Listen

Description

Steve Leavitt interviews Head of School Mike Runey about the Fall 2025 Parent Survey and the biannual Student Culture Survey (grades 5–8). They review community feedback praising PCA’s relational, Christ-centered culture and exceptional faculty while highlighting key strengths such as students feeling safe and proud to attend the school.

The conversation also addresses primary concerns raised by parents and students: academic rigor in higher-level STEM courses (especially math and physics), difficulty finding qualified STEM teachers, clarity and consistency around grading and rules (including dress code enforcement and the headphone policy), and questions about dual-enrollment credit value.

They discuss student well-being and behavioral culture, acknowledging reports of bullying, the limits of on-campus counseling, and plans to partner with local Christian counseling providers. The school’s responses include recruiting national firms to hire skilled Christian STEM teachers, partnerships with Ethos and Colorado Christian University for advanced courses, work on grading clarity and consistent policy enforcement, professional development for staff, and facility improvements to support play and movement.

Mike and Steve close by thanking parents, students, and faculty for honest feedback, asking the community to pray and help identify qualified STEM teachers, and reaffirming PCA’s commitment to listening and improving school programs and culture.