Academic Resources

Our curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world around us.

Graduation Requirements

Providence Scholastic Diploma
  1. *Math (4 Credits)
  2. Science (3 Credits)
  3. English (4 Credits)
  4. Social Studies (4 Credits)
  5. **Foreign Language (2 Credits)
  6. Logic (1/2 Credit)
  7. Fine Arts (1/2 Credit)
  8. Rhetoric/Oral Comm (1/2 Credit)
  9. Physical Education (1/2 Credit)
  10. Health/Safety (1/2 Credit)
  11. ***Worldview (1/2 Credit)
  12. General Electives (4 Credits)
Total Required: 24 Credits

*Algebra 1 taken during the PCCA 8th grade may count toward the Scholastic Diploma requirements

**High school foreign language taken in eighth (8) grade counts for high school credit

***Worldview credit can be satisfied through taking one of several courses, such as:  New Testament Survey, Anthropology, or Apologetics

(Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 required for graduation)

Distinguished Diploma
  1. *Math (4 Credits)
  2. Science (4 Credits)
  3. English (4 Credits)
  4. Social Studies (4 Credits)
  5. **Foreign Language (3 Credits)
  6. Logic (1/2 Credit)
  7. Fine Arts (1/2 Credit)
  8. Rhetoric/Oral Comm (1/2 Credit)
  9. Science Fair or Robotics (1/2 Credit)
  10. Physical Education (1/2 Credit)
  11. Health/Safety (1/2 Credit)
  12. ***Worldview (1/2 Credit)
  13. General Electives (2 1/2 Credits)
Total Required: 25 Credits

* Four (4) Math courses must be taken from ninth through twelfth (9th-12) grades toward the Distinguished Diploma

** Three full credits in foreign language study in the same language are required toward the Distinguished Diploma. High school foreign language taken in eighth (8) grade counts for high school credit

*** Worldview credit can be satisfied through taking one of several courses, such as:  New Testament Survey, Anthropology, or Apologetics

****At least three (3) Advanced Placement or Concurrent College level courses must be successfully taken during the tenth (10), eleventh (11), or twelfth (12) grades for a graduate to receive an Distinguished Diploma)

(Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required to receive the Distinguished Diploma)

Volunteer Hours

100 Hours of community service are required for High School students to graduate with full honors. Various acts of service count. Administration will decide what qualifies. Political activism of the student’s choosing up to 25 hours may be counted.

Athletic Participation Toward High School Credit

The first semester of a high school student’s athletic participation will satisfy the Physical Education graduation requirement. Up to two (2) additional General Elective credits may be earned by further athletic participation.

A PCCA student who has successfully completed the eighth grade is eligible to enroll in a community college, four-year college or university. With prior approval from the Upper School Administrator, high school students are allowed to enroll in college courses and shall be entitled to receive appropriate academic credit at Providence-Academy upon successful completion. Such courses will not be counted toward the student’s grade point average but will satisfy credits toward graduation at PCCA.

High school students who have taken home-school classes will receive credit toward graduation, but these courses will not count toward the Grade Point Average (GPA) or class ranking system. Reported class rank is based upon weighted GPA.

A passing grade in a formal driver’s education class will be awarded ½ Credit toward the General Elective requirement.

Awards and Honors

Honor Graduate Distinctions

(for both the Scholastic and Distinguished dipolmas)

Cum Laude: 3.5 GPA

Magna Cum Laude: 3.7 GPA

Summa Cum Laude: 3.9 GPA

In order for a PCCA student to be eligible for the Valedictorian or Salutatorian distinction, he or she must graduate with a PROVIDENCE DISTINGUISHED DIPLOMA.

Latin Award

A Latin award, a cord, will be earned by graduates who have successfully completed three credits of high school Latin language study.

Department Awards

The top student (highest grade GPA for 9th-12th grade in the subject) for each of the following departments will receive recognition for their achievement at graduation.

Math Department: The Johannes Kepler Award

Science Department: The Galileo Galilei Award

English Department: The William Shakespeare Award

History Department: The Herodotus Award

Technology

In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in equipping students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with information thoughtfully. Used purposefully, it supports the goals of a classical, Christ-centered education.

Students learn to use technology as a tool—to create, research, present, and collaborate—building skills essential for success in higher education and beyond.

Benefits of the University-Model® 
  • Parental Involvement: Engage meaningfully in your child’s education without the full responsibility of homeschooling. 
  • Time Management Skills: Students develop self-discipline and organizational skills essential for college and beyond.
  • Academic Excellence: Benefit from instruction by qualified educators, many with advanced degrees, committed to integrating faith and learning. 
  • Vibrant Student Life: Access a range of extracurricular activities, including championship athletics, performing arts, leadership programs, and community service. 
  • College Readiness: Take advantage of Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment options, and comprehensive college guidance services.
A Distinctive Educational Approach 

Providence Academy’s University-Model® is not a homeschool cooperative. All five school days are under the guidance of professional educators who provide curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This model fosters a collaborative partnership between teachers and parents, preparing students to become lifelong learners and servant leaders. 

For more information about our University-Model® schedule and how it can benefit your family, please contact our Admissions team at admissions@providence-academy.com or call (479) 595-2507.

Discover more about the University-Model® approach at https://naumsinc.org/

Advanced Study

Providence Academy offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced courses throughout the students’ experience that will prepare them to excel at the university God leads them to choose. Through students being exposed to a researched curriculum, a powerful academic community with shared intellectual experiences is created. Curriculum is taught through a combination of texts, classical writings, discussion groups, lectures, presentations, papers, and projects.

Honors and Advanced Placement courses are available to Providence Upper Campus students. These opportunities to study at an accelerated pace and higher demand are available throughout the balance of their education at the academy. With Providence’s accelerated academic program, students are also able to begin working towards high school credit starting in 8th grade for select courses.

In addition, students have a variety of options beginning in high school to obtain college credit through either concurrent college courses or by passing AP exams.

University Guidance

It is an exciting time in the college advisement department at Providence Academy! Our office supports and counsels throughout each student’s high school career, paving the way for success in college and in life. We serve as a valuable source of information, resources, and opportunities for our students. There are many avenues through which we assist students with college and vocational planning:

  • Academic Counseling - This component begins even before students enter high school. Educational sessions are provided for parents and students to learn which courses and activities help build a distinct high school resume. Academic course selection is tailored to a student’s strengths, interests, and future plans.
  • Test Prep - Strategies and resources for ACT and SAT test preparation are supplied that conform with changing trends in standardized testing.
  • Job Shadow Program - Students in grades 10-12 are given the opportunity to be matched with participating hosts from a variety of career professionals in Northwest Arkansas. Students receive either full-day or half-day job shadow assignments according to areas of interest.
  • College Nights - Focused, informative sessions are designed to educate and inspire students and parents to make the most of college planning. Guest speakers and college representatives provide insight into the admissions and selection process.
  • Senior Seminar - Seniors are invited to enroll in a class designed specifically for them!

Lessons include senior-specific topics such as selecting and applying to colleges, preparing an attractive high school resume, writing an attention-grabbing college essay, searching for and applying for scholarships, deciding on a college major or field of study, and being successful in college.

All of these features are enveloped within the caring community of faculty, staff, and student body that is a consistent hallmark of Providence Academy.

It is a great day to be a Patriot!

Dr. Tony Saegert, Dean of College Advisement

Academic Calendar

Key Dates for 2024-2025
  • New Teacher Orientation Aug. 5th
  • Professional Development Aug. 6-8th
  • Teacher Work Day Aug. 9th
  • Grammar New Parent Training Aug. 12th 8:30-12:00
  • Upper New Parent Training Aug. 12th 1:30-3:30
  • Grammar Returning Parent/Student Training Aug. 13th 8:30-9:30 (Kindergarten Co-Teachers) and 9:30-3:30 (All Co-Teachers)
  • Meet the Teacher Luau Aug. 14th
  • Upper (Logic, 7-8th Grades) Returning Parent/Student Training Aug. 15th 8:00-11:30
  • Upper (Rhetoric, 9-12th Grades) Returning Parent/Student Training Aug. 15th 12:30-4:00
  • School Start Date Aug. 20th
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Oct. 14-15th
  • Last Day of Quarter 1 Oct. 15th
  • Fall Break Oct. 16-18th
  • Thanksgiving Break Nov. 25-29th
  • Final Exams Dec. 16th & 17th with make-up exams Dec. 17th & Dec. 18th
  • Christmas Break Dec. 18-Jan. 6th
  • Professional Development (Grammar and Upper) Jan. 6th
  • 3rd Quarter Begins Jan. 7th
  • Patriot Winter Holiday Feb. 14th (No Homework)
  • Spring Break Mar. 24th-28th
  • Senior Final Exams April 28th and 29th
  • Regular Final Exams May 6th and 8th
  • Upper Makeup Final Exams May 7th and 9th
  • Grammar End of Quarter/Semester/School Year May 6th
  • Upper End of Quarter/Semester/School Year May 8th
  • Senior Award Program May 8th
  • Senior Commencement May 9th

Discover how we prepare students for a bright future.

Interested in learning more about Providence Academy? Request more information or schedule a visit today to get started.

A crowd of students outside of a school building
Still Looking?