Portsmouth Christian Academy

Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) is a private non-denominational Christian school in Dover, New Hampshire, United States. It is the largest non-denominational Christian school in New England and is located on a 50-acre (20 ha) riverfront campus in Dover. The school is divided into three sections: Preschool (PCAP), Lower School (K-8), and Upper School (9-12). The Lower School has divisions for primary (K-2), elementary (3-5), and junior high (6-8) with a philosophy of progressive maturation that undergirds the students' movement from one division to the next. The Upper School is designed as a college preparatory program.

Portsmouth Christian Academy
Address
20 Seaborne Drive

Dover
,
New Hampshire
03820

United States
Information
TypePrivate
Founded1979
Head of schoolMike Runey
Enrollmentaround 500
CampusSuburban
MascotEagles
Websitewww.pcaschool.org

History

PCA was founded in 1979 by Pastor Peter and Mrs. Bettie Miller and was originally called Bethel Christian Academy (BCA). Based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, BCA served kindergarten through eighth grades.

In 1992, under the new leadership of then-Headmaster Dennis Runey, the school changed its name to Portsmouth Christian Academy, and by 1995 expanded to include a high school. The first alumnus of PCA graduated in 1997, and the first full graduating class was in 1998. In 1999, PCA moved to the current Dover campus and added the gym and Upper School facilities. The new facilities in Dover also provided a venue for a preschool; the first PCAP classes joined the PCA family in the fall of that year.

Curriculum

Portsmouth Christian Academy offers a faith-based education that reveals the specific and general revelation of God.  Throughout the curriculum, instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of every student. The Philosophy of Education is based on the Classical Trivium, which means that, in developmentally appropriate ways, PCA works to equip students for lifelong learning.

Dual enrollment and Advanced Placement

PCA offers dual enrollment with Southern New Hampshire University. This allows part-time students to earn college credit and high school credit simultaneously. In addition, students may enroll in Advanced Placement courses and take the AP test to earn college credit.  

Diploma options

PCA students choose from several tracks with result in several diploma options. These include a General Education Diploma, STEM Diploma, Fine Arts Diploma, or a Diploma of Distinction, which recognizes rigorous academic work.

Fine Arts

Fine Arts is an integral part of the curriculum at PCA. Music literacy begins as early as first grade. Instrumental music is introduced to all third graders by giving them an opportunity to learn the violin.  Classroom music in the Lower School transitions to a performance-based program beginning in fourth grade.  All students in grades 4 through 8 perform in a musical group.

PCA offers an orchestra at the Upper School level.  Chorus, jazz band, and worship team are other opportunities Upper School students enjoy.

Private lessons are available on-site through the Kaleidoscope enrichment program

Student body

PCA enrolls around 478 students from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and around the world.[1]

Extracurricular activities

Athletics

PCA is a Division IV member of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA).

Activities

PCA offers 35 student clubs and activities for students in grades K-12. At the Lower School, clubs are a part of the Lower School Kaleidoscope Enrichment Program which allows students to participate in workshops in areas of interest.[2] At the Upper School, clubs are formed based on student interest. In addition, Upper School student life activities include prom, yearbook, social dances, school spirit events, theatre, music, coffee houses, bonfires, and more.

References
  1. "Facts at a Glance". Portsmouth Christian Academy. Archived from the original on August 31, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  2. "Kaleidoscope". Portsmouth Christian Academy. Retrieved 2019-06-14.


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