PCA Origins: Part 1 | Our Story with Founding Head Dennis Runey

Happy Monday: March’s last day and the 1st Day of Quarter 4!

As I reflect on these past few weeks, I’m struck by the growth and joy I’ve witnessed in our students, from the generous support at the auction, to 4th Grade’s creative energy at the “State Fair” (well done!), to the Upper School Festival Team giving it their all. And Noel, a sixth grader representing us at the State Middle School Math Meet, placed 12th out of 88 finalists in the state competition after securing 1st place in our regional competition with about 80 competitors. It’s been a season of vibrancy.

We’ve seen our spring athletes training with grit and determination. Our youngest students brought The Kapok Tree to life with heart and imagination. And just recently, eight of our PCA students led a worship night at a local church—accompanied by our very own Señora Eisner on piano. These snapshots reveal something deeper: growth in grace, character, and community.

Today’s podcast is a special one. I sit down with Dennis Runey—my father and the founding Head of School of PCA as we know it today. In Part 1 of this two-part interview, he shares the early, humbling, and hope-filled journey from Bethel Christian Academy to the founding of Portsmouth Christian Academy in 1992. If you’ve never heard this story, it’s foundational—it shaped our culture, our vision, and our calling.

Next week, Part 2 will explore the move to Dover and Dennis’s reflections on Christian education and PCA’s role in the Seacoast today. But for now, settle in. This is a story of faith, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness through it all.

1. PCA’s Founding:

• Dennis Runey transitioned from a 27-year Army career into Christian education, stepping in as Head of School in 1992 as Bethel Christian Academy was about to close.
• His wife was initially contacted for a principal position, but redirected them to Dennis—leading to the birth of PCA as an independent school.

2. Early Challenges:

• The first school year began in a deteriorated, abandoned public school building in Portsmouth (Wentworth School), with broken windows, limited resources, and a committed but small team.
• Initial enrollment: ~67 students; faculty: 5 teachers, a secretary, and Dennis.

3. Vision and Philosophy:

• Dennis set goals inspired by his military background: clear short-term objectives that built trust through follow-through.
• He emphasized both Christian worldview and academic rigor—a rare and ambitious combination at the time.

4. Rapid Growth and Growing Pains:

• PCA expanded quickly, adding modulars and eventually launching a high school in 1995—originally in Franklin Pierce classrooms at the Omni Mall.
• That venture nearly collapsed but was rescued by a miraculous opportunity to lease an abandoned school in Kittery.

5. Leadership and Provision:

• Dennis appointed Connie Lawrence as Lower School Principal, freeing himself to focus on strategic planning.
• John Tymon was recruited to lead the high school, and a Christian contractor renovated the Kittery building just in time for the fall opening—against all odds.

6. Key Themes:

• God’s providence in opening doors just in time.
• The importance of clear leadership, community buy-in, and high standards.
• The long-term fruit of saying “yes” to the right challenges.

To hear past episodes, share with your loved ones and friends, follow, and even review us, check out our PCA Podcast on these platforms: