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

See Yourself Studying in the States

Since 2017, our International Student Program (ISP) 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 International Student Program is founded on the belief that all people, regardless of nationality or background, are made in the image of God and worthy of love, respect and the opportunity for spiritual and academic growth.

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

PCA Distinctives:

College Guidance Office - Experienced and knowledgeable counselors guide families through the college search and application process to enable students to identify their best "fit" colleges.
University Preparation - PSAT and the Residual ACT are given each year to better equip students for the university admission exams. In addition, all International Students take a practice English Proficiency exam twice a year to track improvement as well as prepare them for college admission requirements.
STEM Program - An opportunity for innovative learning through original research and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math and can graduate with STEM Honors.
Fine Arts - Allows students to achieve at high levels in art, theatre, vocal and instrumental music. PCA students are consistently recognized at state and national competitions and highly recruited by universities.
Senior Capstone - Based on a literary work, students research and write a literary analysis, a historical analysis, a philosophical analysis, Portrait of a Graduate synthesis, and an oral presentation and defense.
Minimester - Weeklong service and ministry project where students serve and learn about the world by traveling nation- or world-wide exploring cultures and histories while also building homes, feeding the homeless, assisting in medical clinics, and working with the under-privileged.
Safety - Located in the 3rd safest city in the US, PCA has rigorous security features including: badge controlled security gates, visitor monitoring, constant police presence on campus, emergency procedure practice and background checks for all employees and volunteers.
Cocurricular Activities - Sports, Science Olympiad, Future Doctors of America, Future Problem Solvers, Math Competition Club, Robotics Club, Student Leadership Institute, Band, Choir, Theatre Productions, Art, French Club, and others.

PCA is Looking for ISP Students Who Are:

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

International Student Program Services

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

What Our Former ISP Students Are Saying

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

PCA ISP's 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 life time.Samuel, 2022 Graduate

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?

Tuition and Fees

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

Click HERE for PCA's tuition and fees.

Click HERE for the ISP fees and explanation.

ISP Handbook

Click HERE to view the 2025-26 handbook.

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.

Winter English Classroom Immersion Program

PCA 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.

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