“We may be small in numbers, but we are big in what we offer,” says Parkridge Christian Academy (PCA) Principal Stacey Wicker. A new face in the position at the K-8 school, Mrs. Wicker has a long association with education, PCA and affiliate church, Parkridge Baptist. On a leadership path as a Broward County Special Education teacher and ESE Specialist for more than 10 years, she submitted a leave request to devote time to the foster system. She and her family feel that God had another plan. Though she is a busy mom to her son, 9 1?2, daughter, 5, and two foster babies just 4 months old, Mrs. Wicker knew that the vacated Principal’s position at PCA was meant for her. “My husband is the P.E. teacher, my children were already in school here, and it has been our home church for several years,” Mrs. Wicker says with a smile. “It’s the perfect fit!” She says the mission of PCA is to meet the needs of all the kids that come, not only academically, but also spiritually and emotionally. “We are a very small school, but I believe that’s what makes us great,” Mrs. Wicker opines. “We have a low student to teacher ratio that allows us to give plenty of individual attention. There is a real family feel and each teacher knows every child and family on campus.” She would love nothing more than to see children begin in the preschool at 1 year old and grow all the way through 8th grade. PCA’s families are a melting pot of South Floridians. McKay and Step Up for Students scholarships are accepted. “We are a slice of the community, and not the typical population you would see at the typical private school,” says Mrs. Wicker. “We are not a covenant school, which means that families are not required to be of the same faith.” One of the strongest values she feels that PCA has is that every one of the teachers has compassion. “They love coming to work, they love the Lord, they love their kids, and everybody here feels called. Our teachers are aiming to be dually certified with ACSI and the State of Florida. Those are some pretty hefty credentials!” There is a place for every child at PCA, including those with special needs. On another note, Mrs. Wicker adds, “Our middle school is doing block scheduling which is allowing the 8th graders to take high school credits. They are earning an algebra credit right now.” She is proud to tell us that they have 3rd graders who were selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification program. Not to be outdone, PCA’s Kindergarten class is reading at the 95th percentile on their latest SATs. Mrs. Wicker’s passion for education and compassion for every child and family are highly evident. “We want to meet the needs of every child that comes to our school; the kids who are struggling as well as the high achievers.” Parkridge Christian Academy is open for tours daily. Please see the ad on the facing page.
