By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer, EAN
Prattville Christian Academy has been recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School, which is an honor awarded to public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
PCA is the only private school in the state to be given the designation for 2019 and is only one of 50 non-public schools in the entire country to be given the honor. Only 362 schools in total across the nation were given the Blue Ribbon designation in 2019.
Kim Stephenson, Academic Director for PCA, says the application process took over a year to complete. The school had to have certain academic numbers to even be eligible for the process. PCA is recognized as an exemplary high performing school in academic achievement and scored within the top 15% percent in the nation in elementary and middle school standardized test scores.
“This is a huge honor for PCA and is a direct result of the day-in-and-day-out work of the entire PCA family,” said Kim Stephenson, PCA’s academic director. When all parts of the school work together to achieve small victories, the result is astounding. PCA’s culture supports excellence in education and provides students with the tools necessary to be successful in academics and life,” Stephenson said.
Beyond the numbers, the qualifications also include the school’s mission statement, curriculum, instructor practices, attendance, etc. The specific criterion for a school’s eligibility can be seen here: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/eligibility.html
Many distinguished guests made appearances at PCA’s ceremony today, such as Sen. Clyde Chambliss and Gov. Kay Ivey. Ivey’s appearance was extra special, as she was the first seated governor to ever visit the school.
“Preparing our young people for the success of tomorrow is one the most important goals that our state can pursue – if not the most important,” Ivey said.
“This school is a symbol of quality teaching and learning. I’m proud to say that another Alabama school has achieved this outstanding honor. PCA is indeed a very special place, and I’m eager to see the special things the students do here in the future as well.”
Sen. Chambliss also spoke on the importance of the school’s designation.
“Every time I come to PCA, I’m amazed with everything the students have going on – most recently in the robotics and technical classes that I’ve been able to witness. I’m encouraged when I see students like this because I know the future of our state and country are in good hands. Our best days are yet to come,” Chambliss said.
The coveted National Blue Ribbon School designation affirms the passion of PCA’s faculty and staff members, the dedication of the family unit, and the local community in supporting PCA’s mission, as well as the students who work tirelessly to master challenging and engaging content. For more photos, see the gallery below.
For more information about the National Blue Ribbon Program visit, https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html
Founded in 1997, Prattville Christian Academy is a private school dedicated to providing academic excellence, with an emphasis on life readiness skills, in a caring, Christian environment. PCA strives to incorporate curricula and enrichment to nurture the diverse needs of the whole student within a family atmosphere. Students have access to a range of opportunities through a resource program for struggling students, dyslexia intervention, and gifted classes for high-ability students. Students are challenged to build curiosity and solve problems for themselves, classmates, and the community.
