Elementary (Grades 3-5)

at Portsmouth Christian Academy

Developing Dynamic Learners

The goal of PCA’s elementary program is to create competent learners who have the tools for higher-level thought.  Consequently, during the elementary years, students work to master core knowledge such as math facts, grammar rules, and history timelines because these mastered competencies can then be “chunked” to facilitate the working memory requirements of innovative thought.

Our Elementary program at PCA includes grades 3 through 5. During these developmental years, our students build on the foundational blocks that have been laid in the primary years as they begin to develop confidence and academic autonomy.

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What will my child be doing in the Elementary Grades?


Challenge and Success Through Differentiation

Using data from standardized performance tests, curriculum-based assessments and teacher input, programs are differentiated to offer students the right amount of challenge and success. 

Math differentiation is delivered through clustering students into cohorts based on proficiency while providing a healthy amount of challenge for each learner. Our English Language Arts curriculum aids in transitioning our students from “learning to read” in the primary grades to “reading to learn” in the elementary grades and encourages high levels of decoding, comprehension, word analysis and writing.

Cultivating Character Growth

Moving to a higher level of spiritual development, elementary students begin to study the Bible as a tool for spiritual growth. Students examine biblical characters, discuss Christ-like characteristics and develop the disciplines of personal Bible study as they deepen their understanding of good hermeneutical principles.

Enrichments

PCA elementary core curriculum is complemented by our enrichment programs to help create a more well rounded academic offering.

  • World Language — Both Mandarin and Spanish are offered to our elementary students as world language options. Half the year will be dedicated to studying one language and remainder of the year to the other.
  • Art — Elementary students progress in their creativity through various art mediums as they engage in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, wax resist, ceramics and fiber art.
  • Music — Students continue to deepen their understanding of basic music literacy, singing and movement activities. In third grade, all students learn to play violin at a basic level. In fourth and fifth grade, students have the flexibility to choose between one of three ensembles: choir, band, or orchestra.
  • Library — To help grow their love of reading, students can to choose from age-appropriate books to read at home and school or use for project based research – particularly helpful with their yearly IIM project.
  • Physical Education — Our elementary students will continue to strengthen their motor skills, knowledge and and behaviors for physical fitness, sportsmanship, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence within our physical education and health program.
Introduction to Theatre

Interested fourth and fifth graders are given the opportunity to audition for PCA’s annual Black Box production alongside our Middle School and Upper School students.

Raising Responsible, Kind Digital Citizens

In third grade, students receive their own individual laptop and continue intentional instruction on how to use devices and platforms responsibly. Technology is an intentional addition in the classroom through resources such as Lexia, Epic, and IXL.

Imparting Christian Values

Daily Bible class, weekly chapel, monthly memory scripture and being part of a faith-based community give our elementary students a greater understanding of Christian values and character, and how to apply those qualities to everyday challenges and situations.

Each morning begins with prayer, an engaging Bible lesson and open conversation. On Fridays, students attend Chapel, worshiping with the campus community and hearing inspiring messages. Each grade also has the opportunity to run a chapel throughout the school year.

Safety is Our Priority

Safety of your children is our number one priority here at PCA. Our 50-acre, riverfront campus offers an on-site security team and nurse, extensive visitor check in system, locks on all classroom and exterior doors, and age-appropriate classrooms and playgrounds. In additional to physical on-campus measures, background checks are also conducted on all our employees and volunteers.

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

Our kids absolutely love PCA!! They have been making a lot of new friends and are getting into a good routine. They both are enjoying Mrs. Eastman and Miss Ketchum and feel so lucky to be at PCA! We are so grateful that they are able to be part of the PCA family and have been so welcomed in.

– Jayson and Heather, PCA Parents
Meet One of PCA’s
ELEMENTARY Teachers

Mrs. Mikaela McGillick

Degree: M.Ed in Reading Education, Boston University
B.S. in Elementary Education, Minor in Spanish; Anderson University

Fun Fact:
Ms. Donnelly’s love of PCA extends beyond the classroom to the athletic field. In addition to being an incredible third grade teacher, Ms. Donnelly also coaches our Middle School volleyball and track and field here at PCA!

See PCA for Yourself

Schedule a tour and see first-hand why families choose PCA. During your visit, you’ll explore our beautiful waterfront campus, walk through our facilities and classrooms, and talk with a member of the admissions team to have your questions answered. Our goal is to help you get a feel for the heart and mission of our school so you can make an enrollment decision with confidence. Register for your tour online, or call us at 603.742.3617 ext. 121.

We look forward to meeting you!

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