In 1988, Dennis and Karen Parish were just two more of the millions of parents who were trying to make ends meet and attempting to raise a family. It seemed each year that the attempt became harder and harder to accomplish. Added to that was the fact that one of their children was struggling in school. For several years they had tried everything they could do to help the young student become successful. Finally, in direct response to a leading by God they determined to try something extreme.

After much wise counsel and much prayer and seeking they began to homeschool their children. From the first day, things began to change. In less than one year their “students” did a complete turnaround. It was during that year that PCAL was birthed. During the study of the operation of the American governmental process, one “student” became the House of Representatives and the other “student” became the Senate. The President’s position was to be held by the dad. It was during that session of Congress that a bill was introduced to name the Parish’s home school -- “Parish Conservatory of Advanced Learning." The bill passed both houses and was signed into law by the president. It is from those humble beginnings that PCAL grew.

Since those days many things have changed. Those first two students are now grown with lives and families of their own. Many students have come and gone, and each year PCAL has grown. As God continues to allow us to minister in the area of private Christian education, we will offer this alternative educational process for families in Montgomery County and surrounding areas.

In the fall of 2010, PCAL opened its first Elementary School. We had been asked to do this for years, and now we have ventured into this new area of education. Our children benefited from PCAL secondary classes; now we are blessed to have our grandchildren become part of the PCAL legacy!