Understanding Portsmouth Christian Academy Tuition and Variable Tuition Program

Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) is a private, co-educational, non-denominational Christian school located in Dover, New Hampshire. Situated on a 50-acre riverfront campus, PCA offers a traditional Preschool through grade 12 educational program with a college preparatory Upper School program. The school is divided into three sections: Preschool (PCAP), Lower School (K-8), and Upper School (9-12). PCA is the largest non-denominational Christian school in New England.

Academics and Faculty

Portsmouth Christian Academy is known for its academically rigorous program, culminating in an excellent college preparatory Upper School program. The school offers 15 AP courses. Over half (56%) of the faculty members hold master's degrees or higher. From 2009 to 2015, PCA students have been accepted to prestigious universities such as Columbia University, the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, Dartmouth College, and Brown University.

Tuition and Financial Aid at PCA

Understanding the cost of tuition is a crucial factor for families considering Portsmouth Christian Academy. Portsmouth Christian Academy is offering financial aid. Tuition and fees may vary depending on grade, boarding status (if applicable), and may have changed for the current school year. PCA recognizes that affording private education can be a significant investment, and offers a Variable Tuition program to make education accessible to qualified students.

Variable Tuition: Opening Doors to a PCA Education

PCA has a Variable Tuition program, a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is tailored for their unique financial situations. This program makes a PCA education accessible to many qualified students who could not otherwise be able to join our school community.

Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through twelfth grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Portsmouth Christian Academy and they think they may qualify for the program.

How Variable Tuition Works

The Variable Tuition program is designed to assess a family's financial situation and determine an appropriate tuition level. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at PCA.

Applying for Variable Tuition

The application process for Variable Tuition is separate from the admissions process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. Families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for re-enrollment or admission to the school. Families seeking Variable Tuition must complete an application. It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to FAST, a third-party agency. FAST evaluates the application and makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition team. Families are then notified by PCA of the tuition level for which they qualify.

Key Considerations Regarding Variable Tuition

Separate Application: Applying for Variable Tuition is a separate process from applying for admission. For new students, application to Portsmouth Christian Academy and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes.
No Impact on Admissions: Applying for Variable Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process. Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school? No.
FAST Evaluation: Applications are submitted to FAST and considered after you have submitted a student application to Portsmouth Christian Academy.
Annual Application: Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year? Yes.
Wide Range of Qualifying Families: A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the full tuition rate to those who are at the entry level of the variable tuition range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.
No Full Tuition Awards: Are some families awarded full tuition? No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.
Limited Availability: Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every deserving student. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.

Additional Financial Aid Opportunities

Yes! Additionally, qualifying families can apply for scholarships via the Maine and New Hampshire Children’s Scholarship Funds. New Hampshire families should also apply for Education Freedom Accounts.

Understanding the Variable Tuition Program

Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is tailored for their unique financial situations. Thus, this makes a PCA education accessible to many qualified students who could not otherwise be able to join our school community.

Factors Influencing Tuition Levels

Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at PCA.

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Addressing Common Questions about Variable Tuition

Should every new PCA family submit an application for Variable Tuition? No.
If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year? Yes.
Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies? No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition.

Community and Events

The PCA community actively supports the Variable Tuition program through events like the Annual Auction. For example, the 29th Annual Auction brought together over 400 members of the PCA community to benefit Variable Tuition. The 30th Annual Auction also saw strong participation, with over 300 members gathering to support the program.

International Students

Portsmouth Christian Academy also welcomes international students. Applications received after January 31st will be considered on a rolling basis as space permits. International Program…host parents, and school and are also responsible for managing homestay and tuition payments.

Other Important Information

To request an admissions packet with information about tuition, extended care, and other admissions related items, please click on the link below to fill out our inquiry form. Portsmouth Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Attend an Open House on one of the designated dates listed on our Open House Page. Open House enables the parents to visit class(es) of the grade level(s) in which they are interested, observe teacher interaction with the students and take a tour of our campus.

Read also: DCS Tuition Information

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