Portsmouth Christian Academy

Portsmouth Christian Academy is the largest non-denominational Christian school in New England and is located on a beautiful 50-acre riverfront campus in Dover, NH. Based on a classical philosophy, PCA’s traditional Preschool – Grade 12 educational program is academically rigorous and culminates in an excellent college preparatory Upper School program. Over 60% of the 54 faculty members hold masters degrees. In the Upper School 13% of the faculty hold doctoral degrees. Founded in 1979, the school provides quality Christian education to families in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.

Our Mission

The mission of Portsmouth Christian Academy is to honor God through teaching and encouraging students to maximize their God-given intellectual, artistic, physical, and spiritual potential in preparation for a life of Christian commitment and service to family, church, community, country, and the world.

Curriculum

The classical approach to education forms the foundation of our program. Curriculum is chosen that is developmentally appropriate and encourages cognitive growth in all disciplines. Faculty review of the curriculum is an ongoing process that provides the means to add enrichment to units, defines the skills that must be mastered at each grade level, and determines the relevance and truth of the curriculum as seen through the light of Scripture.

Enrichment classes are offered at all levels of the Portsmouth Christian Academy program. The physical education program encourages students to develop life-long skills to care for the body God has created and to play well with others. The school offers many opportunities in sports and encourages the growth of the Christian athlete.

The fine arts program consists of music, art, and drama. Classroom music is provided at the younger levels and opportunities for chorus and band are offered at the older levels. All students are required to participate in some aspect of the fine arts program because it is believed that artistic gifts are God-given and need to be developed to some degree. Students who desire to do so may pursue additional opportunities and are encouraged to share their gifts in ministry. A certified art teacher teaches art classes at all levels. Opportunities to participate in drama are also available at all levels.

The development of the student as a person is of paramount importance at Portsmouth Christian Academy. It is our desire to encourage in each individual the sense of personal worth as a special creation of God and a recipient of His love. This is done through a sequential, consistent study skills program that incorporates direct teaching of new skills and accountability for skills learned at earlier levels.

Biblical teachings regarding wholesome interpersonal relationships are the standard of behavior at Portsmouth Christian Academy. These are used to determine classroom and school rules, policies for conflict resolution, and to define socially acceptable behavior. Our desire is to encourage students to develop rules for themselves that are consistent with these standards and to develop self-discipline that adheres to biblical standards as well.

International Students

PCA is SEVIS approved and is proud to welcome international students to our school community. Our students have represented the People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Europe, Congo, and Canada.

All international students participate in a program that provides maximum support. In addition to the college preparatory curriculum, the key features include: mentoring, orientation, cultural activities, reporting, college writing courses and ELL/ESL courses taught on campus. Our program is designed to prepare our international students for success in life beyond high school at the university level.

Host Families

International students reside with host families from our school community. Host families provide transportation for school, extracurricular activities and other normal needs. The length of commitment of the host family is for one year, but may be renewed. Portsmouth Christian Academy believes students are supported best when in a host family as opposed to a dormitory.  By living with an American family, the international student will have increased opportunities to practice their English skills, learn about American culture, and develop life skills. Background checks, reference checks, and personal interview are required before host families are selected. Portsmouth Christian Academy offers ongoing support throughout the year to both the student and the host family.

We are seeking students who:

• Demonstrate academic success and motivation
• Represent a great diversity of cultures and countries
• Possess social and emotional maturity
• Seek involvement in clubs, activities, and sports
• Respect the cultures and values of others
• Desire to educate and enlighten others about their native culture and country