Kindergarten

at Portsmouth Christian Academy

Differentiated learning in a nurturing environment.

Each child learns at their own pace, and it can be a challenge to find a kindergarten program that best meets your child’s needs while also sharing your family’s values. 

You might be focused on ensuring your child develops socially as well as academically. Maybe establishing a strong foundation in reading is your biggest priority or you’d like to see Christian values practiced inside and outside your child’s kindergarten classroom. 

Portsmouth Christian Academy’s kindergarten program combines academic, social, emotional, and spiritual development, all in a safe, nurturing, faith-based environment. Learning happens through direct and differentiated instruction, exploration, and discovery, while celebrating each child’s God-given unique qualities. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of what we offer, including:

Learning Environment
Program Details
Curriculum
Meet a Teacher

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

Download Our Guide

Meeting Children Where They Are

Whether this is your child’s first classroom experience or they’re a seasoned preschooler, our differentiated learning model gives teachers the flexibility to meet little learners where they are. We partner with parents, communicating through our weekly “Peek of the Week” newsletter and as-needed communication from teachers to ensure there is consistency between home and school. Working together, we create a supportive, responsive environment where your child will grow and thrive. Our kindergartners flourish through:

A Strong Start

As part of our admissions process, your child will take a kindergarten readiness assessment followed by a parent meeting with PCA’s Dean of Academics and Lower School Principal. Partnering with you, we’ll work together on reviewing the readiness assessment scores and identifying your child’s learning style in order to best prepare your little one for kindergarten.

Continuing Care and Support

Assessments occur throughout the year to ensure we’re meeting each child’s needs. With an intimate 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, individualized attention and differentiated instruction help students to realize their God-given potential.

A Play-Based Approach

Our kindergarten environment is one where academic content is shared through engaging group activities and individual guidance. From the playground to our outdoor classroom, our spaces are designed for fun and experiential learning. 

Modeling Kindness

Character development is an important part of the kindergarten day. Teachers exemplify biblical principles while students learn how to be a good friend and a follower of Jesus through role-play, practice, and direct instruction.

What will my kindergartner do all day?

We keep little learners engaged through hands-on activities, lots of movement, and both small group and one-on-one instruction. Content changes every 20 minutes or so, and includes seat time, show-and-tell, enrichment periods, free play, music, exploration, outdoor time, and more. For detailed schedule information, please download our Kindergarten Guide.

Kindergarten content includes:

  • Bible & Weekly Chapel. Students begin to build their identity in Christ and shape their character as they study Bible stories and biblical teachings.
  • Phonics & Handwriting. Phonics-based instruction helps students as they learn to read and write. Differentiated small groups ensure students make progress with decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
  • Math. Manipulatives make for hands-on fun while helping students develop their number sense.
  • Show & Tell. An early introduction to public speaking, students use this time as an opportunity to exercise their creativity and confidence.
  • Centers & Enrichments. Themed centers allow for fun and interactive exploration across many different subject areas.
  • Science & Social Studies. Students enjoy STEM activities as well as learn the value of community. 

Full-Day Kindergarten Program Before and Aftercare are available

Children must be 5 years old to begin kindergarten at PCA.

Our kindergarten program runs five days a week from 8:10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Children enjoy learning core subjects and activities, lunch with friends, enrichment classes, and plenty of play-based activities.

Families can utilize our Before and Aftercare as needed for an additional charge:
Beforecare:7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
Morning Drop Off:7:45 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.
Afternoon Pick Up:3:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Aftercare:3:20 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on full days and 12:20 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on any early dismissal days

Our after-school Kaleidoscope program offers activities such as basketball, music lessons, karate, LEGO STEAM education, ceramics, soccer, ballet, solar engineering, robotics, archery, Coyote Club (outdoor wildlife education), and more.

Visit Portsmouth Christian Academy and find out if our kindergarten program is the right fit for your child.
Come See Us

“We were so blessed to have our daughter experience kindergarten at PCA. We saw tremendous growth in her academically and spiritually, and know this was because of the amazing teachers that were so invested in her success.  We were at peace knowing that our daughter was so loved and cared for whenever she stepped onto PCA’s campus.”

-Andrew and Kristin, PCA Parents

Kindergarten Curriculum


Growing Into Readers, Writers, and Thinkers

Kindergarten is a foundational year, laying the groundwork for future academic success. Utilizing ABEKA: Reading, Phonics, Handwriting and Houghton-Mifflin Math Expressions, we use direct instruction and hands-on activities to guide students to an age-appropriate understanding of core concepts. As they sharpen their problem-solving and comprehension skills, they develop competency and confidence that they’ll carry into elementary school.

Enriching Activities

PCA kindergarten’s core curriculum is complemented by:

  • World Language — Students learn both Mandarin and Spanish. 
  • Art — Drawing, painting, collage, wax resist, ceramics, and fiber arts teach students shapes, colors, textures, and form.
  • Music — Students enjoy dedicated music time as well as a weekly K-2nd grade singalong.
  • Library — Storytime is a favorite activity along with having the freedom to choose age-appropriate books to read at home. 
  • Physical Education — Movement is essential for little ones as they run, jump, and play organized sports and games.
Raising Responsible, Kind Digital Citizens

As students receive intentional instruction on how to use devices and platforms responsibly, technology is incorporated in the classroom through resources such as Lexia, Epic, and IXL.

Imparting Christian Values

Daily Bible class, weekly chapel, and being part of a faith-based community give PCA kindergartners a greater understanding of Christian values and character, and how to apply those qualities to everyday challenges and situations.

Prioritizing Safety

Our 50-acre, riverfront campus offers age-appropriate classrooms and playgrounds, locks on all classroom and exterior doors, an on-site security coordinator and nurse, and background checks are conducted on all our employees and volunteers.

Mrs. Ruth Brown, Portsmouth Christian Academy Kindergarten Teacher, Headshot
Meet a Teacher

Mrs. Ruth Brown, M. Ed.

Degree: M. Ed.
Teaching Experience: 29 years at PCA

“Teaching for me is fulfilling the God-given purpose for my life. As a lifelong learner, I want to pass on learning to love learning to each of my students. Being called ‘teacher’ is an honor and privilege as children’s lives are changed going far beyond academics. Kindergarten is the foundation for children to love learning, be willing to take risks, and become kind friends. Then they will be on their way to understanding God’s unique purpose for them.”

Experience the PCA Difference

We know how important it is at this early stage to have alignment between home and school to ensure children are learning consistent lessons. We encourage you to schedule an on-campus tour to see firsthand why so many Dover-area families choose Portsmouth Christian Academy.

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