Graduation Requirements
Providence Scholastic Diploma
- *Math (4 Credits)
- Science (3 Credits)
- English (4 Credits)
- Social Studies (4 Credits)
- **Foreign Language (2 Credits)
- Logic (1/2 Credit)
- Fine Arts (1/2 Credit)
- Rhetoric/Oral Comm (1/2 Credit)
- Physical Education (1/2 Credit)
- Health/Safety (1/2 Credit)
- ***Worldview (1/2 Credit)
- 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
- *Math (4 Credits)
- Science (4 Credits)
- English (4 Credits)
- Social Studies (4 Credits)
- **Foreign Language (3 Credits)
- Logic (1/2 Credit)
- Fine Arts (1/2 Credit)
- Rhetoric/Oral Comm (1/2 Credit)
- Science Fair or Robotics (1/2 Credit)
- Physical Education (1/2 Credit)
- Health/Safety (1/2 Credit)
- ***Worldview (1/2 Credit)
- 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. 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 usually count toward the student’s grade point average on the 4.0 scale, and will satisfy credits toward graduation at PCCA.
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
Each academic department selects one student, regardless of grade level, who best exemplifies excellence in that subject area. These awards are determined by the teachers and are presented at the Academic Awards Ceremony.
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
- Test Prep
- Senior Seminar - Seniors are invited to enroll in a class designed specifically for them!
All of these features and more are enveloped within the caring community of faculty, staff, and student body that is a consistent hallmark of Providence Academy.
Dr. Tony Saegert, Dean of College Advisement