The Upper School academic program is intended to prepare students for college. There is a strong emphasis on writing across the curriculum because this is a primary form of thought organization. Students take courses that provide a foundation for computational excellence and critical thinking.
PCA’s curriculum offers more than 20 honors and AP courses. Students at PCA can choose a themed diploma to allow them to position themselves well for the college admissions process. A STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) concentration began in the 2009-10 school year.
Graduates from PCA’s Upper School will find great opportunities for acceptance at leading colleges. In recent years graduates have been admitted to Boston University, Dartmouth College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Northwestern University, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Grove City College, Wheaton College, the United State Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy (West Point), to name a few.
PCA students consistently outperform New Hampshire state averages on the SAT. PCA has had multiple National Merit finalists and semi-finalists in the last several years.