Within the last three years (2008-2010), PCA students on the standardized tests taken by Grades 3 and 5 over 90% of our students were above the Canadian norm in all tests. For the Ontario Grade 10 Literacy Tests, 96% were successful. 100% apply to institutions of higher education and 95% of our graduating class attend university.
Canadian Achievement Test/3
Canadian Achievement Tests Third Edition (CAT/3) has become one of the most widely used series of achievement tests in Canada and focuses in the areas of mathematics and language/reading skills. PCA’s Grade 7 & 9 students typically scored in the high 80th percentile in both levels and, as a group, are working close to two grade levels above the norm for their grade. Testing for our Grades 3 and 5 students also reveal that students, as a group, are scoring well above expectations on standardized testing. For more information on CAT/3, you can visit the website, here.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is administered annually and is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirement. Students are eligible for the first time in Grade 10. If students are not successful in Grade 10 or enter Peoples Christian Academy in Grade 11 or 12, the Literacy Test may be written during Grade 11 or 12. Since 2003, PCA has had between 92%-100% success rate for all participating students. For more information on OSSLT, visit the EQAO website, here.
Peoples Christian Academy is committed to providing excellent Christ-centred education by partnering with families in a nurturing environment, resulting in students and graduates whose lives glorify God.
Vision Statement
Peoples Christian Academy seeks to become a place of learning where its students at all levels are given opportunity to excel in the development of the whole person -- body, mind and spirit through an integration of Christian truth and practice in all its activities and programs -- Christian teachers, in partnership with the home and the church, instructing and inspiring Christ-likeness. PCA’s graduates will become difference makers locally and globally through living out biblical principles in their chosen vocations.
School Verse
"...Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 NIV
School Song
I give my promise to be true to Jesus Christ my King. I’ll lift my voice in songs of praise and of His goodness sing. I’ll be a champion for His name and praise Him on His Throne. I’ll hate the wrong and love the right and live for Him alone.
(Written by David E. Williams. Copyright 1978, The Peoples Church, Toronto. All Rights Reserved. )
About our School
In 1971, The Peoples Church, Toronto, Canada under the leadership of Paul B. Smith, Senior Pastor, established an educational ministry known as The Peoples Christian Schools. Under this umbrella, two divisions became known as The Oswald J. Smith Elementary School (OJSES) and The Paul B. Smith Academy (PBSA) (the High School). Oswald J. Smith (Nov 8,1989 - Jan 25, 1986) was a world renowned author, poet, hymn writer,preacher, editor but most notably a missionary statesman. He founded The Peoples Church in 1928 and is well beloved for his passion for souls and his dependence upon God.
The official biography of Dr. Oswald J. Smith is "Fire in His Bones" by Lois Neely. Paul B. Smith was the son of Oswald J. Smith, and Senior Pastor of The Peoples Church from 1959 - 1983. In 1995, the two divisions of The Peoples Christian Schools were integrated as Peoples Christian Academy (PCA) under the umbrella of Peoples Ministries Inc.(PMI).
In 2008 Peoples Christian Academy (PCA Inc.) became separately incorporated as a charitable organization and now operates under the name, PCA Inc. The newly elected Board is chosen from among the membership which consists of PCA parents and alumni.
Statement of Faith
THE SCRIPTURES: We believe that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (II Timothy 3:16-17), and we understand this to mean that the whole Bible is inspired in that holy men of God "were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:21) to write the very words of Scripture. We believe this to mean that, the whole of Scripture as it appeared in the original manuscripts is inerrant.
THE TRIUNE GODHEAD: We believe in one God (Mark 12:29) eternally existing (John 1:1-4) in three persons (II Corinthians 13:14, I John 5:7-8), namely Father, Son andHoly Spirit.
VIRGIN BIRTH: We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:27-35), born of the Virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18) and was truly the Son of Man (John 12:34) and the Son of God (Luke 1:35).
THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: (Romans 10:9-10) We believe in the literal resurrection of the crucified body of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 4:24-25), that He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:10-11) and is presently in heaven acting on behalf of believers as their High Priest and Advocate (Hebrews 4:14-15).
MAN CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD: We believe that man was created by and in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27, John1:3) and that man sinned, and in his natural state is lost, alienated from God and incapable of attaining salvation by any personal effort or merit (Romans 3:24-25).
ATONEMENT FOR SINS: We believe that Christ died as a sacrifice for our sins and that, because He shed His blood, the salvation of man is a free gift of God by grace, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his death for us (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9).
SALVATION: We believe that salvation is a free gift by God’s grace through faith without works of any kind (Ephesians 2:8-9), that all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born again by the Holy Spirit and become the children of God (John 1:12).
THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Christian life is impossible apart from the indwelling presence and enabling of the Holy Spirit. Simultaneous to our salvation we were ’sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption’ (Ephesians 4:30), we were ’baptized by One Spirit into one body’ (I Corinthians 12:13), and we are to live each day in the fullness of the Holy Spirit by yielding all that we are to his control (Ephesians 5:18). The Holy Spirit equips us to live holy lives, producing the ’fruit of the Spirit’ (Galatians 5: 22-23), and giving Spiritual Gifts to enable us to serve God effectively by bringing blessing to others (I Corinthians 12:4-7). We are warned not to ’grieve the Holy Spirit’ by sinful activity (Ephesians 4:30) and therefore to confess our sin in order to maintain a wholesome and effective relationship with God (1 John 1:9).
THE CHRISTIAN WALK: We believe that the Christian is called with a holy calling to live a life of obedience to God and separation from evil and to faithfully identify with and serve through a local church to fulfill the great commission to go, teach, and baptize and do the Lord’s work until He returns.
BODILY RETURN OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: We believe in the personal bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts1:9-11) to set up His kingdom (Titus 2:13).
BODILY RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE UNJUST: We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust (John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2), the everlasting blessing of the believer (the just) (Romans 8:23; I Corinthians 15) and the everlasting conscious punishment of the unbeliever (the unjust)(Psalm 90:3-4); Revelation 20:12-15; Matthew 25:31-46).
THE GREAT COMMISSION: We believe that, until the return of Christ, it is the Christian’s privilege and duty and the supreme task of The Church to evangelize the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Philosophy of Education
We believe and teach that the total Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired of God and inerrant in the original writings, and are the only infallible rule for faith and life. (II Timothy 3:16).
Education encompasses spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development, with God the ultimate source of all truth.
Since God has given parents the responsibility to teach their children,education cannot be the sole charge of a church or of a school system. Thus, PCA enters into a partnership with the parents to educate their children, and it is important that parents fully accept the Academy’s Philosophy of Education. (Deuteronomy 6: 4-7).
We will make every effort to lead each child into a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to disciple the child so the student will live a life that glorifies God, both now and after graduation.
Students of PCA are taught a Christian worldview and lifestyle. They are instructed in biblical knowledge and are offered devotional opportunities. Students are encouraged to develop Christian responses to all of the issues of life. (II Timothy 2:1, 2).
PCA is committed to maintaining high academic, personal and spiritual standards in the classroom and in relationships and extra-curricular activities. The teachers, who have sound academic qualifications, teach both through formal instruction and as caring Christian adult role models. (Luke 2:52, II Peter 3:18).
PCA helps students develop healthy self-worth and to understand their value as part of God’s unique creation. This is taught, in part, by expecting students to refrain from using alcohol, tobacco or non-prescription drugs. Students are taught to respect the uniqueness and the equal value of each person regardless of gender or race. At PCA human sexuality is understood to be God-appointed and is to be practiced according to the guidelines of God’s Word. Our school uniform encourages students to value each other for whom they are rather than what they wear. (Romans 12:1)
PCA helps students develop self-discipline and respect for others and their property. We also promote and practice appreciation for cultural and denominational diversity, while maintaining unity in Christ. (Galatians 3:28).
With this foundation, it is our goal that every student attending our school will come to a time when the most important desire of his or her life is to serve God. The student should be able and willing to use all of his/her God-given talents for the betterment of their fellow citizens in any area of life where they are led by God.
Personnel
PCA administration, faculty and staff are chosen for their ability to reflect the principles and values as outlined in our Philosophy of Education. These Christian faculty members are highly qualified and dedicated teachers who see their career choice as a ministry to impart Christian values in the next generation of leaders. Faculty and administrative staff participate in daily devotions and seek to be examples and mentors for the students. A code of conduct for staff is outlined in the appropriate manuals and handbooks. There is a strong partnership with parents and churches to reinforce Christian and family values in the students’ lives. Many faculty members are PCA alumni.
Board of Directors
The Board is elected from among the membership which consists of PCA parents and alumni. The Board of Directors, administration, faculty and staff work closely with parents/guardians in an educational partnership to benefit the students.
Parents Advisory Committee
Peoples Christian Academy has an active Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) which functions as a support team to assist the teachers and the administration in a variety of classroom and school-related events throughout the year. The teacher, administration and parent interaction serves to promote communication and the development of true community. PAC consists of one parent representative for each class.
Professional Affiliations
PCA is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education. In addition, we are a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The website for ACSI is www.acsi.org. PCA’s Guidance counsellor is a member of the Ontario Guidance Leadership Association (OGLA) and the Ontario Student Counsellor’s Association (OSCA) and stays abreast of all changes and updates to the Ministry of Education.
Facilities
Our school facilities operate in full compliance with the Municipal Building Code and Fire Code. Drinking water and air quality is tested regularly and school buildings and grounds are well-maintained. There is a security guard who regularly patrols the building and the playground. We strive to preserve a safe and comfortable Christian environment for our students.
Peoples Christian Academy is moving to a new home starting September 2011. Located at 245 Renfrew Drive, (within the area of Hwy 404 to Woodbine Avenue and Hwy 407 to 16th Avenue) Markham, Ontario. This five-acre site offers significant green space for playing fields and an opportunity for expansion. It will be a fully equipped school complex accommodating a preschool facility and a full school program from JK to Grade 12.
The architecture of the new school is certain to capture the unique quality of Peoples Christian Academy, exalting its well-appointed atmosphere as a special place for teaching and learning through the beauty of its interior spaces.
This expanded facility ensures that our students will be able to derive the most benefit from their time at PCA by having access to the most modern facilities and equipment available.
New state-of-the-art facilities include*:
ES Gym
HS Gym with Stage
ES Library
HS eLibrary
Cafetorium
Language Room
Skylit Art Room
ES Computer Lab
HS Computer Labs
Science Labs
Music Room
60,000 sq. ft facility
5+ acre site with outdoor green playing field
*Subject to additional refinements and improvements.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME
Spiritual
PCA helps students learn to think with a Christian perspective by grounding them in the Word of God in Bible classes in all grades and by integrating a Christian worldview in all courses. Opportunity for local outreach programs and overseas missions trips broaden their vision,while devotions, chapels and involvement with caring adults nurture personal spiritual development. As students learn the foundations of faith, they also learn to respect denominational differences. Socially,students are taught to respect those in authority, their peers and their property. This approach, coupled with the closeness between staff and families, helps create a safe learning environment. A code of conduct for students is outlined in the appropriate manuals and handbooks. This commitment to help students live out their faith in Jesus Christ is reinforced by the Academy’s relationship with the local church.
Academic
PCA offers a Christ-centred academic program for junior kindergarten to grade 12 and is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. The well-rounded curriculum is rigorous with Grades 7-12 focused as a university preparatory program. High school students graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Our elementary school program typically meets or exceeds provincial standards in all areas with our students being well-prepared for the rigour of our high school program. PCA is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Students are given a strong foundation: PCA successfully uses a phonetic approach in teaching primary students to read. Students also learn strong problem-solving skills, and senior students place well in national mathematics, physics and chemistry contests. PCA graduates a high proportion of Ontario Scholars. The Students also benefit from the individual care, concern and mentoring provided by the staff.
Peoples Christian Academy upholds the provincial standard of achievement in expecting students to attain a minimum of a Level 3 achievement of 70-79 %. An overall grade of 50% in any one subject constitutes a pass in that subject. In order to be promoted to the next grade level a student is required to meet one of the following conditions:
an overall average of 50% if all subjects are passed,
an overall average of 55% if one subject is failed,
an overall average of 60% if two subjects are failed, or
an overall average of 65% if three subjects are failed.
Athletic Program
Peoples Christian Academy has an extensive athletic program andinter-school competition in sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, cross country and badminton. Students receive exceptional training in teamwork, physical skills, and fitness disciplines. Our students have placed well in many local and regional sporting competitions.
Fine Arts
Our students have an opportunity to develop God-given talents in the arts through classes in instrumental and vocal music, visual art, media arts and drama. There are opportunities to participate in visual arts contests and in instrumental and vocal music competitions. In the elementary and high school there are concert performances and drama productions with a Christian message.
Guidance
The Guidance Counselor is accessible to all grade 7-12 students. The Guidance Department offers resources and counseling on various aspects of student needs and planning - personal, educational and spiritual counseling as well as course selection, post-secondary planning; interest surveys and achievement testing (CAT/3). The Guidance Head is a member of the Ontario Guidance Leadership Association (OGLA) and the Ontario Student Counselors’ Association (OSCA) and stays abreast of all changes and updates pertaining to the Ministry of Education. The role of the Guidance Counselor is one of support and advice, not only to the students, but also to their parents and teachers.
Marking System
All courses from Grades 7 to 12 are evaluated using a number or percent. For those familiar with an alphabetic evaluation system, it would correspond to ours as follows:
The Academy operates on a three-term academic year. Report cards are issued at the end of each term -- November, February, and June. If a student is doing unsatisfactory work which may result in a failure, the school will endeavour to notify the parents concerning the matter.
Canadian Achievement Test/3
Canadian Achievement Tests Third Edition (CAT/3) has become one of the most widely used series of achievement tests in Canada and focuses in the areas of mathematics and language/reading skills. PCA’s grade 7& 9 students scored in the high 80th percentile in both levels and,as a group, are working close to two grade levels above the norm for their grade. Further, the most recent testing for our Grades 3 and 5 students also reveals that students, as a group, are scoring well above expectations on standardized testing. For more information on CAT/3, you can visit the website, www.canadiantestcentre.com.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is administered annually and is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirement. Students are eligible for the first time in Grade 10. If students are not successful in Grade 10 or enter Peoples Christian Academy in Grade 11 or 12, the Literacy Test may be written during Grade 11 or 12. Since 2003, PCA has had between 92%-100% success rate for all participating students. For more information on OSSLT, you can visit the website, www.eqao.com.
Apr. 2009: PCA: 95% Province: 85%
Mar. 2008: PCA: 94% Province: 84%
Mar. 2007: PCA: 92% Province: 84%
Mar. 2006: PCA: 98% Province: 84%
Oct. 2004: PCA: 100% Province: 82%
Oct. 2003: PCA: 96% Province: 77%
Peoples Christian Academy Quality of Education
The Canadian Achievement Tests Third Edition and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy tests are good objective measurements for the ranking of the quality of PCA’s education provincially and nationally.
PCA is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. Our graduates are sought after by many prestigious universities in North America. The reputation that we have built since 1971 shows that students from PCA generally respond well to the rigours of university, achieve marks in university equal to those earned in high school and exhibit a high level of character and maturity. Our reputation continues to grow internationally through referrals of very satisfied students and parents.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION GRADE 7-12
Academic Program
Requirements for Diplomas: A total of 30 credits are required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Ontario Secondary School (OSS) Grades 9-12
For students entering grade 9 in 1999 - 2000
or subsequent years
Compulsory Credits (total of 18)
4 English (1 credit per grade)
3 Mathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
2 Science
1 French as a second language
1 Canadian History
1 Canadian Geography
1 Arts
1 Health and Physical Educations
.5 Civics
.5 Career Studies
Plus
1 additional credit in English, or a third language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies.
1 additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies.
1 additional credit in science (Grade 11 or 12) or technological education (Grade 9 - 12).
Ministry Requirements: Final Evaluation 30% in all courses.
Optional Credits (total of 12)
Total 30 Credits
Community Involvement Activities
As a part of the diploma requirements, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities. These activities maybe completed at any time during their years in the secondary school program. Peoples Christian Academy recommends 10 hours per year Grades9-12, and to be completed in Grade 12 by May 1st before graduation.
All courses offered at Grade 9 and 10 levels are Academic (D) or Open (O). All courses in Grade 11/12 are offered at the Open (O), College(C), University/College (M), University (U) level.
In addition to the Bible course, students should take the following minimum number of academic courses each year: Grade 9 (9 courses), Grade 10 (8 courses), Grade 11 (7 courses), Grade 12 (6 courses). There are no optional courses at the Grade 7, 8 levels.
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE
PCA offers an array of courses at the high school level and meets or exceeds the Ontario Ministry of Education standards. As much as we try to meet the needs of all students the school reserves the right to discontinue offering a course of study if enrollment is inadequate.Students would have the option of substituting another course.
Please find the latest High School Course Calendar available for download within the High School section of pca.ca/mypca.
Co-curricular
Students’ lives are enriched through cultural and educational field trips and retreats. After school clubs in the elementary school include chess, art, French and Mandarin. After school clubs in the High school include debate, writing, visual arts, drama, instrumental and vocal music. The high school also has a dynamic student council. In both divisions there is strong school spirit. The elementary school has before and after school child care for parents who may need this service for an additional cost.
Alumni Services
The Alumni Department serves the needs of former students who reside in over 21 countries, over 25 states of the USA, and in every corner of Canada through regular newsletters and reunions. These individuals serve their local communities as ministers, missionaries, doctors, lawyers, educators, business professionals and other valuable roles. Many of our alumni shares that PCA has been a place to not only grow spiritually and academically but also to make lifelong Christian friends.
Policies
Peoples Christian Academy operates under stringent financial regulations and is audited annually by an independent auditing firm. Financial statements of the school are available to parents/guardians enrolling a child in our school upon request to the school’s financial officer.
Tuition Fees include the cost of educational equipment, processing fee for registration of currently enrolled students and incidentals such as yearbook, student insurance, elementary textbooks, and memberships. Students are responsible to purchase course supplies and to pay for field trips, outdoor education, extra-curricular fees, etc. on a peruse basis. Students in Grades 9-12 are required to purchase their own textbooks.
The tuition deposit is due on acceptance to guarantee placement for the coming school year. It will be applied to the last month’s tuition payment of a complete school year. This deposit is non-refundable when:
a student is registered and is withdrawn before starting school or
a student is withdrawn prior to the completion of the school year.
When enrolled at Peoples Christian Academy, the student is guaranteed by the Board of Directors a place in the system for that school year. Based on enrolment, teachers are hired, supplies are purchased, and other students are not accepted. As a result of this commitment, we have the following withdrawal policy:
Two months’ notice is required for student withdrawal or a two-month penalty charge will apply.
Procedure for student withdrawal is as follows:
an interview must be scheduled with the Principal to discuss the reasons for withdrawal;
Following the interview with the Principal, written notice must be given to the respective school office, with a copy to the school accounting department.
