Portsmouth Christian Academy

Portsmouth Christian Academy: Fulfilling a Dream, Blessing Our Students

Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) endeavors to maximize the God-given potential of children in preschool through Grade 12. Excellent academics, healthy school culture, biblical knowledge, a servant mindset, and leadership development are foundations for preparing young people to responsibly and effectively shape and inform their families, communities, and the world. PCA graduates are confident servant-leaders who positively contribute to their families, churches, and employers. 

Understanding the challenge:

Private schools are often assumed to have endless resources. While that can be true for some, many Christian schools rely on donor contributions, operational efficiencies, and reduced pay for faculty and staff.

This is the case for PCA. We are blessed to have faculty and staff who answer the calling to teach and work at our school even though they could earn a higher wage elsewhere. Equally, 50% of the families who send their children to PCA do not do so through excess financial means; they are able to enroll their children through generous donations from kingdom-focused donors.

Fulfilling strategic priority #1 would mean that we can continue to offer families a financial bridge so that they can send their children to PCA, and we can increase the pay of our teachers and staff to be commensurate with their public school counterparts.

Teachers
Teachers hold a special place in our world, contributing, on average, 35 hours a week to the development of children. They are part of the architecture of our society--teaching, mentoring, and guiding our young people in their pursuit of knowledge and on their paths to becoming contributing adults in our world.

In the early years, teachers spark curiosity in young minds, fostering literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. They create safe and nurturing environments that build collaboration, empathy, and resilience.

In the middle and high school years, teachers challenge students to think critically, explore complex ideas, and develop their God-given talents. They inspire passions, help students navigate the challenges of adolescence, and guide them towards integrity, respect, and perseverance.

One teacher says: “We have a strong academic program, but so do many other schools. What separates PCA is our positive and spiritually-focused climate. All teachers and staff genuinely care about each other and the students. They go above the basics to help students reach their potential. Each child is seen not as a burden or problem, but as a child of God who we have been charged to nurture.”

At PCA, our teachers are required to hold degrees and advanced certifications, and pursue professional development that hones their craft and adds value to the student experience.

The teacher drought in our nation makes it ever-more important to be able to attract and retain the best teachers available and offer them a predictable, living wage. Building an endowment that supports our teachers allows us to invest in those who are investing in our children…in our collective future. Your giving towards our teachers will bring us closer to this important goal.

Children
As shifts in education policy, curriculum, and social change continue, so, too, do the perceived benefits and outcomes of a traditional education. Parents looking for alternatives often feel trapped by financial access to education options for their children.

At PCA, we strive to keep our tuition as low as possible while meeting our financial obligations and cost-of-living upticks. Even so, many families cannot afford the full tuition of a PCA education and need donor-supported assistance to bridge the financial gap. This year, a little over 300 children are able to attend our school because of that generosity.

Addressing strategic priority #1 allows us to respond to those wanting a Christian education for their children but can’t afford it on their own. One parent said: “We didn’t think we would ever be able to afford PCA for our kids, even though we felt it was the best option for them. We contemplated taking on additional part-time work, but still wouldn’t have been able to make it work. The assistance offered through the school’s donors made it possible for us to send our children to PCA, and they are growing and thriving in ways we didn’t even think about.”

We endeavor to maintain our ability to assist 300 students be a part of the PCA community. Your generous giving will h…