Amy Foster, First-grade TeacherThe school was founded in 1968 as a “Mother’s Day Out” preschool, and has grown into an accredited K-6 school serving nearly 230 students in Central Arlington. PRCA is accredited by the National Christian School Association and the Southern Association of Christian Schools, reflecting its commitment to high-quality education. Focused on values-based, individualized instruction, the school nurtures children in a home-like environment that encourages compassion, teamwork, academic success, and a lifelong love of learning.
PRCA combines classical teaching methodologies with online learning to provide a customized experience that meets the diverse needs of students with different learning styles. Beyond academics, children at PRCA are guided to develop strong character, empathy, and social skills, equipping them to thrive in various environments and interact positively with others.
From infants in the attached preschool to sixth-grade students, PRCA emphasizes the whole child’s growth. Its STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) engages students in hands-on, project-based learning that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Guided by the school’s “Nifty 50” principles, children practice respect, responsibility, cooperation, and other essential life skills, building confidence and leadership abilities.
“Our mission is to provide the knowledge, skills, and spiritual values needed to build an eternal foundation,” says Amy Foster, a first-grade teacher who has spent over three decades at PRCA.
COMMUNITY-FOCUSED SERVICE AND SUPPORT
PRCA extends its care beyond the classroom. It is deeply committed to serving its students and the wider community. Teachers and staff serve as mentors and supporters to families, guiding them through spiritual, personal, and financial challenges. For families without an established church community, PRCA serves as a place where they can feel connected, safe, and valued.
Students experience service and community engagement firsthand, from participating in local projects to supporting University of Texas at Arlington students facing food insecurity. These activities help students apply lessons in teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving in real-world settings, reinforcing the school’s belief that the community can be a classroom in itself.
With a modest budget, PRCA keeps tuition low and provides scholarships to make a quality Christian education accessible to working families. The school relies on word-of-mouth promotion and a strong local reputation, earning the affectionate description of “Arlington’s best-kept secret” and a “small treasure” in the community.
LEADERSHIP WITH HEART AND LONGEVITY
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Our mission is to provide the knowledge, skills, and spiritual values needed to build an eternal foundation.
PRCA’s culture of care and commitment stems from its leadership. Head of School Mrs. Gibson, who has served for nearly 38 years, knows each student and family personally. She offers support for academic matters and for personal and spiritual challenges. Her open-door policy has fostered a sense of belonging that permeates the school.
Many faculty members, like Foster, have decades-long ties to the academy, some having started as parents before joining the staff. This continuity and dedication create an environment where students feel known, supported, and valued. Alumni frequently return to share their successes, seek references, and engage with the school community, demonstrating the lasting impact PRCA has on children and families.
With a Christ-centered mission, a blended learning model, and a sense of community, PRCA continues to inspire students academically, socially, and spiritually. It remains a trusted partner for families seeking an education that nurtures the heart and the mind, equipping children to become compassionate, confident, and capable members of society.
