Portsmouth Christian Academy

As with all schools, some people will be happy, others will not. Our family is very happy with both the quality of education that PCA provides as well as the Christian atmosphere. We were not looking for a school to take the place of the church or the family in terms of teaching our children the bible. However, the teachers at PCA integrate biblical principals and moral values in all they do as well as concentrate on various books of the bible according to grade level. Our children are well adjusted, challenged and happy at PCA. PCA works hard to accelerate gifted children, allowing them to move forward in Math and other areas. PCA offers an extensive fine arts program and athletic opportunities. It is a joy to be part of the PCA community.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school. Scholastically the curriculum does not prepare students for college and the "spiritual" side is plagued with hypocrisy and judgement. We sent our children there and promptly pulled them out. Do not waste your money. Go to St. Thomas as it is a much more superior school.
—Submitted by a parent

We are practicing Catholics who absolutely love Portsmouth Christian Academy. Portsmouth Christian Academy is a blessing to our family. As parents, we are extremely pleased with the school. The faculty is committed to the personal growth in knowledge and faith for every student. The teachers are kind and understanding; you can feel the love in the school the minute you walk through the door. Our two sons love their school and the teachers that make it so special. We are grateful that our children have the opportunity to attend a school that they love and where the love of Jesus is present.
—Submitted by a parent

I was raised with a Catholic education all of my scholastic life. Never ever in my life have I ever seen such un-Christian and hypocritical behavior from a community that prides itself in living in the "spirit of Jesus' teachings" Instead of ministering to students who need them at any given moment, they are quick to kick out students and abandon them. They should be ashamed of themselves. Sending our children there was a huge waste of our time and money. Disgusting, judgmental and false is what they are.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers in the lower school are underpaid, several are barely qualified to teach, and the leadership is downright strange, almost robotic. They are all about the money. Don't be fooled by their self proclaimed love of children...its all about the money. They wany your investment, yet time and again, they will not invest in the children nor are they committed to helping the kids that need a little extra attention.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very caring!

My three children attended PCA for only one year because we moved out of state. I must say I was so pleased with the teachers and students, They all had wonderful years and met great friends that will last them a lifetime. I highly recommend this school! It was a true blessing for my children to be here. As far as the last comment, they only moved the graduation by 30 minutes. Being in the state championships is an opportunity that doesn't come around very often in smaller private schools.(by the way they won!) I was very understanding and was blown away by the graduation ceremony! The key note speaker was incredible! My daughter couldn't of been prouder than to graduate from this school. I pray God's blessings on PCA.
—Submitted by a parent

Beautiful campus, some wonderful teachers, but be very careful! Nepotism reigns at PCA for school board members' children and family members and there isn't anything you can do about it! You cannot address the school board, in fact they are MIA. The Head of School works for the school board and he is not even a little bit helpful or interested. PCA is expensive for the education received, and Christian values never supercede the "almighty" dollar from our experiences. This year, for example, they changed the time for the high school graduation to accomodate a baseball game. VERY disappointing. We will not return.
—Submitted by a parent

PCA is as it says a Christian school which encourages the people to be loving--as Jesus is. The school has excellent sports, library, science, and art programs. The school has a research program that starts around 2nd gr. that helps the children to learn to write and do coherent interesting research projects. There are also interesting hands on projects going on throughout the year. My 2 boys have enjoyed it there a lot--as much as 2 busy boys can enjoy being inside or away from their computers! The school library has helped keep them interested in reading when their interest was starting to flag. I appreciate knowing I will be told if something in the upcoming teaching might cause some concern for some parents. I'm responsible for my kid's education so I'm glad PCA is there to help work with me.
—Submitted by a parent

PCA has so many problems we took our elementary children out in Decemnber. The headmaster is wonderful but the teachers and principal are too rigid. Lots of homework that is busy work, not valuable content. The academics are sub par (my oldest daughter went through Catholic schools and received a superb education). It's so dissapointing because the campus is beautiful, the teachers need more education themselves on how to teach and discipline children effectively.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son graduated two years ago and we still can t say enough about the excellent preparation he received at PCA preparation in time management; love of learning enhanced by faculty and administration that are truly invested and care; balancing social life and academics; and excellent foundational skills in the areas of math and science that are still serving him well for the rigorous electrical engineering program in which he is enrolled. Based on AP test scores, he was able to enroll at college with 12 credits (4 each in calculus, chemistry and English). Even as a sophomore, he is still earning top test scores in advanced math classes that he attributes in part to the things he learned at PCA. Academic preparedness = cost of tuition; making wise life choices = priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy with school so far. I have seen a big improvement in many areas already and she's only been there a couple months. Much better than public school.
—Submitted by a parent

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 colleges.
—Submitted by a student

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 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!
—Submitted by a parent

PCA is a wonderful school where students can advance at their own pace in a caring and nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

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 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....
—Submitted by a parent

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.

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 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.
—Submitted by a parent

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 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...
—Submitted by a parent

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 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.
—Submitted by a former student