Mondays with Mike: Academic Vision
How We Help Your Child Grow This Year In Every Way That Matters
PCA Parents,
What kind of person is your child becoming—and how are we helping form them? As we prepare to launch into a new school year, this final episode of our four-part summer series gives shape to that question. We wrap up our series with a conversation that goes to the heart of our mission—how we help your child grow as a whole person in a distracted and fragmented world.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the future your child will enter looking out to 2050, the value of deep reading of literature with Susan Arico, and the challenge and opportunity of AI with Dr. Connie Lawrence.
Now, we turn to what it means to steward your child’s development this coming year—spiritually, academically, relationally, and practically.
In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Nate Paul and I walk through the six priorities in our academic vision for 2025–2026 and why they matter now. I hope our discussion will both encourage and equip you as we move from summer into a new season of growth for your child and PCA as whole
With joyful expectation of what God is doing at at our school,
Mike Runey
Head of School
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Six Key Takeaways from the 2025–2026 Academic Vision
Each of these priorities reflects not just a goal, but a conviction about how God forms your child in community, through challenge, and for His purposes:
- Spiritual Formation Is Foundational
We aim to shape hearts as well as minds. This year, we are focused on cultivating compassionate community—teaching your child how to love their neighbor, speak the truth in love, and grow in Christlike character. This formation sets the tone for all other learning. - Academic Growth—For Every Child
We focus on growth over achievement. Using tools like NWEA, we track progress and challenge each child to grow a year or more—regardless of their starting point. This approach builds both competence and confidence. - Challenge and Teamwork Through Play and Performance
We intentionally use sports, ensembles, and performances to teach resilience, teamwork, and joy. Whether in athletics, theater, or academic competitions, your child learns to persevere and lead under pressure—key life skills forged in real experiences. - Creativity as Worship and Work
Your child is made in the image of a creative God. We will continue to encourage joyful creation through the arts, scientific inquiry, written expression, and service projects. These help them discover purpose and joy in contributing to the world. - Leadership Through Responsibility
We create intentional moments for every child to lead—whether through appointed roles or simply setting an example. We aim to form leaders who are curious, confident, and courageous, beginning in the youngest grades. - Presence in a Distracted Age
We are forming students who can focus deeply, discern wisely, and use technology as a tool—not a master. We want every child to develop habits of attention and presence that will serve them in higher education, relationships, and work.
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