyond.
Academic Excellence: The Cornerstone of Prestonwood’s Education
Prestonwood Academy’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its rigorous curriculum and innovative teaching methods. The school’s approach to education is designed to challenge students intellectually while fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Curriculum Highlights
Prestonwood’s curriculum is carefully crafted to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Key features include:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple subjects
- STEM-focused programs emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
- Robust foreign language offerings, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese
- Comprehensive fine arts program encompassing visual arts, music, and theater
- Cutting-edge technology integration in all subject areas
How does Prestonwood ensure academic success for its students? The academy employs a multifaceted approach that includes small class sizes, personalized attention from experienced teachers, and access to state-of-the-art learning resources. This combination allows students to thrive academically while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for their future endeavors.
Nurturing Faith and Character: The Prestonwood Difference
What sets Prestonwood Academy apart from other private schools? Its unwavering commitment to nurturing students’ faith and character alongside academic excellence. The academy’s Christ-centered approach permeates every aspect of school life, creating an environment where students can grow spiritually while pursuing their educational goals.
Faith Integration
Prestonwood seamlessly integrates faith into all areas of learning, helping students develop a strong biblical worldview. This integration is achieved through:
- Daily Bible classes and chapel services
- Service-learning opportunities that put faith into action
- Faculty members who serve as Christian role models
- Curriculum that examines academic subjects through a biblical lens
By fostering a deep understanding of Christian principles and values, Prestonwood equips students to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and integrity.
Extracurricular Excellence: Beyond the Classroom
Prestonwood Academy recognizes that a well-rounded education extends beyond academic pursuits. The school offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities designed to help students discover and develop their unique talents and passions.
Athletic Programs
Prestonwood’s athletic programs are renowned for their excellence and competitive spirit. The academy offers:
- Varsity and junior varsity teams in multiple sports
- State-of-the-art athletic facilities, including gymnasiums and outdoor fields
- Experienced coaches dedicated to developing student-athletes’ skills and character
Fine Arts Opportunities
The academy’s commitment to the arts is evident in its comprehensive fine arts program, which includes:
- Visual arts classes covering various mediums and techniques
- Vocal and instrumental music ensembles
- Theater productions and drama classes
- Opportunities for students to showcase their talents through exhibitions and performances
How do these extracurricular activities benefit Prestonwood students? By participating in these programs, students develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and perseverance. These experiences complement their academic education, helping to shape well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all areas of life.
Technology Integration: Preparing Students for a Digital Future
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, Prestonwood Academy recognizes the importance of equipping students with the digital skills necessary for success in the 21st century. The school’s approach to technology integration is both innovative and comprehensive, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of a digital future.
Cutting-Edge Resources
Prestonwood’s commitment to technology is evident in its state-of-the-art resources, which include:
- 1:1 device program, providing each student with a personal laptop or tablet
- Smart classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and multimedia capabilities
- Dedicated computer labs for specialized coursework
- Robotics and coding classes to develop STEM skills
How does Prestonwood ensure responsible use of technology? The academy implements a comprehensive digital citizenship curriculum, teaching students to navigate the online world safely and ethically. This approach helps students harness the power of technology while developing critical thinking skills and digital literacy.
Global Perspective: Preparing Students for a Connected World
Prestonwood Academy recognizes the importance of preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global society. The school’s commitment to fostering a global perspective is reflected in various aspects of its educational program.
International Programs
Prestonwood offers several opportunities for students to gain international exposure and cross-cultural understanding:
- Study abroad programs in partnership with schools around the world
- Cultural exchange initiatives that bring international students to Prestonwood
- Global issues courses that explore current events and world cultures
- Language immersion opportunities in Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese
Why is developing a global perspective important for Prestonwood students? By exposing students to diverse cultures and viewpoints, the academy prepares them to become effective communicators and leaders in a globalized world. This international focus also aligns with Prestonwood’s mission to shape students into compassionate, culturally aware Christian leaders.
Community Engagement and Service Learning
Prestonwood Academy places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service learning, recognizing these experiences as integral to students’ personal and spiritual growth. The school’s commitment to serving others is deeply rooted in its Christian values and mission to develop servant leaders.
Service Opportunities
Prestonwood offers a wide range of service opportunities for students at all grade levels:
- Local community service projects addressing various social issues
- Mission trips to underserved areas both domestically and internationally
- Partnerships with local non-profit organizations for ongoing volunteer work
- Student-led initiatives to address community needs
How does service learning benefit Prestonwood students? By engaging in these experiences, students develop empathy, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of social issues. Service learning also provides practical applications for classroom knowledge, helping students see the real-world impact of their education.
Through its comprehensive approach to education, integrating academic excellence, faith formation, and character development, Prestonwood Academy continues to shape the hearts and minds of students, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large.
History and Origins
Situated in the heart of Plano, Texas, Prestonwood Academy has a rich history that dates back over four decades. This prestigious private Christian school first opened its doors in 1977 as Prestonwood Christian Academy. Founded by Dr. Jack Graham, the school aimed to provide an exceptional Christ-centered education that equipped students spiritually, academically, and socially.
In the beginning, Prestonwood held classes in rented facilities with only a handful of students enrolled. But the school quickly gained traction thanks to its rigorous curriculum, phenomenal teachers, and strong emphasis on faith, discipline, and character development. By the early 1980s, enrollment had swelled to over 300 students in grades K-12.
To accommodate its rapid growth, Prestonwood purchased 30 acres of land in west Plano in 1985. This enabled construction of a brand new state-of-the-art campus tailored to the school’s needs. The original buildings housed specialized facilities like a fine arts auditorium, gymnasium, media center, science labs, and more. This ushered in an exciting new chapter for the blossoming academy.
Over the next 25 years, Prestonwood continued expanding its footprint across Plano. Further land acquisitions allowed building swimming pools, additional classrooms, athletic fields, and even on-campus dormitories. The school also launched new academic programs focusing on foreign languages, arts, STEM education, and pre-professional training.
By 2000, Prestonwood Christian Academy had cemented itself as one of the preeminent private schools in Texas. Its reputation for academic rigor, character development, and Christ-centered teaching attracted students from across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.
In 2013, the school officially changed its name to Prestonwood Academy to reflect its expanded scope and influence. Today, it provides a holistic college preparatory education to over 1,600 students in grades PK-12. Prestonwood’s phenomenal growth over 45+ years stems from its steadfast commitment to inspiring hearts, engaging minds, and shaping leaders for Christ.
With a pristine 60-acre campus, state-of-the-art facilities, an accomplished faculty, and a rich Christ-centered heritage, Prestonwood Academy continues its longstanding mission to develop the full potential of every student. Its storied history and origins have shaped Prestonwood into the elite academic institution it is today.
Mission and Philosophy
At the heart of Prestonwood Academy is its mission to engage students’ hearts and minds for Christ. The school aims to nurture and develop the whole child spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.
Prestonwood’s philosophy centers on providing a holistic Christian education that integrates faith and learning. Teachers strive to help each child grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ across all academic disciplines. There is an emphasis on discipleship and modeling Godly character traits like integrity, respect, self-discipline, and compassion.
The academy’s core values of faith, scholarship, leadership, stewardship, and relationships form the foundation of its approach to teaching and learning. These biblically-based principles guide every aspect of school life from academics to extracurriculars.
When it comes to academics, Prestonwood maintains rigorous standards focused on college preparation and 21st century skills. There is a commitment to equipping students not just with knowledge, but the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply learning in real world contexts. The curriculum aims to nurture creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
At the same time, the school recognizes that true education involves more than academics alone. That’s why fine arts, athletics, global awareness, and servant leadership are integral to the Prestonwood experience. Students are given diverse opportunities to discover and develop their unique talents, passions, and calling.
The academy also places a premium on fostering meaningful relationships within a supportive Christian community. Teachers strive to personally mentor each child and cultivate an environment where students form healthy friendships built on mutual respect.
In all things, Prestonwood Academy aims to honor Christ by inspiring students to strive for their highest potential. Its student-centered approach is driven by a biblical worldview that integrates faith and learning across the curriculum.
With excellence, creativity, virtue, and service at the forefront, the academy prepares students not only for college and career success but to live out their purpose as wise, principled Christian leaders.
Academics and Curriculum
Academic excellence is a cornerstone of the Prestonwood Academy experience. The school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum designed to challenge students and cultivate critical thinking skills.
Prestonwood provides a comprehensive selection of core subjects like math, science, English, history, foreign language, and Bible. Students can choose from advanced course offerings such as AP Calculus, Physics, Literature, Government, and beyond. There are also specialized classes in engineering, computer science, speech, logic, and more.
In middle school and high school, students have flexibility to select courses aligned with their talents and interests. From performing arts to mock trial to robotics, Prestonwood ensures students have diverse academic opportunities to fuel their passions.
The academy makes use of innovative educational approaches to engage students. Courses incorporate technology, collaborative projects, hands-on learning, and real-world applications to inspire critical thinking rather than just rote memorization.
Teachers strive to integrate Biblical principles across all subjects and nurture students spiritually as well as intellectually. There is an emphasis on making God’s truth come alive by revealing its relevance to academic disciplines and students’ lives.
Prestonwood also provides specialized support to ensure each child reaches their potential. Gifted programs cultivate advanced learners, while learning specialists individually mentor students needing extra help or accommodations.
In addition to core academics, the school offers top-tier fine arts and athletics programs. Students explore interests like choir, band, orchestra, theater, dance, visual arts, debate, and a vast array of sports.
With a 12:1 student/teacher ratio and average class size of 16, Prestonwood provides highly personalized instruction. Teaching faculty are not only experts in their field but dedicated mentors guiding students to succeed.
From Biblical integration to gifted education to unparalleled arts and athletics, Prestonwood’s dynamic curriculum engages students’ hearts and minds for Christ.
Arts and Athletics Programs
In addition to outstanding academics, Prestonwood Academy boasts exceptional fine arts and athletics programs. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and talents beyond the classroom.
The school provides interactive arts instruction from professional artists and performers. Offerings include band, choir, orchestra, theater, visual arts, photography, graphic design, and more. Students regularly earn honors in regional and state fine arts competitions.
Prestonwood further enhances the arts with events like musical theater productions, student art gallery showcases, and Christmas concert spectaculars. Many alumni have gone on to careers in the arts, from Broadway performers to graphic designers.
On the athletics side, the Lions compete in TAPPS with 19 varsity sports. Options range from football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and tennis to golf, lacrosse, wrestling, volleyball, and more. The school has amassed over 200 state titles and counting.
With top-notch coaches and trainers, student athletes hone skills in fitness, teamwork, discipline, and Christ-centered competitive excellence. Facilities like the field house, aquatic center, and stadium offer pro-grade amenities.
Beyond varsity athletics, Prestonwood provides opportunities for involvement through intramural sports, cheerleading, drill team, cross country, and more. At every level, the focus is on nurturing passion while deepening Christian character.
The school further encourages development through organizations like the National Art Honor Society and the National Honor Society, which require excellence in academics and extracurriculars.
Whether pursuing the arts, athletics, or other passions, Prestonwood students gain invaluable skills. Dedicated mentors empower them to discover their talents, fuel their interests, and achieve success.
The academy’s phenomenal arts and athletics programs allow each child to thrive as a whole person formed in mind, body, and spirit for Christ.
Campus Facilities and Amenities
Spanning 60 pristine acres in Plano, the Prestonwood Academy campus provides an ideal environment for learning and growth. State-of-the-art facilities equip students for success.
Academic buildings house STEM labs, creative spaces like art and dance studios, and flexible classroom technology. The library boasts an extensive collection and spacious reading nooks. The 750-seat fine arts auditorium hosts productions and special events.
For athletics, the campus features a field house with weight room, indoor turf field, 25-yard swimming pool, tennis courts, track, baseball and softball fields, and stadium seating for Friday night football.
Beyond just classrooms and gyms, the academy offers unique amenities. Students can study or socialize in the Courtyard Café or lounge in the Polar Commons recreation area. The Chapel provides space for prayer and worship.
Residential facilities allow students to immerse themselves in the Prestonwood community. The picturesque dorm-style Gilead offers housing for older students along with common spaces for group activities and study.
Safety is also paramount, with controlled access points, security personnel and cameras, and emergency preparedness protocols.
Outside, scenic spots like the Prayer Garden or Scripture Trail provide peace and inspiration. Nature integrated throughout campus reflects the academy’s ethos of appreciating God’s creation.
With LEED Gold certified green buildings and sustainability initiatives, the school takes care of the environment too. The Living Machine uses ecological processes for wastewater management.
By investing in first-class facilities, Prestonwood Academy fosters its mission in every brick and room. The thoughtful campus environment empowers students to thrive spiritually and academically.
Academic Achievements and Accolades
Prestonwood Academy is recognized as one of the top private schools not just in Texas, but across the nation. The school and its students have earned numerous academic achievements and accolades.
Prestonwood consistently ranks in the top 2% of private schools nationally based on college admissions testing. Average SAT score is 1233, while average ACT score is 28.
In 2022, the academy was designated an Exemplary School by the Texas Education Association. This prestigious honor goes to schools with exceptional performance indicators.
The school has also earned accolades for its arts, athletics, service learning, and environmental stewardship initiatives. Prestonwood students regularly take home individual honors in academic competitions too.
Seniors earn millions in academic scholarships annually, acceptance to prestigious universities nationwide. Over 95% of graduates go on to four-year college programs.
Prestonwood alumni have gone on to success at Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and beyond. They’ve also thrived in STEM programs, arts conservatories, and Division I athletics.
At the heart of Prestonwood’s accolades is its teachers. Nearly 75% hold advanced degrees, guiding students to excel both inside and outside the classroom.
With a rich legacy of achievements dating back over four decades, the academy prepares students to live out God’s purpose for their lives. Whatever path graduates take, they carry the intellect, character, and faith instilled at Prestonwood.
From sports championships to scholarships to lives of purpose, Prestonwood empowers students for a lifetime of accomplishment.
University Acceptance Rate
With its rigorous college prep curriculum and focus on academic excellence, it’s no surprise Prestonwood Academy students thrive when applying to top-tier universities.
On average, over 95% of graduating seniors are accepted to four-year college programs nationwide. In 2022, the acceptance rate was an astounding 98%.
Over the past five years, Prestonwood graduates have been accepted to prestigious institutions including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Duke, Rice, Vanderbilt, Baylor, TCU, SMU, Texas A&M, and many more.
Success getting into competitive colleges stems from the counselors guiding students through every step of the application process. Detailed college planning starts early, ensuring students take the right courses, admissions tests, and extracurriculars to stand out.
Prestonwood’s curriculum also goes beyond just “teaching to the test,” instead developing core competencies like critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, and communication that help students thrive in college and beyond.
In addition to academics, extracurricular involvement allows students to demonstrate passions from athletics to community service to the arts. Holistic development is valued, not just test scores.
The school’s Christian worldview provides a moral compass and maturity that serve students well. Prestonwood grads are known for integrity, resilience, and purpose.
For over 40 years, Prestonwood has empowered its graduates to gain acceptance into their dream colleges. But more importantly, it has prepared them to flourish once there, living out God’s calling.
Tuition Cost and Financial Aid Options
As an elite private school, Prestonwood Academy’s tuition reflects its exceptional academics, faculty, and facilities. Yet the school makes an exceptional education accessible through robust financial assistance.
Annual tuition ranges from $9,850 for half-day pre-K to $27,750 for grades 9-12. Costs include classroom instruction, arts and athletic involvement, college counseling, and more.
While not inexpensive, Prestonwood tuition compares favorably to similar college preparatory academies. The school strives to keep costs reasonable through responsible stewardship of resources.
Critically, nearly 25% of enrolled students receive tuition assistance through the school’s generous financial aid program. Aid is based on family need rather than merit or athletics.
The Pak Order Scholarship Fund, established in 1984, provides over $1 million annually so deserving students can experience a Prestonwood education regardless of financial limitations.
Beyond this fund, the school offers creative flexible payment plans, multi-child discounts for families, and partnerships with third-party aid organizations. Affordability is a priority.
Prestonwood also helps families identify and apply for external scholarships. Many grads earn millions in outside aid annually.
While the investment is significant, Prestonwood delivers incredible lifelong value. Graduates consistently reference the school’s pivotal role in their career achievements and Christian faith.
Prestonwood Academy offers world-class Christian education accessible to all, empowering students for lives of purpose, character, leadership, and service.
Student Life and Extracurriculars
Beyond outstanding academics, Prestonwood Academy offers an incredibly vibrant student life. With diverse extracurricular options, students can pursue their passions while building relationships.
Athletics are a cornerstone of the Prestonwood experience, with over 19 varsity sports from football to lacrosse to swimming. Intramural offerings expand participation beyond varsity athletes.
Performing arts programs like choir, band, orchestra, dance, and theater give students creative outlets. Productions like musical theater showcase talent.
Over 50 student clubs and organizations provide more involvement opportunities. Options range from photography to robotics to student government, FCA, debate, and subject-specific honor societies.
With most students living off-campus, Prestonwood fosters community through events like Homecoming Week, class retreats, talent shows, and more. Students form tight bonds through shared activities.
Spiritual growth is integral. Chapel services, mission trips, mentoring, and a campus culture centered on faith nurture moral character. The Fruited Plain coffee shop provides a welcoming social hub.
New students are warmly welcomed through orientations like Booster Camp. Peer counseling programs give older students leadership roles guiding younger peers.
While rigorous in the classroom, the Prestonwood environment provides balance through fun social connection. Lifelong friendships are built through shared experiences.
With an array of extracurriculars united by faith and purpose, the Prestonwood student experience develops the whole person, ready to live out God’s calling.
Community Outreach and Service Learning
At Prestonwood Academy, serving others is central to the mission. Students have rich opportunities to make an impact locally and globally through community outreach and service learning.
Outreach initiatives empower students to live their faith beyond campus. Through programs like Urban Plunge and mission trips to continents like Africa and South America, students support underserved schools, food banks, shelters, and orphanages.
Student-led groups like the Micah 6:8 Service Organization and Prestonwood Student Ambassadors plan ongoing local service activities from park cleanups to volunteering at retirement homes.
Each grade has dedicated outreach projects, like the Freshman Dodgeball Tournament that raises $25,000+ for local charities annually. Upperclassmen can take Servant Leadership electives to further community engagement.
Many classes also incorporate service learning into their curriculum. Students apply classroom lessons to tackling real-world problems, developing empathy and civic awareness in the process.
With a mission to shape students’ hearts for Christ, Prestonwood Academy nurtures compassion. Serving others provides perspective and instills gratitude in students blessed with opportunity.
Though already achieving so much academically, sports, and arts, Prestonwood students make time to give back. They appreciate their responsibility as Christian leaders to walk alongside those in need.
Service initiatives help students look beyond themselves, living out Jesus’ teaching to love your neighbor. Giving becomes a way of life.
International Study Opportunities
To prepare students for global citizenship, Prestonwood Academy provides amazing opportunities to broaden perspectives through international travel and study.
The school offers annual trips aligned with coursework to destinations like Costa Rica, Italy, France, and South Africa. Students immerse themselves in foreign cultures while learning invaluable lessons.
Language programs have additional immersive options. Spanish students can embark on a summer study and service adventure in Central America. Mandarin students practice through cultural exchanges in China.
Prestonwood’s distinct Global Leadership Education program blends international experience with character development. Students learn cross-cultural communication and graduate with global competencies.
International missions expand service beyond borders. Biennial trips allow students to serve orphanages, schools, and clinics in places like Nicaragua, using their talents meaningfully.
Exchange programs welcome students from sister schools worldwide to experience Prestonwood’s community for a semester. American students can also study abroad through school partnerships.
Faculty-led trips offer targeted learning opportunities, like AP Art History in Italy or AP Environmental Science in Costa Rica. Susbjects come alive in situ.
At Prestonwood, global citizenship is about developing empathy, cultural intelligence, servant leadership, and faith. International experiences shape graduates ready to improve our world, no matter where they go.
The world becomes a classroom through Prestonwood’s amazing overseas learning opportunities that broaden students’ minds and hearts.
Safety and Security Measures
Providing a safe, secure learning environment is a top priority at Prestonwood Academy. The school utilizes robust safety protocols and security personnel to protect students.
Access to campus is tightly controlled with perimeter fencing, secured entry gates, and video surveillance. Visitors must be authorized and display IDs at all times.
Inside school buildings, entry doors remain locked from outside intruders. Classrooms feature intercom systems for communication with the main office.
Uniformed security guards monitor campus continuously, including parking lots. After-hours security teams perform additional patrols to prevent unauthorized activities.
The school has extensive emergency preparedness protocols detailing lockdowns, evacuations, shelter-in-place, and other scenarios. Drills ensure the Prestonwood community is ready to respond.
Counselors proactively address social and emotional challenges students may face through bullying prevention programs, anonymous tip lines, and substance abuse education.
With both residential and day students, the school provides age-appropriate supervision. Adult dorm parents live onsite, implementing curfews and policies to guide responsible decision-making in an environment of trust.
While preserving a welcoming community feel, Prestonwood Academy diligently safeguards its students. Parents can feel confident in the school’s layered security strategies and responsible protections.
Alumni Network and Notable Graduates
With over four decades of accomplished graduates, Prestonwood Academy boasts an extensive alumni network making their mark on the world.
Notable alumni include multi-platinum selling music artist Josh Wilson, celebrity fashion designer Abi Ferrin, and former NFL first round draft pick Sam Tevi.
Influential business leaders like Dave Miller, founder of Texas Best Smokehouse, are also Prestonwood grads. So are pioneers in fields like law, medicine, ministry, education, and more.
Each year at Homecoming, alumni fondly reconnect and reminisce about cherished memories. Lifelong bonds formed at Prestonwood unite all generations of graduates.
The alumni association keeps graduates engaged through reunions, networking events, mentoring opportunities, and giving initiatives. Alumni serve as trustees, guest speakers, award presenters, and more.
Many graduates choose to send their own children to Prestonwood to continue family legacies. This multigenerational connection speaks volumes.
No matter what endeavors they pursue, Prestonwood alumni credit their alma mater for instilling faith, purpose, ethics, resilience, and community. The academy prepares graduates to live boldly.
With over 8,000 esteemed alumni worldwide, the Prestonwood network opens doors and provides a valuable support system. Once a Lion, always a Lion!
Leadership and Governance
Prestonwood Academy benefits from experienced, mission-driven leadership at both the administrative and board levels. These pillars provide stewardship to sustain excellence.
The head of school oversees daily operations, working alongside division principals, academic deans, athletic directors, and department chairs. Their collaborative leadership puts students first.
Behind the scenes, directors oversee key functions from admissions, advancement, and marketing to security, finance, facilities and more. Their specialized expertise and diligent planning enable growth.
Overseeing it all is the Prestonwood Board of Trustees comprising school parents, community leaders, and Prestonwood Baptist Church members. Their governance ensures the academy stays true to its spiritual mission and educational philosophy while proactively positioning it for the future.
Within this governance model, parents and alumni also have a voice through the Prestonwood Family Association. This engagement enhances community ownership.
While rooted in its faith-based origins, Prestonwood willingly engages outside assessment and accreditation to validate quality. AdvancEd and Texas Education Agency recognitions affirm achievements.
With an executive team empowering employees, a Board providing oversight, and stakeholders participating, Prestonwood Academy maintains excellence generation after generation. All work together so students receive a transformative education in body, mind and spirit.
Admissions Process and Requirements
Gaining admission to Prestonwood Academy is a selective but straightforward process aimed at identifying mission-aligned students able to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
Applications are open to all students without regard to race, gender, or denomination. Admission is based on past academic performance, character references, standardized testing, and a family interview.
The academy seeks students who will embrace the Christian educational experience. Applicants must provide a pastoral reference confirming active church participation.
To assess academic readiness, applicants submit recent report cards, achievement test scores, and any psychoeducational testing. Minimum grade and test score criteria help determine placement.
The student and parent interview allows getting to know families better while conveying the academy’s high expectations. It’s a two-way evaluation.
Once admitted, students must maintain good academic and disciplinary standing to continue at Prestonwood. The school partners with families to support success.
While selective, Prestonwood is accessible to all academically prepared students wanting a supportive Christian environment. Over 20% receive financial assistance for affordability.
The admissions process favors heart and mind over pedigree or privilege. Students ready to have their lives transformed by Prestonwood’s outstanding whole-person education are welcomed.