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Our Mission
Christian education is not simply a matter of starting class with Bible reading and prayer, then teaching subjects out of secular textbooks. It consists of teaching everything, from science and mathematics to literature and the arts, within the framework of an integrated biblical worldview. It means teaching students to relate every academic discipline to God's truth....
Students need the direction and leadership provided by teachers who know and love God. Our mission as teachers is to show to the coming generation the praises of the Lord and His wonderful works (from Psalm 78).
PPA's Mission:
- To equip young minds toward a Biblical Worldview
- To develop Godly Character
- To teach important critical thinking skills
- To help students make wise future decisions
- To help strengthen family relationships
- To encourage a love of learning
PPA, a university-style school, is a great educational alternative for those who want higher quality academics in a Christian environment. We've taken the positive aspects from private schools and home schools to not only give your students a higher quality education, but to help strengthen their Christian faith and to help mold their character. The university-style school schedule (M-W-F), which is similar to most college schedules, helps students perform better in college, since they develop more self-discipline and better study habits. This method of schooling also allows students to spend more time with their families.
Why Pilgrim's Progress?
Our Academy is named after Pilgrim's Progress, the classic story of a person's journey to heaven. In this allegory, John Bunyan describes the difficulties Pilgrim encounters as he leaves the City of Destruction to follow the narrow path to the Celestial City.
There is something very special about this book- the greatest allegory ever written. It's still in print and a best seller over 300 years after it was originally published... There is no doubt the Lord has specially blessed Pilgrim's Progress. I believe this is because it is a publication for the whole family so all ages can identify with our earthly struggles and understand the blessed message of the gospel.
Children need Godly instruction as they begin their own life journeys, and our purpose for providing a Christian education is to help guide them along the right path.
Please enjoy these clips of Pilgrim's Progress...
As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a Den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep and, as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and behold, I saw a man clothed with rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the book, and read therein and, as he read, he wept, and trembled and, not being able longer to contain, he brake out with a lamentable cry, saying, What shall I do?
Christian Education
We must not remain neutral in this titanic struggle for the hearts and minds of mankind.
There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by satan.
The Christian worldview teaches that the real purpose for our existence is to know God...The purpose of an education is to know our Creator better.
If our children are going to be able to stand against the thoughts and ideas of the 21st Century and be able to defend their faith, we must be teaching, equipping, and preparing them....
The most solid preventive action we can take to protect and preserve the next generation is to help them develop a biblical worldview when they are children.
Young minds are like sponges. They need to be careful about what puddle they are sitting in.
The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world.
Our view of history is the antithesis of a secular humanist's view. They view it as the history of man and man's accomplishments, we view it as the history of God, and His interaction with man.
Mrs. McBride, Director
Rebecca and her husband, Sam (a retired Army officer), have been married for 28 years and have 2 children. She has been teaching for 30 years. Her degree is in Education and Psychology. She has minors in Early Childhood Education and French from Houghton College. She was an AFS exchange student to Japan in high school, and has also studied in France and lived in Korea, Mexico, and Israel. She was an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves after cross-enrolling in ROTC (to help pay for college). Post-graduate classes include Biblical Counseling, Understanding Nutrition, and Environmental Nutrition Essentials. As a hobby, she has studied natural health for 20 years, and has operated a small business, Beacon Natural Health, in her home. She and her daughter, Rachel, are Area Representatives for The Voice of the Martyrs, and are available to speak at churches or to other groups about the persecuted church. Pilgrim's Progress Academy was founded in the McBrides' home in 2008 where classes were held for the first 2 years with 16 students in attendance each year. This past year, Rebecca taught at King's Academy, a University-Model School in Tyler.
Mr. Josh
Mr. Josh started his teaching in Christian schools in 2005 after attending King's Way Missionary Language School in McAllen, TX. At first, he was a volunteer and a substitute teacher, and then he taught P.E. and Art. He also taught after-school enrichment classes, and helped coach a soccer team. Later, he taught at Pilgrim's Progress Homeschool Academy for 2 years. He has completed a couple years of college by taking online courses. After studying graphic design, he had his own business before attending Mt. Zion School of Ministry (a Bible school started by David Wilkerson) for a year. He enjoys playing and teaching guitar, and when he's not working on his blog "bookmarkmyblog.com", he likes to play soccer, drums and piano. He will teach a few classes while continuing his blogging and graphic design business.
Miss Rachel
Miss Rachel has taught in Christian Schools for 4 years. She homeschooled a teacher's son in 2006, and has tutored students in reading, phonics, ESL, and Spanish. She is majoring in Nutrition and Environmental Issues through Huntington College of Health Sciences and has taken Education courses through various other colleges (online). She has a minor in Spanish, and has studied Sign Language through Bates Technical College. In the summer of 2009, she acted in "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Lake Country Playhouse. She enjoys studying the Bible with an emphasis on Creation, and has taken Creation Science courses through Answers in Genesis. She also enjoys reading Christian biographies and studying foreign languages and other cultures. She plans to publish a middle school unit study on Israel (and perhaps on other countries, too).
Reminders
- Tuition Payments (for 2011-2012) are due:
- 1st payment due Aug 12 or Aug 22 for Aug 29 - Sept 23
- 2nd payment due Sept 19 for Sept 26 - Oct 21
- 3rd payment due Oct 17 for Oct 24 - Nov 18
- 4th payment due Nov 16 for Dec 5 - Jan 13
- 5th payment due Jan 9 for Jan 16- Feb 10
- 6th payment due Feb 6 for Feb 13 - Mar 9
- 7th payment due Mar 5 for Mar 19 - April 13
- 8th payment due Apr 9 for April 16 - May 11
- 9th payment due May 7 for May 14 - June 8
- In order to help students reach their full learning potential, we ask students not to consume any caffeine or sweets during school hours; this policy will help them to concentrate better on their studies. (No sugar sweetened or artificially flavored or colored foods, gum, candies, Kool-aid, or sodas will be allowed.)
- Provide your child with simple healthy snacks and lunches- sandwiches, soup in a thermos, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.
- For a healthier learning environment and in consideration of those with allergies, do not wear or bring perfumes, hair spray, hand sanitizers or anything with strong scents.
- Students must bring their own filled water bottles (refillable or disposable) daily. Regular tap water will be provided for refills.
- Please be on time dropping off and picking up students. If your children are not picked up on time, you may be charged an additional fee. Regular attendance and promptness are very important.
- Keep an ample supply of items such as pencils, erasers, and notebook paper available at home to bring as needed
- No cell phones, texting, iPods, mp3s, etc. are to be used by students during school hours.
Though the power for godly character comes from Christ, the responsibility for developing and displaying that character is ours.
FAQs
What curriculum do you use? We use a variety of materials (mostly Christian) including some ABEKA, BJU, Apologia, Saxon, Math U See, Rod and Staff, and more.
How much is tuition? Only $60 ($50 for grades K-4) per week for the first child and discounts are given for siblings.
What records do you keep? We keep daily attendance, grades, and school transcripts. Report cards will be given twice a semester, but parents will be notified sooner if students are not doing well.
Do you give diplomas at graduation? Students will receive a high school diploma and their final transcript upon completion of their high school requirements.
Will colleges and universities accept your transcript? Yes, we offer a college preparatory course of study for college-bound students. Colleges and universities look for students with a better than average education who also find learning enjoyable.
What are some advantages of choosing PPA? We offer an inexpensive, quality, private school education; qualified teachers with a maximum teacher/student ratio of 1:10; and a Christian school with a Biblical worldview that teaches Creationism, holds to traditional family values, teaches students to think and enjoy learning, helps each student develop their self-concept in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, and helps each of our students reach their potential by providing an optimal learning environment and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Are homeschool students able to take individual courses at PPA? Yes, homeschool students in grades 3-12 may take any of the individual subjects by the semester. Individual classes are $15 per week per subject, or $60 for 5 subjects (including Bible).FAQs
Are there electives that students can choose from? A variety of electives will be offered each semester. We will try to offer a larger variety each year.
Do you give Standardized Achievement Tests regularly? Standardized tests will be administered upon request for an additional fee. The student portfolio will be used for assessing your child's progress.
Does PPA teach the church doctrine of a specific denomination? No, the teachers at PPA attend different churches in the area. We all believe that the Bible is God's Word and should obeyed, but specific doctrine and convictions should be taught in the home and in one's own church. We believe that a serious relationship with Jesus Christ and the commitment to obey His Word is most important; then, Biblical apologetics (knowing what one believes and why), and being able to share and intelligently defend one's faith is also crucial.
Do you provide Enrichment Classes or any summer programs? Yes, as long as we have enough students interested in them.
What grade levels do you tutor, and in what subjects? All subjects, including, Spanish I and II, ESL, and some standardized test prep. Guitar and piano lessons are also available.
Why do students only attend classes M-W-F? We got the idea from the University Model schools. It seems to work well for both the students and the teachers. Parents can monitor and be more involved in their children's education. Students develop a healthy independence in their studies which will especially benefit those that are college-bound. Since teachers in small Christian schools often have to teach a larger variety of subjects, this gives them more planning and preparation time also (which again benefits the students).
Do you take students on field trips? Yes, as long as the parents take their own children and are responsible for them.
Do you offer child care on Tues. and Thurs? It is possible if there are enough children enrolled on those days so we can pay the caregivers.
Send Me A Message
Contact Info
Pilgrims Progress Academy.
1062 W. Loop 564 Mineola, TX 75773
Telephone: 903.569.5359
Cell phone: 903.360.5845
E-mail: keyofpromise@live.com
Starting a school of this size is a lot of work. We have had to make minor changes as needed. We are trying to accommodate our teachers and prospective students with these changes. Feedback is important. We would appreciate your comments and feedback. Thanks!
Let us know if you or your children suffer from any of the following illnesses. We may be able to help.
- Allergies
- ADD / ADHD
- Candida or Parasites
- IBS or Constipation
- Environmental Illness
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Obesity/ Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
Calendar
First day of school- Aug. 29
Labor Day-
Sept. 5 (no school)
Thanksgiving Vacation begins- Nov. 23
Last day of classes before Christmas Vacation- Dec. 16 (classes resume Jan. 2)
Last day of classes before Spring Break- Mar. 9 (classes resume Mar. 19)
Good Friday- April 6 (no school)
Last day of school- June 8
Graduation ceremony- June 9
We work with parents who want their children to succeed in school and develop godly character, and with students who want to find purpose in what they learn.