Upper School

Maximizing God-given potential since 1979

PORTSMOUTHCHRISTIANACADEMY

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ContentsWelcome to PCA ................................... 2Upper School ........................................ 321st Century Skills ................................ 5Christ-Centered Community .................... 7Athletics .............................................. 9Fine Arts .............................................. 11Personal Growth ................................... 13

Our MissionPCA exists to honor God joyfully by inspiring students to maximize their God-given potential.

Welcome to PCA

You have already come this far and experienced a wide variety of learning, growing, character-building experiences to get here. We hope you will choose to continue your educational journey with us, as a member of the PCA community.

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50-acres on the Bellamy River

Christ-centered community

Academic challenge and individualized support

A broad array of AP and Honors classes

Athletic opportunities for every student

Award-winning Fine Arts program

Dozens of student-led clubs and activities

Local and global service projects

Our Values

At PCA everything we do is centered around our Core Values: Christ-Centeredness, Biblical Integrity, Curiosity, Compassionate Community, Excellence, Joy, and Humility.

Upper SchoolPCA Upper School students are passionate and articulate, with a drive to change the world in which they live. Academically, on the athletic fields, on the stage, and in service, PCA students have consistently been recognized as not only high-achieving, but, more importantly, as men and women of character.

Find Your Passion Faculty and staff at PCA are dedicated to helping students find their passions. With a wide range of classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities, students can experiment and discover their abilities. Dip your brush into artistic expression or gear up for Robotics; try on student government or Model U.N. for size. Wherever your curiosity leads, PCA is a safe place to discover your passion.

“We are proud of the fact that over 50% of the Upper School faculty hold masters degrees and 31% hold doctoral degrees.”

Gretchen Nobles Upper School Principal

Prepared for What’s NextPCA’s Office of College Planning helps prepare students for a smooth college transition. This includes course scheduling, career and college exploration, standardized test preparation, one-on-one college counseling, college applications and visits, scholarship opportunities, and more.

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21st Century Skills at PCA From enrollment through graduation, through a myriad of teachable moments, a PCA education — in all grades — will equip you with highly sought after 21st century skills, preparing you to ask, collaborate, imagine, plan, create, and think critically to problem solve in ways that improve the world around you.

“I think PCA is different because it lets each student focus on what’s best for them. I like being part of the Tech Team for shows and chapel.”

Krishram, Grade 10

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The Outdoor ClassroomPCA students monitor water quality and study the impact of oysters on the estuary, as part of PCA’s Outdoor Classroom. In partnership with the University of New Hampshire, internships provide students the opportunity to participate in a study to re-develop the degraded Oyster Reefs in the Piscataqua Region Estuary.

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Christ-Centered Community

At PCA we believe that Christ’s name on anything requires excellence in everything. At the heart of the Christ-centered community are faculty and staff modeling the responsibility we all have to each other by bearing the name of Jesus.

Making a Lasting ImpactAs a result, we see “others-minded” students participating in Missions Club and service trips to Guatemala and rural Tennessee. There’s a recognition that we are all made in God’s image– and because we are created, we are creative. Students are safe to explore and debate big life questions, because we believe that all truth is God’s truth.

Your Place in the PCA CommunityOur community is made up of unique individuals striving to maximize their God-given potential.

“I have class after class of students who really want to learn, which makes my job incredibly rewarding. When I pass back papers to students, they can’t wait to read my comments. It proves that something right is going on here.”

Peter Beal, Upper School Faculty

“I have an extensive musical background and I love bringing that experience to help train young musicians to use their skills to honor God.”

Katrina Veno, Junior High and Upper School Faculty

“There is a lack of the stereo-typical high school groups such as jocks, geeks, and so forth. Each student here embodies many of these groups simultaneously, which demonstrates the diverse interests that students are comfortable pursuing.”

Juhi Upper School Student

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“If you have a skill or talent, there’s a place for you here. You’re given the opportunity to explore and shine. And you meet friends and teachers who really care about you.”

DominicJunior High Student

“We LOVE PCA and what it has done for our girls. I couldn’t imagine sending them anywhere else. They love their peers, teachers, and the challenge. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to send them to PCA.”

JasonPCA Parent

“The doors that PCA opens are because of the character it builds in you. Qualities of integrity, perseverance, maturity, and critical thinking will set you apart from other high school students.” Danielle

PCA Class of 2017

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PCA offers a variety of athletic teams, including soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, indoor track, baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field, with JV and Varsity options. We are a Division IV school known for both its athleticism and sportsmanship.

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Building CharacterPortsmouth Christian Academy involves its student-athletes in interscholastic sports in order to glorify and honor God with the talents and abilities He has given. We believe athletics are a great tool to build Christian character, to teach discipline, and to learn how to overcome adversity with a courageous spirit.

AthleticsIt is our goal to provide competitive athletic teams that will represent Christ and our school with excellence. Our coaches make every effort to teach not only the rules and skills for each sport, but also the rules and skills necessary for life.

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Fine ArtsPortsmouth Christian Academy’s Fine Arts Department seeks to cultivate artists of excellent craft and character who reflect God’s image through joyful, creative expression. From drawing, painting, and photography to ceramics, graphic design, and yearbook, visual arts students develop their talent and portfolios. Theatrical and musical performances abound, providing rewarding opportunities for students with a wide range of experience.

On the StageBandBlack Box TheatreChorusFall PlayJazz BandOne Act Play CompetitionOrchestraSpring Musical SymphonyVoices (Chamber choir)Worship Team

“The theatre department is absolutely wonderful! I participated in my first PCA show when I was twelve years old and in sixth grade. Now, as a senior, I have performed in numerous PCA plays and musicals since! Each show has been a beautiful memory in its own unique way, and one of the things that I will treasure most when I graduate.”

– Megan, Grade 12

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Personal Growth PCA has a vision for all students to be “Christ-centered graduates impacting the world for good.” This requires an intentional approach to developing the whole person and an integration of faith in learning. Your personal path at PCA will allow you to dive deeper into your areas of interest and explore new possibilities for the future.

PCA graduates are prepared to be good neighbors, employees, citizens, family members, friends, and leaders who are making a positive difference in our ever-changing times.

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Variable Tuition Tuition at PCA is not “one-size-fits all.” It’s a range that spans from 40-80% of the actual cost of a PCA education. Variable Tuition adjusts tuition rates to meet your family’s unique financial position.

“We travel 45 miles every day to educate our children at PCA. Is the money and time invested in our children at a young age worth the sacrifice? Absolutely. I would do it again.”

– Anders, Parent

Join us for an open house or personal tour to see for yourself! Ready to apply? Follow these steps:

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20 Seaborne Drive • Dover, NH 03820603.742.3617 • pcaschool.org

Portsmouth Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin

in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Preparation for life

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