The Admissions Process

at Portsmouth Christian Academy

Whether you’re ready to apply or just exploring private school options in the area, we’re here to help! At PCA, our admissions process is competitive yet simple and thoughtful, with a goal of helping families enroll with the confidence they have made the right choice for their children. 

We hope to meet you in person soon to share more about the opportunities your child will have on our campus. Choosing a school is no small decision, and we’re here to answer your questions as you move through the steps below.

Our Application Process
Apply Now!

Get an Inside Look at PCA

For more information about our curriculum, extracurricular activities, and culture, download a Parent Info Packet today. You can also visit our academic pages to learn more about PCA’s Preschool, Kindergarten, Lower School (Primary and Elementary), Middle, and Upper School programs.

Ready to become an Eagle?

6 steps to joining the PCA family:

1

Visit Our Campus.

As you search for the right school, nothing provides better insight than visiting our campus. PCA offers personal tours, open house events, and campus preview days to suit the needs of your busy schedule.

2

Complete the Application.

You can apply for admission to PCA online. Once you submit your application with the $100 application fee, our team will review your file and will be in touch to answer any questions you may have about gathering supplemental documents.

3

Submit Supplemental Documents.

Our application checklists outline all required documentation for each grade level. Required documents include your child’s birth certificate, teacher evaluations, current/previous report card (grades 1-12), a writing sample (grades 6-12), a copy of recent standardized test scores (grades 1-12), and most recent IEP/504 (if applicable).

4

Schedule Your Student’s Experience Day.

This is an exciting day that allows you to check off up to three important application items at once  — a shadowing experience, a student interview, and English/Math assessments, when applicable. Prospective students love this inside look at PCA, the casual conversation with their Principal, and getting comfortable on campus ahead of their first day.

5

Plan Your Parent Meeting.

This is where we lay the foundation for a strong home-school partnership. As you meet with our Dean of Academics and Principal, we’ll listen and learn about your child’s educational/developmental successes, as well as any areas in which they could use extra support. It’s a time of identifying each prospective student’s learning style and sharing with parents how our teachers and curriculum will help them achieve their potential.

6

Receive Your Admissions Decision & Complete Enrollment.

Admissions decisions are sent via email. If you’ve decided that PCA is the right fit for your family, you will use the link in this email to complete your child’s enrollment and make it official. We look forward to welcoming you to the PCA family!

MEET THE ADMISSIONS TEAM

We hope to meet you and your family one day soon! While you’re considering the best time to schedule your campus visit, here’s a little more about our team.

Stephen Leavitt

 Director of Enrollment and Marketing

stephen.leavitt@pcaschool.org

Laura Lupinacci

Senior Admissions Counselor

llupinacci@pcaschool.org

Victoria Bazile

Admissions Counselor

vbazile@pcaschool.org

Brianna Young

International and Upper School Admissions Counselor

byoung@pcaschool.org

Admissions FAQ


What is the timeline for the admissions process?

The admissions process at PCA operates utilizing rolling admissions. While you can submit an application for your child at anytime throughout the year, our timeline shows you when it is best to apply in order to avoid potential wait pools. Take a look at the timeline below to get a fuller picture of our admissions process and deadlines.

Variable TuitionAdmissions NotificationEnrollment Requirements
Priority Enrollment
September 1 – January 31
Families can begin to apply for the upcoming school year. Accepted students are guaranteed placement.Variable Tuition application opens November 1 for the upcoming school year. Variable Tuition Application fee, through FAST, is $40 per family.Once application and supplemental documentation are received, application will be processed within 15 business days.$650 Enrollment Commitment per child due upon completion of Enrollment Contract. Enrollment Contract must be completed within 2 weeks of acceptance.
Open Enrollment
February 1 – August 1
Immediately following our current family re-enrollment period. Actively filling available spots.Variable Tuition deadline is February 15. After February 15, Variable Tuition is considered on a rolling basis and funds may no longer be available. Variable Tuition Application fee, through FAST, is $40 per family.Once application and supplemental documentation are received, application will be processed within 15 business days.$650 Enrollment Commitment per child due upon completion of Enrollment Contract. Enrollment Contract must be completed within 2 weeks of acceptance.
Mid-Year Enrollment
After August 1
Dependent on available seats, Mid-Year Applicants are considered on a per-application basis.Variable Tuition deadline is February 15. After February 15, Variable Tuition is considered on a rolling basis and funds may no longer be available. Variable Tuition Application fee, through FAST, is $40 per family.15 business day timeline is not guaranteed.$650 Enrollment Commitment per child due upon completion of Enrollment Contract. Enrollment Contract must be completed within 2 weeks of acceptance.

When should we apply to ensure there is a seat available?

PCA offers an “Early Decision” enrollment period from September to January, for the upcoming school year, allowing families to complete their applications as early as possible and secure their child’s seat. Beginning in February, enrollment remains open but is based on real-time capacity and availability.


What grades are currently at capacity?

For an updated list of all grades and their current capacity status, please visit our Grade Capacity Page. If you are interested in a grade level that is currently at capacity, you can still apply to be accepted into that grade’s wait pool. PCA adds 5-6 children to a wait pool for each grade level that reaches capacity before the grade is officially closed to applicants.


What should we do if we have multiple children and one of their grades is at capacity?

We encourage families to complete applications in full for all their children even if one of the grades they are interested in is at capacity. This is the only way we can ensure your child is in our wait pool. Please note: enrollment is ever-changing and seats often open up due to life circumstances such as family moves.


We’re not sure we can afford the full tuition. What options are available?

More than 40% of PCA students receive Variable Tuition. If you’d like to find out if you qualify, we encourage you to begin the process as you complete your application. While Variable Tuition has no bearing on your child’s admissibility, information from your PCA application can help inform our Variable Tuition committee’s decision, so completing both concurrently is highly recommended. Education Freedom Accounts and State Scholarship opportunities are also available to qualifying applicants.

Words from a PCA Parent:

“I was afraid to look closely at PCA for fear of not being able to afford it. Thanks to Variable Tuition, sending our son to PCA became a reality.”

Learn More and Apply

The intentionality that you will see through our admissions process is woven into the entire PCA experience, and we hope to soon welcome you to our close-knit community! What questions do you have? Contact us at 603.742.3617, ext. 121, for assistance, or start your application today!