Secondary

The academic offerings and daily schedule in grades 7–8 serve as a key transition from elementary to high school. As in high school, students benefit from the flexibility to begin tailoring their schedule around their individual interests and from the diversity of teachers who specialize within their field. Increased extracurricular activities and a growing social awareness bring energy and youthful enthusiasm to the junior high years.

All PCA high school students enter a liberal arts college preparatory program of study. This program prepares students for post-secondary education by focusing on core subject skills supplemented by practical elective courses. Extensive training in grammar, literature, and composition, along with honors courses in math, science, and foreign language, gives students a taste of academic rigor seen on the college level.

Each fall, sophomores and juniors are given the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT reasoning skills assessment on campus. Additionally, in an effort to prepare for efficient college admission, all PCA seniors take a nationally-recognized college readiness assessment prior to graduation. Data from ACT—the most common assessment taken by PCA students—indicates that PCA’s most recent graduates scored well above the state and national averages in each of the four areas tested.

Over the past 10 years, 91% of PCA graduates have gone on to attend college. (According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average over the same period is below 70%.) PCA students who choose to enter a career straight out of high school are equipped with the broad knowledge base and communication skills needed for success. Alumni are involved in fields such as business, education, engineering, medicine, military, ministry, and law, as well as various trades. PCA staff make a point to praise the continued success of students as they diligently apply themselves to academic and extracurricular opportunities in preparation for future service to Christ.

Kindergarten and Elementary education programs are also available.