What grades are offered by the International Student Program at Prestonwood Christian Academy Plano?

Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade. However, our International Home Stay Program is only available for students in Grades 7-12. Any student wishing to attend in Grades 1-6 must live with their parents in the US. We do not accept students as a Senior (12th); the highest acceptance level is a Junior (11th).

Does PCA Plano offer Homestay or Boarding for International Students?

PCA Plano offers Homestay but does not offer boarding. A priority of our program is a safe and nurturing home for all our International Students. All Host Families undergo a rigorous interview process, which includes a background check. PCA is committed to providing a caring home environment to foster cultural adaptation, social and emotional support, and accelerated English acquisition.

Is testing required for admission to the International Student Program?

Yes. The following tests are accepted but can be waived at the discretion of the International Student Program Coordinator: Grades 7-8 TOEFL Jr., Grades 9-11 TOEFL, All Grades iTEP, All Grades Duolingo. PCA offers an English Proficiency practice exam for all current International Students in Grades 7-11 twice a year.

What countries have been represented in PCA Plano's International Student Program?

Students from Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Zimbabwe have participated in PCA Plano's International Program. PCA accepts approximately five students in the International Program per school year, depending on the previous year's matriculation number.

How many AP and Honors classes does PCA Plano offer?

PCA Plano currently offers 19 AP classes and 8 Dual Credit classes.

Is there a school lunch program for International Students at PCA Plano?

Yes. A mandatory lunch program is provided daily to all students.

What extracurricular activities are offered to International Students at PCA Plano?

PCA Plano offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including STEM Honors Program, Science Olympiad, athletics (basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, cheer, dance, soccer, softball, swimming, golf, tennis, track and cross country), Future Problem Solvers, Student Leadership Institute, theatre, band (marching and symphonic), choir, art, and Mock Trial.

Can International Students participate in sports at PCA Plano?

Yes! International Students are eligible to play all competitive school sports. Varsity sports do have some restrictions.

International Student Program at PCA Plano

See yourself studying in the United States at the Prestonwood Christian Academy campus in Plano, Texas.

Home Away from Home: Christ-Centered Education and Community for Students from Around the World

Since 2017, PCA's International Student Program has been serving students from various countries by offering a rigorous, Christ-centered college preparatory education that prepares them for academic and personal success.

PCA Plano's International Student Program believes every student—regardless of nationality or background—is made in God’s image and worthy of love, respect, and growth both spiritually and academically.

At PCA Plano, we emphasize the importance of a Christ-centered education that fosters not only intellectual development but also character formation. Grounded in Christian values, PCA Plano's International Student Program seeks to embrace diversity while providing an environment where students can experience God's love and truth.

Who We Invite to Join PCA Plano’s ISP

International Students Who Are Ready to Learn, Grow, and Belong:

Represent a variety of countries
Are academically motivated and successful, with a strong proficiency of the English language
Are Emotionally and socially mature
Desire to be active members of our community through involvement in clubs and activities
Respect world cultures and values, particularly the Christian faith
YOU!

PCA ISP was my home away from home supporting me through my transition and taught me how to be a better student. What I love most were the teachers; they truly care about the students and understand the struggle of being in an overwhelming environment. The teachers spend effort inside and outside the school to ensure the international students have a great academic experience. I am beyond grateful that the Lord provided me with this program when I first arrived in the US, I know the things I have learned from the PCA ISP will benefit me a lifetime.Samuel, 2022 Graduate

PCA Plano Distinctives

Explore the signature opportunities we offer at PCA Plano to foster academic excellence, personal growth, and spiritual development. Through these experiences, students gain confidence, skills, and a strong foundation in faith to excel in college, careers, and life.

College Guidance Office

University Preparation

STEM Learning

Fine Arts

Senior Capstone

Minimester

Safety

Co-curricular Activities

International Student Program Services

Comprehensive Support to Help Global Students Thrive

Quarterly activities and outings
Counseling for transitional challenges
Faculty and staff mentoring
Designated international staff
I-20 processing and maintenance
Host family support

ISP Application Process

Step 1: Submit online application and fee

Step 2: Submit required documentation

Completed online application and $100 application fee
Copy of birth certificate
Copy of passport, including any US visas/permanent residency card
Completed Visa and Homestay Needs form
Current year report card (translated clearly into English)
Last year’s official school transcript (translated clearly into English)
Admissions Testing
- English Second Language - Duolingo English Test - Score sent directly to PCA from Duolingo (https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants)
- English First Language – ICEE Test – PCA will send email with link to this at home test
Link to current school’s curriculum guide (grades 10-11) – course descriptions
Immunization Records (translated clearly into English)
Current English teacher recommendation
Current Math teacher recommendation
Statement of assurance from parents to provide health insurance for the student while attending PCA (copy of insurance will be required on first day of school)
Proof of Financial Responsibility
- Bank Statement equaling 1 year tuition and fees amount
- *OR*
- Pay stub equaling 1/3 of 1 year tuition and fees amount

*Click HERE to access the ISP checklist.

Step 3: English Proficiency Test

Step 4: Admissions Interviews

Step 5: Admission Decision and Enrollment Contract

I-20 Created

Obtain your F-1 Visa

Submit travel plans

Travel to USA

"PCA International Program lets our family know about Christian schools for the first time. It helps our children know the worldview of faith and Jesus. It leads our family to establish a good relationship with God. It makes our family happier and better. God Bless. Amen!"Charles Shanghai

Frequently Asked Questions

What grades are accepted by the ISP?

Does PCA offer homestay and boarding?

PCA only offers homestay, not boarding. A priority of our program is a safe and nurturing home for all our International Students. We work with a local agency to provide a caring, safe homes for our students. All host families undergo a rigorous interview process and a background check. We are committed to providing a caring home environment to help foster cultural adaptation, social and emotional support, and accelerated English acquisition.

Does PCA require testing for admission?

What countries have been represented in the ISP?

Does PCA have an ESL program?

No. We have an English Immersion Program and provide a special academic support class that is required for all first year International Students. This class provides content-based support as well as paper editing, study skills, and school culture education. Students may graduate from this class depending upon grades, English Proficiency test scores and teacher recommendations.

Is there a school lunch program?

Can I play sports at PCA?

Does PCA offer an ISP at both campuses?

Our ISP Team

Joy Hwang

ISP Associate and Teacher

jhwang@prestonwoodchristian.org

Amy Smith

ISP Coordinator and Teacher

asmith@prestonwoodchristian.org

Tuition and Fees

International students are required to pay both PCA Plano's tuition and fees as well as the International Program Fees.

PCA Plano Tuition & Fees

ISP Fees and Explanation

English Classroom Immersion Program

PCA Plano is pleased to offer an English Language Classroom Immersion opportunity for international students lasting up to 8 weeks. Classes start at the beginning of January each year.

Learn More

ISP Handbook

Please take a moment to read our 2025-26 ISP Handbook as it shares the values, expectations, and guidelines that shape our school community.

Read the Handbook

Become a Host Family

Hosting a PCA Plano International Student is an exciting and life-changing experience.

Learn More

Need More Information?

If you would like more information before applying, please submit an inquiry form. We appreciate your interest in our program!

Submit Inquiry Form