PCA strives to provide opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, for students to acquire a strong, positive self-image and to develop appropriate social, academic, and decision-making skills. Treated as individuals, students of varying levels of achievement are accepted and encouraged to develop according to their potential. Each student is taught the value of learning from one another as well as with one another. PCA provides a stimulating educational environment designed to nurture and enhance the experience of learning together.

ACADEMIC
Parkside utilizes a form of accelerated learning called X Factor developed by Rev. Dr. Michael Dixon, Parkside’s current Head of School. Rev. Dr. Michael Dixon was able to do this type of acceleration at the Advanced Placement level in Math and Science at a Boston Public District High School, for which he received a Seimens/College Board AP Teacher of the Year award, and which contributed to the school receiving an Inspiration Award from the College Board. Following are the X Factors that characterize our students and the learning environment that makes them uniquely prepared to positively impact the world around them.

1. Exalting God in what and HOW they do what is set before them,
2. Exposure to new ideas and concepts about their world,
3. Experience - using prior knowledge to understand new material,
4. Excitement - about learning and completing what they start,
5. Excellence- in all they do.
6. Exploration – valuing discovery and research of new concepts.
7. No Excuses - not saying “I can’t,”
8. Extinguishing fear - to develop academic risk takers,
9. Examination - Having students examine themselves and problems closely to know where they are BEFORE they start.
10. Becoming Experts - able to exhibit a high degree of skill in subject content and problem solving,
11. Able to Expound what is learned to others,
12. Exchanging ideas to support and sharpen one another,
13. Exhibiting Courage to try new things,
14. Exercising what they know (practice) through missions in a way where they can grow strong,
15. Extraordinary - Exceeding what others might think they are capable of by God’s strength.

Along with a complete academic, physical, and social program, PCA preserves a spiritual influence. This influence allows opportunity for student exposure to a personal understanding of faith in God. While PCA preserves a spiritual influence, it is not parochial in nature. Students from all backgrounds and beliefs are encouraged to attend. Through our balanced educational program, children will learn to respect and care for themselves. This is accomplished through a physical fitness program, science, health, and other curriculum supplements.

Sportsmanship and personal integrity are an important part of the total curriculum and are fostered through the physical education program, which stresses life principles such as cooperation, fair play, and the ability to handle success and failure in addition to physical fitness.

For a child to function as a balanced, productive member in society, he/she must first have a healthy self-concept. PCA strives to develop the child's ability to interact with peers and adults in both a structured and unstructured setting. PCA believes that reinforcing positive behavior, attitude, and accomplishment are essential to a child's social development.