I graduated from PCA two years ago. The school has a great environment but I do not find the academic challenging enough. There are not enough Honors or AP classes as other public schools in the area and without those, graduates from PCA do not have the same advantages as others when applying to prestigious
... Read more colleges. Read less
Posted by a student on 07/28/09
I had two kids that went through the bulk of their schooling at PCA. They are now attending the college of their choice because of the great academics at PCA. While the school does not offer all the 'extra' fluff (non academic) programs as some of the larger Public schools in the area, they make it
... Read more up in academics where it really counts. The teachers care. The new Headmaster is as wonderful person. The price of tuition is very reasonable. I talkd to another parent once who was complaining because the school didn't offer some extra program that a local $20,000 prep school offered; I told her that if she wanted to pay 3 times as much just so her child could enjoy this extra (non academic) program to fork over the extra $14,000 and PCA would probably be glad to hire the additional part time coach. That shut her up! Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/09/09
PCA is a wonderful school where students can advance at their own pace in a caring and nurturing environment.
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Posted by a parent on 10/24/08
I was very surprised by some of the negative comments here. I have had tow kids at PCA for seven years, one in the Upper School and one in the Lower School. I have very bright children and they are challenged and work hard. I think the school's overall standarized testing results speak for the quality
... Read more education children here receive. The teachers are exceptional and very much care for the kids as individuals. The Fine Arts programs have improved and there are Honors and AP classes offered at the Upper School. I would highly encourage you, if you are interested, to take a look and see for yourself.... Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/25/08
PCA is a great school the teachers are wonderful and I felt I was challenged and now that I no longer go to PCA, I miss all the teachers that really taught me to believe in my abilitys.
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Posted by a other on 06/26/08
My child has attended PCA for seven years, starting in Kindergarten. In general I find the teachers to be wonderful. The way they are able to meet each individual child's needs and challenges constantly amazes me. My child has been challenged, and continues to grow academically, socially and spiritually
... Read more because of the great people at the school. PCA offers parents a wide vasruet of opportunities to become involved as a volunteer. They have a true open door policy, if I have a question someone at the school will find the answer for me. As with any organization, there are challenges that need to be worked on, but I have never felt I was leading anyone astray when I have recommended PCA to them. I would, and do recommend PCA to whomever is looking for a better school than what their child(ren) currently attend. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/07/08
My son went to PCA from middle school thru high school. He is currently attending a good college and is quite able to handle the academics. I feel he was well prepared. He came into himself socially at the school and made some wonderful friends. However, the administration is very rigid and does not
... Read more have a grasp of the real world and what young people face. Their expectations are that a teenager can behave like a saint at all times and this is just not realistic. There is also some favoritism with faculty children... Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/19/08
Having graduated from PCA, I felt prepared for what my Ivy League school has thrown at me. If you take advantage of all the accelerated programs the school has to offer, you will be fine at any university. PCA is not a school for those who need their hands held. It will prepare you for college, as
... Read more many of the teachers in the upper school will try to create a college-like atmosphere. I enjoyed my time there. But like any school it has its 'cons'. There were incidents of favouritism, etc. Unfortunately my guidance counselor (to whom I owe many thanks) left the school (2007) as did two great leaders: the headmaster (2006), the former principal of the high school (2004?). Regardless, PCA is a great private school. If full advantage is taken, your child's education will surpass what he/she would have most likely received at a public institution. Read less
Posted by a former student on 07/27/07
Be sure of what your priorities are before choosing PCA. Our son attended fourth grade after having attended catholic school for PreK - 3. Our experience was disappointing and at times, infuriating. Academics were sub-par. My son received a heavy load of homework, but the content was not challenging.
... Read more Just time consuming. We embrace the message of Jesus' love and acceptance. Not exclusion. We are returning to his old school this fall. Read less
Posted by a parent on 06/04/07
I am a senior at Portsmouth Christian Academy. Although there are some kids who drink and do drugs, it is a very low number and these students never pressure others to try anything. The students are generally good natured and hard working with much encouragement and individual help from the teachers.
... Read more Most students get into good colleges. The art, music, and drama programs are good to get a credit or kill time, but very rarely will I see someone excel at any of the three. The sports teams are fairly competitive and a number of students have received sports scholarships to good colleges such as Texas A&M. I hardly see parents helping out at the school, there is not much for them to do. The school is very religious, but when a single student does something wrong, the entire student body is spoken to as if a criminal. Read less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Dover schools — Portsmouth Christian Academy is located at 20 Seaborne Dr, Dover NH 03820. 20 Seaborne Dr is in the 03820 ZIP code in Dover, NH Portsmouth Christian Academy is a Private school that serves grade levels PK - 12.
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Test Score Ratings
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