Our Educational Programs
Welcome to PTCS
Pui Tak Christian School (PTCS) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders through a holistic education rooted in Christian values. With a focus on academic excellence, character development, and community service, PTCS provides a vibrant, global learning environment that empowers students to thrive.
Our Distinctives
Joy of Learning
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Low student-to-teacher ratio
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A comprehensive curriculum for curious learners
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Whole-child approach to education
Creating Future Leaders
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Confident scholars with academic, social, emotional, and spiritual aptitude
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Care for the world and those around them
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Disciplined work ethic and respect for others
Providing a
Global Environment
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A Christian worldview in an urban environment
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Inter-cultural experiences
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Course requirement in Mandarin Chinese
Serving the Underserved
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Commitment to inexpensive tuition
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Providing quality education to the community
Our History
1953
Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC) founded the first Nursery School (later Pui Tak Christian School) in Chicago Chinatown, with Ms. Helen Case as the founding director.
Preschool students who only spoke Chinese would finally have a place to learn English and classroom readiness skills in preparation for Kindergarten in Chicago Public Schools. In addition to founding the school, Ms. Helen Case served as the first director. She served in this position for the next 35 years.
1989
Ms. Helen Case retires from CCUC Nursery School. Mrs. Sylvia Wu, PTCS’s second director and eventual Principal, begins her tenure.
2001
CCUC transfers Pui Tak Christian School operations to Pui Tak Center.
2012
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Mrs. Sylvia Wu retires as Principal from Pui Tak Christian School. After 23 years of service, she continues to volunteer at the school up until today.
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Mrs. Bonnie Ho, the school’s third Principal, begins her tenure.
2017
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PTCS graduates its first class of 8th grade students.
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PTCS becomes an independent entity.
2018
Capital Campaign: Project Nehemiah Phase I launches.
2019
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Closed the deal on the 3.53 million property on 3120-3040 S. Canal St.
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Exited the 3.5 million fundraising goal. Project Nehemiah Phase I is complete.
2020
Celebration of the completion Project Phase I
is disrupted due to onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fundraising endeavors shift to meeting family needs such as paying for
tuition and assisting with rent and grocery bills.
2021 - 2023
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The quiet phase of Project Nehemiah Phase
II begins. -
The staff is positioning the school to launch Project Nehemiah Phase II with the total fundraising goal of $30 million.
May 18, 2024
Project Nehemiah Phase II launches with its benefit concert “Streams of Grace, Steps of Faith,” featuring legendary Taiwanese recording artist, Jeanette Wang, and mother-son Chinese-American piano duo, Two Piano Journey.
Soon after the concert, PTCS reaches 30% of its $30 million goal.
September 2024
PTCS hires The Future Firm as its architectural design firm. They rapidly begin work on the building program, and is diligently working with the school team in designing the new school building.
A Letter from
Principal Bonnie Ho
何何述珍
校長
At Pui Tak Christian School our academic goal is to see 100 percent of our classes meet and exceed the national school norm. In fact, more than 80 percent of our classes achieved the national high average, with many classes reaching the 98–99th percentile of the national school norm—indicating that the majority of our students are at least one-half to two years ahead.
Although we are so proud of our students’ academic achievements as educators, we also believe that education must go beyond test scores. Historically, assessment practices often separate “successful” learners from “unsuccessful” learners. Unfortunately, test scores alone are not sufficient motivation for all students to learn. The practice may even be counterproductive to students with very low scores because they doubt their own capabilities and believe that failure is inevitable.
If a school is to be effective, academic assessments must be used to support and verify learning. However, PTCS believes that to support ALL students, a different measuring tape must also be employed, and that is our God-given perspective on His creation: the children whom parents have entrusted to us. The key to ensuring that each child is actively engaged often hinges on what we see in him or her and how well we appreciate each child’s God-given potential. There is one student, whom I will call “John,” who is always talkative and often wreaks havoc in the school. Because he often talks back and out of turn, some would see him as a troublesome, disruptive, and rebellious student. After spending time with John, I noticed that he is a person who seeks the truth and has a strong desire to help others understand the truth. I see a jewel inside of John. I see a future preacher in him. And, it is up to the teachers and parents to help John learn discipline in self-expression. I am often told that what sets our teachers apart is how they see beyond a child’s outward misbehaviors and catch a glimpse of his or her unique potential. We also see this reflected in how Jesus views people such as Simon. When Jesus first met Simon, He gave him a new name: Cephas, the Aramaic equivalent of Petros (Peter), which means “rock.” If there was anything Peter was not, it was a rock. A rock is a symbol of firmness and steadiness of character, but Peter was impulsive, hotheaded, and inconsistent. We see a Simon, but God sees a Peter, a great apostle. In the same way, we ask God to help us see each child with His eyes so that we seek not to see students just for what they are now, but for what they can become. It is our desire to partner with parents in the education, growth, and development of the young people who attend PTCS. We have very exciting days ahead at PTCS. I am looking forward to guiding, coaching, and seeing your child reach his or her full, God-given potential. In His Service, Mrs. Bonnie Ho Principal
