Where Our Graduates Go: College, Career & Calling — PCA Outcomes Revealed

Hey, PCA families. This is Mike and it's Monday and you and I should all be on vacation by the time you're hearing this. I'm here with Jordan Heckelmann, our upper school principal. In this episode Mike and Jordan close out a deep dive from the State of the School series and focus on what our recent graduates are doing and how PCA is preparing the next 1,000 grads. We review data from the classes of 2023–2025: over 100 seniors from the accepted to over 200 colleges and matriculated to over 50 different two‑ and four‑year institutions. Nine of ten of these graduates pursued immediate post‑secondary education — well above the national average — while other alumni have faithfully entered trades, military service, careers, and mission work. Key themes include discerning the right fit (academic, spiritual, social, athletic, and financial), the difference between selectivity and quality, and how PCA helps students apply intentionally rather than scattershotting. Jordan and Mike discuss selectivity bands and how acceptance rates line up with students' profiles, the growing importance of SAT/ACT preparation (now built into the junior program), and how standardized tests remain influential in admissions decisions. Faith formation after graduation is a major focus: many alumni continue in Christian settings, others join vibrant ministries on secular campuses, and PCA encourages all graduates to plug into church and small groups as soon as possible. The episode highlights stories of alumni leading Bible studies, serving as RAs, organizing worship events, and staying connected to PCA mentors during difficult seasons. Practical takeaways for families: begin thinking early about fit and finances; invest in meaningful test and college preparation; partner with PCA's college & career guidance team for discernment; and know that trades, missions, and immediate workforce entry are honored and supported pathways. The school’s mission and vision — to honor God and produce Christ‑centered graduates who impact the world for good — remain central as PCA walks with families through each student's faithful next step. To wrap up, Mike and Jordan offer encouragement that PCA will continue to support students toward the right next steps for them and their families, celebrating a variety of post‑graduation paths and the ongoing spiritual and relational formation that enables alumni to impact the world for good.