Dining Program at PCA Plano

With community-inclusive dining, students pay a flat fee for dining services in addition to tuition, which entitles them to full participation in the SAGE Program. Students are served an appropriate portion and are welcome to return for unlimited seconds. Students, faculty, and administrators gather daily to share a meal to reconnect and recharge.

Specific assistance is not offered for the lunch program itself, but we would encourage people to apply for tuition assistance*.

*Full-time students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade are eligible for tuition assistance. Students must complete the admissions process before a financial aid decision is offered. 

SAGE provides national expertise on allergy accommodations and ADA compliance. All SAGE Team Members are extensively trained in food allergy awareness. Parents are welcome to schedule times to visit kitchens and ask about inventories and preparation methods. There is also an online allergen filter and comprehensive ingredient list that will allow parents and students to plan ahead every day.

We are pleased that SAGE specializes in school lunch programs, and has proven ways to handle food allergies. Foods will be labeled and alternatives will be available, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, etc… Should a child have a life-threatening allergy, a family can work with the school nurses, and the SAGE nutritionist. If it is mutually decided that the dining program is unable to meet the needs of the student, parents can bring forms from their doctors describing the food issues, and the student would be excluded from the dining program.

We understand and agree that it is important that each child has food that is nutritious, and that they like to eat. The meal time should be a chance to re-charge body and mind.

Each day a variety will be served including two hot lunch offerings, salads, fruits, deli/sandwich counters, and more. In addition, with the unlimited seconds that this buffet style offers, student should be able to eat their fill. We are confident that students will be able to find foods they like, and even expand their tastes to new foods.

Yes, parents are always welcome to eat with their students and may purchase a meal at a set price of $6.00. This will be paid when checking in with the receptionist and will be noted as paid on the visitor badge.

Lower School has elements similar to the Upper School to ensure variety, however due to the age group it is streamlined slightly. The same variety is offered with two hot options, sandwiches and salads. There is access to the salad and deli bar, as well as the soup stations.

Upper School has three main offerings set up at several stations throughout the Dining Hall so that students spend less time waiting in lines. Several “Main Ingredient” stations offer a choice of two entrees with vegetables and other sides; a “Crossroads” station has rotations of specialty sandwiches, and “Seasonings” options which has rotations of customizable entrees (such as pasta or specialty bowls). In addition to these options, each day there is also a self-serve Salad Bar, a Deli Bar (with panini presses), and soup stations.

PreK and Kindergarten students eat in their classrooms, but food will be sent from the main kitchen for the entire class, with family style extras for hungrier eaters. Teacher aides will assist in distributing lunch and ensuring students are eating a healthy mix of foods. Parents will not have to “pre-order” any menu items.

SAGE has a comprehensive allergy management program that ensures a safe, inclusive dining environment for everyone. All SAGE Team Members are extensively trained in food allergy management, ensuring that storage, preparation, service, and cleanup meet the highest safety standards. Families are welcome to schedule a kitchen visit, where they can tour the facility, discuss any allergy concerns, and learn more about SAGE’s safety measures. Our menu is reviewed by SAGE’s team of Registered Dietitians, who verify it for variety, safety, and food allergy accommodations. Additionally, SAGE’s Free Style concept offers delicious menu items made without the 12 most common allergens. Signs at each station in the dining hall, along with menus available online and in the Touch of SAGE app, clearly label the top 12 allergens. The online menu and app also offer an allergen filter and provide complete ingredient lists, helping parents and students plan ahead. Nutrition information for menu items is available to parents and adults upon request. If your child has a food allergy, please alert our SAGE Manager and school nurses, along with any needed support.