PCA Code of Honor
The Prestonwood Christian Academy Code of Honor exists for one purpose, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which means: To the Greater Glory of God. It is this statement that unifies us in both perspective and purpose. The Code of Honor serves as the moral compass – our intrinsic DNA for all stakeholders – including students, parents, and faculty that comprise the PCA community. The Code of Honor recognizes that there is no one man-made document that defines how Christians are to live. As Christians, it’s God’s Word that provides and defines the perfect example of how we are to live. PCA’s Code of Honor is instilled in, and is part of, all of us. It is a standard of excellence by which we must all conduct ourselves in order to be a light to the world.
Recognizing, with Christ-like humility, that our life’s purpose is to live for God’s Greater Glory inspires an environment of integrity, honor and character. It is this intrinsic inspiration that produces an authentic school pride and cultivates an environment of self-governance that transcends rules and regulations.
Becoming a “pride” of Lions whose unified goal is to revere Christ in all things motivates us to treat people with dignity and respect, affirm our commitment to the school’s mission statement that is eternal in perspective and emboldens students to embrace Biblical truth, strive for academic excellence and model Christ-like leadership. Affirmation of our mission drives a deep sense of responsibility to preserve and pass on this culture to future generations.
There is no greater value than the internal resolve to uphold the principles that serve as the foundation of this institution. We respectfully rally around Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, our Code of Honor, and view our individual duty and commitment as “iron sharpening iron” (Proverbs 27:17).
The Five Tenants of the PCA Code of Honor
1. Perspective All students are challenged to focus on an eternal perspective. It is through this eternal perspective that one submits his or her attitude, rights and self to God and a cause that transcends self.
Key Concepts:
• We have an eternal mindset vs. a temporary, earthly mindset at all times,
• We possess a constant attitude of gratefulness,
• We are focused on being “others-centered,” selfless and servants, and
• We recognize that our transcendent cause is more important than our personal agenda.
2. Purpose Every member of the PCA community is challenged to understand and commit to the school’s Mission Statement. The core components of the Mission Statement are continually practiced. In pursuit of excellence in education, the mission of Prestonwood Christian Academy is:
• To assist Christian parents by helping equip students to embrace biblical truth, strive for academic excellence and model Christ-like leadership to influence their homes, churches and communities for Christ.
Key Concepts:
• We recognize that our partnership with parents (family) is vital,
• We understand that embracing biblical Truth is much more than “knowledge,”
• We know that striving for academic excellence requires honesty and integrity and rigor, and
• We understand that modeling Christ-like Servant Leadership is about being “others-centered,” and serving as His leader to influence others.
3. People All people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Everyone has value and our focus should be on serving others. This begins by respecting them and accepting them unconditionally.
Key Concepts:
• We treat all people with respect and dignity (teachers, custodians, visitors, classmates, other schools and local businesses),
• We are inclusive rather than exclusive, and
• We recognize that simple actions such as a smile, friendly greeting, hand-shake and eye contact demonstrate respect, care and are “others-centered.”
4. Programs Active participation in the life and culture of the school’s programs is encouraged. Participation is a privilege and it is an honor to “wear the jersey.” Supporting other participants models our “others-centered” principle. We are ambassadors for the King.
Key Concepts:
• We know that our out-of-classroom experiences during school hours, such as Chapel, service project days and minimester mission trips are a major part of our curriculum and that understanding and supporting their purpose is demonstrated by respect, and
• We always respect that God made some to love the arts, some to love athletics and some to love academics, or a combination of all. Supporting one another creates unity and friendship. It makes our school more complete when all of these programs succeed.
5. Property The environment, and in particular, the school’s facilities and equipment are to be maintained with the utmost care and respect. This stewardship principle carries over into all areas of one’s life.
Key Concepts:
• We recognize that one only has to travel to another part of the world to understand how PCA has been blessed with facilities,
• We never leave a space on campus until it is clean,
• We stop to pick up trash whenever we see it, and
• PCA property is treated with respect and we do not do anything that could potentially leave damage to its grounds, facilities or contents therein.
