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 United States at Prestonwood Christian Academy School System in North Texas.

Home Away from Home: A Christ-Centered Education & Community for Global Students

Since 2017, PCA’s International Student Program (ISP) has welcomed students from around the world, providing a rigorous, Christ-centered college preparatory education that equips them for both academic achievement and personal growth.

Our International Student Program is founded on the belief that every student, regardless of nationality or background, is created in God’s image and worthy of love, respect, and opportunities to grow spiritually and academically.

At PCA, we emphasize 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 (ISP) seeks to embrace diversity while providing an environment where students can experience God's love and truth.

Is PCA’s ISP Program Right for You?

At PCA, we welcome global students who are ready to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Our ideal ISP candidates are those who:

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

PCA ISP – Plano & North

PCA's International Student Program (ISP) is offered at both of our campuses, giving students the choice between PCA Plano, just north of Dallas, and PCA North in Prosper, Texas. Explore our campuses and choose the one that's right for you.

PCA's Distinctive Programs & Experiences: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Success

Explore PCA’s distinct opportunities that develop academic excellence, personal growth, and spiritual development, equipping students with the confidence, skills, and Christ-centered foundation to thrive in college, career and life.

Click the (+) tabs below to explore details about each opportunity.

College Guidance Office

At both Prestonwood Christian Academy campuses, experienced and knowledgeable counselors provide personalized guidance and support throughout the college search and application process, helping students identify and pursue the universities that match best match their academic goals, personal strengths and spiritual values. families through the college search and application process to enable students to identify their best colleges.

University Preparation

STEM Learning

Fine Arts

Senior Capstone

Minimester

Safety

Co-curricular Activities

Comprehensive Support for International Students at PCA

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

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 PCA Graduate

ISP Application Process: Start Your PCA Journey

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

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

ISP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Email Joy

Amy Smith

ISP Coordinator and Teacher

Email Amy

Tuition and Fees

International students are required to pay PCA tuition and campus fees (Plano or North), in addition to International Program Fees.

PCA Plano Tuition & Fees

PCA North Tuition & Fees

ISP Fees and Explanation

"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

English Classroom Immersion Program

PCA is pleased to offer an English Language Classroom Immersion opportunity for international students lasting up to 8 weeks.

This is a winter program. Classes start at the beginning of January each year.

Learn More

Become a Host Family

Hosting an 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. Someone from our team will reach out to you shortly.

We appreciate your interest in our program!

Submit Inquiry Form