Mondays with Mike: PCA’s Growth Story – How Your Children Are Rising to the Challenge
As we step into summer, I want to offer you a window into what God has been doing in and through your children this past year at PCA. In a culture obsessed with performance, we remain committed to something deeper: growth. When students grow—spiritually, academically, artistically, and relationally—achievement follows.
This podcast episode shares how our focus on growth is bearing fruit across all divisions, from our youngest learners to our upperclassmen. This is the first in a short summer series on how God is shaping hearts and minds at PCA.
Today, I walk you through academic growth, what the data shows, and how it connects to the real-life stories unfolding in classrooms, concerts, and science labs across our campus. I hope it encourages you as a parent and reminds you: your child is known, challenged, and celebrated here.
Key Takeaways
- Math Growth Surged Schoolwide:
In just three years, PCA students moved from the 78th percentile in math (2021–22) to the 96th percentile (2024–25), outpacing even the nation’s top-performing schools. That growth is due to deliberate changes—more instructional time, refined curriculum, and faithful teaching. More updates to follow next week to Upper School and Middle School on our STEM way ahead. Even with teacher turnover and challenges, your kids grew at an exceptional rate. - Reading Growth Is Strengthening, but Uneven:
Our students continue to perform well in reading, ranking in the 90th percentile nationally. However, growth has been less consistent year-to-year, and we are sharpening our focus—especially in early reading and phonics, where we are investing in LIPS training and science-of-reading strategies. - Preschool and Mosaic Growth Are Strong:
TS Gold results from preschool show significant early learning gains. Mosaic students—both those needing support and those ready for greater challenge—also showed measurable growth. This speaks to the power of personalized attention and early intervention. - Fine Arts Are Core, Not Extra:
PCA’s music and arts programs are academic in rigor and deeply formational. Linked videos in the email show remarkable growth from fall to spring—proof that what happens in the arts overflows into every other subject. - We Nearly Qualified for the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award:
For the second year in a row, PCA came close to national recognition for overall academic excellence. We assess more grades than required, holding ourselves to a higher standard—not for prestige, but to ensure transparency and trust with our families. - Every Grade Is Assessed with Purpose:
Unlike many schools that test only select grades, we assess nearly all grades to measure individual growth, cohort growth, and whole-school trends. This allows us to tailor learning and improve year over year. - Teachers Are Engaged and Reflective:
Faculty spent time this week analyzing classroom-level growth data and adjusting curriculum to continue fostering challenge, joy, and excellence. They are committed to stewarding each child’s potential with wisdom and care.
Phoebe Gaulin, PCA 2025 Valedictorian, speaks at commencement. Click here to hear her and others.
Coming Up on Mondays with Mike
- Overall stories of growth with Nate Paul
- Spiritual Growth and what you are telling us (survey feedback) with Stephen Leavitt
- Surprise guests! Stories of growth in your kids
To hear past episodes, share with your loved ones and friends, follow, and even review us, check out our PCA Podcast on these platforms: