Private School Spotlight: People's Christian Academy (Markham, Ontario)

Overview of People's Christian Academy

People's Christian Academy (PCA) is a private, Christian co-educational school located in the bustling city of Markham, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1971, PCA has been transforming hearts and minds for over five decades, offering students an academic education from a Christian perspective.

Academics

PCA's curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education that caters to the diverse needs of its students. It offers a wide range of subjects, from the sciences and mathematics to the arts and humanities. Godly principles are woven into the curriculum of each course, ensuring that students are not only equipped with academic knowledge but also spiritual wisdom.

The school is broken down into 4 facilities:

Early Learning (30 Months - 4 Years Old)

The PCA Early Learning Centre is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children and their families. This Christ-centered Early Childhood Education Ministry caters to preschool-aged children (30 months – 4 years old) and operates within air-conditioned facilities licensed by the Ministry of Education. Spanning over 4,000 square feet, the center boasts spacious classrooms with ample natural light through large windows.

With a capacity for 80 preschoolers, the five classrooms are staffed by certified, trained, and compassionate Christian educators who exemplify God's love in their daily interactions. Their commitment is evident in the programs, teaching methods, and role modeling they provide, driven by a genuine passion for education and a sincere affection for each child in their care.

Adhering to rigorous standards, the program is approved and aligns with the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and "How Does Learning Happen?"—Ontario's pedagogical framework for early childhood education. The outdoor playground is equipped with a play structure, specialized surfacing, and a large sandbox, meticulously maintained and regularly inspected to meet Ministry of Education regulations.

Nutrition is prioritized, with all meals prepared on-site in the commercial kitchen by the in-house chef. The menu adheres to Canada Food Guide requirements, ensuring that children receive nutritious and balanced meals as part of their daily routine at the PCA Early Learning Centre.

Junior School (JK - Grade 5)

Peoples Christian Academy Junior School prioritizes providing a strong foundation for young learners. Recognizing each child as a precious gift of God, the school emphasizes early nurturing and the imparting of foundational knowledge and values.

From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5, students at PCA Junior School are exposed to innovative instructional methods that challenge and encourage learning. The French program begins at Junior Kindergarten, and computer classes are available for Grades 1-5. Additionally, specialized programs such as the Learn to Skate Program for Grades 1-3 and the Learn to Ski Program for Grades 4-5 complement a wide range of athletic and fine arts opportunities.

Participation in competitions and tournaments, including spelling bees, speech meets, chess, and sports tournaments through ACSI, enhances students' extracurricular experiences. All courses integrate a Christian worldview, supported by daily devotions, Bible classes, and weekly chapel sessions.

The school's emphasis on accelerated academics is evident in students' consistently high scores on CAT/4 Tests, demonstrating the efficacy of PCA Junior School's educational approach in fostering academic achievement.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

PCA Middle School provides a dynamic and nurturing environment for students in Grades 6-8, recognizing the significance of these transitional years between elementary and high school. The school's holistic approach focuses on academic growth, spiritual development, and leadership cultivation.

With a dedicated faculty, PCA Middle School prioritizes individual student care and fosters strong partnerships with parents through effective communication. Teachers not only emphasize the importance of education but also guide students in taking ownership of their academic journey, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of high school.

Leadership opportunities abound in Middle School, including participation in student council, intramurals, chapel activities, and sports teams. Under the guidance of teacher mentors, students develop essential life skills such as event planning and public speaking. The annual Outdoor Education retreat fosters camaraderie and inclusivity among students, reinforcing a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Central to PCA's mission is the spiritual development of students. Through chapel services and Bible exposition, students engage in worship and receive instruction in biblical principles with practical life applications. The comprehensive Bible program integrated into the curriculum deepens students' understanding of Scripture and encourages daily Christian living. Mission initiatives, including outreach efforts and fundraising activities, broaden students' awareness of global needs and inspire compassion and service.

Daily interactions provide opportunities for meaningful discussions about life and faith, nurturing personal growth and spiritual maturity. The supportive relationships between teachers and students foster an environment of ongoing spiritual encouragement and lifelong learning.

Senior School (Grades 9 - 12)

At Peoples Christian Academy's Senior School, students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence while fostering spiritual growth. As a university preparation institution, PCA emphasizes expanding students' post-secondary opportunities and beyond. Through challenging coursework and innovative learning methods such as inquiry-based science and computer program design, students are empowered to push their academic boundaries.

Integral to the PCA experience is the infusion of a Biblical worldview. Students engage with Christian perspectives on contemporary cultural issues and deepen their understanding of Scripture through regular chapels, daily Bible classes, and various leadership roles. Mentorship between teachers and students further cultivates spiritual growth, complemented by involvement in missions teams, community service, and extracurricular activities like Student Council and sports teams.

In PCA's Senior School, students receive unwavering support from faculty who are dedicated to their progress and development. All faculty members are Ontario Certified Teachers, with many holding advanced degrees. Graduates consistently express readiness for university programs, crediting PCA for their preparedness.

PCA's Senior School fosters a caring and intellectually stimulating environment, where students are nurtured and challenged, preparing them for dynamic and fulfilling futures.

Senior School Extra Curricular Activities

Peoples Christian Academy's Senior School offers a comprehensive educational experience that encompasses both formal academic programs and extracurricular activities. Through these additional opportunities, students not only develop their skills and talents but also cultivate their character. Under the guidance of dedicated coaches, students take on leadership roles such as team captains, student council members, and house captains, contributing to their personal growth and the school community.

The Arts

• PCA's Senior School Chorus, known as Fideles, meets weekly for choir rehearsals. Comprising Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass voices, Fideles performs at various events throughout the school year, including Open Houses, Christmas Concerts, and Spring Concerts, aiming to use their talents to bless others and glorify God.
• The PCA orchestra holds weekly practices and presents public concerts at least twice a year.
• The PCA drama club engages in various theatrical activities, including directing, acting, set design, and stage management, culminating in an annual spring performance.
• Other artistic endeavors include the Art Club, DECA, Reach for the Top competition, and the yearbook club.

Athletics

• PCA Senior School participates in multiple sports leagues, including ACSI, TDCAA, SSAF, and OFSAA, offering a range of options such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, track and field, soccer, running club, softball, and ultimate frisbee. Through rigorous training, students not only develop physical skills but also learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
• The PCA running club meets regularly in both fall and spring seasons, participating in various races as recommended by the coach.
• Each winter, students enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at an Ontario resort, fostering camaraderie and outdoor recreation.
• Intramural competitions are organized between the houses, promoting friendly rivalry and participation.

Science and Mathematics

• PCA Senior School engages in numerous science and mathematics-related activities, including participation in science fairs, math, chemistry, biology, physics, and computer competitions, as well as involvement in organizations like HOSA and robotics.

Missions

• Outside the classroom, PCA emphasizes mission initiatives, instilling a sense of service and global awareness among students.

Community Involvement

• Students are encouraged to fulfill the Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirement of 40 hours of community service. PCA graduates consistently surpass this requirement, collectively contributing an impressive amount of community service hours over the years, reflecting the school's commitment to serving others.

Peoples Christian Academy Staff

Peoples Christian Academy (PCA) holds a meticulous process for selecting its administration, faculty, and staff to ensure alignment with the institution's Philosophy of Education. With a focus on Christian principles, PCA's educators are not only highly qualified but also deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders with Christian values. Regular devotions and mentorship activities underscore their dedication to this mission. Clear guidelines for professional conduct are provided in PCA's manuals and handbooks. PCA also emphasizes collaboration with parents to strengthen Christian and family values in students' lives. Notably, some faculty members are alumni of PCA, reflecting the enduring impact of the institution.

Community Involvement

One of the distinguishing features of PCA is its emphasis on community involvement. The academy instills in its students a sense of social responsibility and encourages them to contribute to their community. This is evident in the numerous community service projects and initiatives that the academy undertakes throughout the year.

In the span of 11 years PCA alumni have collectively amassed 64,830 hours of Community Service, equating to more than 7 years of continuous service. On average, each graduate contributed approximately 144 hours of Community Service, nearly quadrupling the Ministry of Education's requirements.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

PCA boasts state-of-the-art facilities on 5 acres of land that enhance the learning experience. These include well-equipped classrooms, a modern library stocked with a vast collection of books and resources, and recreational facilities that cater to the physical well-being of the students.

Tuition Fees

PCA functions as a Christian school and holds status as a registered Canadian charitable organization. Families will receive an official tax receipt for tuition fees exceeding the secular training cost, which is calculated as the cost per student multiplied by the number of children enrolled with PCA.

Bursaries are accessible to qualifying applicants; additional information can be obtained by contacting PCA directly.

Discounts on tuition fees for siblings are offered. For inquiries regarding this benefit, please contact the Admissions Department at cyiu@pca.ca.

For 2024/2025:

Canadian Students

Canadian Resident Tuition Fee: $14,124.00
Application Fee: $150.00* (One-time)
Testing Fee: $235.00* (One-time)
Tuition Deposit: $400.00 (*this amount is not included in the Tuition Fee. Tuition Deposit will be deducted from the June tuition payment)

International Students

International Student Tuition Fee: $24,388.00
Application Fee: $150.00* (One-time)
Testing Fee: $235.00* (One-time)

Please email PCA directly for details. Information may change without notice. All fees are for 2024-2025, unless otherwise stated and are quoted in Canadian funds. For any additional inquires please contact PCA at finance_office@pca.ca.

Conclusion

In conclusion, People's Christian Academy in Markham, Ontario, is more than just a place of learning. It is a community that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth of its students, preparing them to become responsible and successful individuals in the future. With its exceptional curriculum, dedicated faculty, and vibrant community, PCA truly stands out as a premier educational institution.

Please note that for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to reach out to People's Christian Academy directly.

Sources:
Peoples Christian Academy. https://www.peopleschristianacademy.ca/.
Peoples Christian Academy - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peoples_Christian_Academy.