Portsmouth Christian Academy Introduces New Middle School Principal

Portsmouth Christian Academy Introduces New Middle School Principal

Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lois Blatchley as the new Principal of PCA’s Middle School.

Blatchley, who has been on Upper School administrative team, most recently as Dean of Women, was selected to lead the school’s Middle School.  The addition of an administrator dedicated to families with students in grades 6-8 (formerly known as Junior High) is in response to the school’s growing demand for enrollment. There is a regional need to provide a Middle School program and alternative that parents are actively seeking. While these grades are not new at PCA, this change places great emphasis on the program in these years of critical growth.

“Mrs. Blatchley has demonstrated leadership on and off campus with the clear potential to lead our Middle School ” says Head of School Mike Runey, “Mrs. Blatchley has been a key member of the Upper School over the past several years, and her ability to build and maintain genuine relationships with her peers, families, and their children continues to be a tremendous asset for our school community. Lois has served in leadership roles across New England and the globe, engaging and connecting with students, families, and community members. Having just completed her Masters degree in Academic Leadership, Lois poised to lead our Middle School teachers, parents, and students, and will be a tremendous aid to our Middle School families as they prepare their child for high school and beyond. Lois has been working with our Lower and Upper School Principals throughout the summer, and has already begun to lay out her aspirations for the culture of Portsmouth Christian Academy’s Middle School.”

Lois first joined PCA in 2017 as the Upper School’s Student Life Coordinator; since 2019 and while completing her Master’s degree, Lois has served in the role of Dean of Women. In that capacity she directly worked with the faculty to mentor and disciple over 100 young women in grades 9-12. In addition, she oversaw the Upper School Student Life activities, coordinated the US chapel programs, and has played an integral part in developing PCA’s student leadership development program.

Prior to her time at PCA, Lois worked at numerous educational institutions in leadership roles both in New England and globally. A summary includes:

• Lexington Christian Academy (Lexington, MA)—Lacrosse Coach
• Community Bible Study (Ossipee and Rye)—Associate Teaching Director and a Small Group Leader
• Christian Camps and Conferences (Alton, NH)—Senior Summer Staff
• International Gateway Academy (Istanbul, Turkey)—Chairman of the Board; English Language Tutor
• Caritas Academy (Hudson, MA)—School Board Member
• First Assembly Christian Academy (Worcester, MA)—Long-Term Substitute Teacher for 4th grade
• Grace Baptist Church (Hudson, MA)—Missions Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Children’s Ministry, and senior High Youth Ministry

Lois holds a Degree in Urban Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and received her Master’s in Academic Leadership from Gordon College. She and her husband, Peter, are residents of Dover and call Great Bay Calvary their church home.