Do I need to be a professional performer or athlete to attend Professional Children's School?

No. While many students are engaged in professional or pre-professional activities, PCS welcomes students who are passionate about their pursuits and committed to balancing academics with external interests.

How does PCS support students who need to be away for professional commitments?

PCS utilizes a Learning Management System to provide lessons, assignments, and materials online, allowing students to continue their studies remotely during professional absences.

What is the Guided Study program at PCS?

Guided Study allows students with ongoing professional commitments to study remotely with support from their teachers, ensuring they stay on track academically.

Are Advanced Placement (AP) courses available at PCS?

While PCS does not offer AP courses, it provides advanced-level classes such as Advanced Physics, Advanced Biology, and Advanced Calculus, which are recognized by colleges for their rigor.

Does PCS offer financial aid?

Yes. PCS offers need-based financial assistance to families, determined through the Clarity Application, to help make education accessible.

What is the admissions process for international students?

International applicants follow a similar process to domestic students, including an interview and submission of academic records. PCS is authorized to enroll nonimmigrant alien students and provides I-20 forms for F-1 visa applications.

What are the graduation requirements at PCS?

Students must earn a minimum of 18 credits, including specific requirements in English, history, and other core subjects. Many students graduate with 22 to 24 credits, exceeding the minimum.

Does PCS provide learning support for students with different learning needs?

Yes. PCS has a Learning Specialist who works with students to develop educational plans, offering support in organization, study skills, and subject-specific areas.

Are there extracurricular activities and clubs at PCS?

Yes. PCS offers various clubs and activities, including Yearbook, Student Association, Gay Straight Alliance, and more, accommodating students' diverse interests and schedules.

What is the school's approach to diversity and inclusion?

PCS is committed to fostering a community where all members feel safe and celebrated, actively embracing diversity and confronting prejudice and bias.

< Back to the Spring Gala Page

PADDLE RAISE FOR FINANCIAL AID

In honor of Dr. Dawson’s 30th Anniversary as Head of School at PCS, we are raising funds for the Dr. James Dawson Fund for Financial Aid through an exciting Paddle Raise event. The Paddle Raise, or what PCS refers to as the Reverse Auction, will allow guests to bid on the future for PCS students.

About 40% of PCS students receive financial aid. Your support can empower the rising generation of artists, athletes, and innovators to take hold of their future through a flexible, rigorous academic education.

Your support will make a lasting difference for PCS students and families. Will you join our efforts?

Paddle Raise FAQ:

What is the paddle raise?

The Paddle Raise, or Trademark Reverse Auction, is a live fundraising event that PCS has done at several benefits over the years. Instead of bidding on items with increasing bids, we will ask community members and supporters to bid to give a donation to the school, starting with the highest amount.

The bids will help to fund a need at the school: increased financial aid. All gifts will be fully tax-deductible, as there will be no goods or services received from the contributions. All proceeds will directly benefit the Dr. James Dawson Fund for Financial Aid.

This is a fun way for the community to come together and provide support to the school.

How do I participate?

If you are attending the Spring Gala on April 23rd, you will be invited to participate during the live reverse auction during the dinner portion of the evening. We have enlisted the expertise of Sophie Colgan to facilitate the auction and call for bids while our supporters are gathered.

After you bid, you will be responsible for arranging payment (either online, or via check or cash) with the Advancement Office. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

If you are not attending the Gala, you may participate by giving a gift via the form on this page. You can also contact the Advancement Office to make a pledge or ask questions at [email protected].

What does the auction support?

The proceeds raised at the reverse auction will directly benefit the Dr. James Dawson Fund for Financial Aid. These funds will be crucial in supporting the rising generation of artists, performers, athletes, and innovators who wish to pursue a PCS education alongside their dreams.

I already bought my Gala ticket. Do I need to support the auction?

Thank you for supporting our Gala!

Participation in the Reverse Auction is completely optional. While we would appreciate any support you are able to give to the auction, we are most happy to be celebrating this milestone event with the cherished members of our community.

I cannot attend the Gala. Can I still participate?

Yes!

We will miss you at the Gala event on April 23rd, however you are still welcome to support the Paddle Raise. Instead of being there for the live event, you are welcome to give a gift by utilizing the donation form on this page. If you would prefer to send a check or cash, you may contact the Advancement Office at [email protected] for further instructions.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes!

Gifts made to the Reverse Auction, either at the live event or online, are all fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Do I have to wait until April 23rd to give my gift?

This depends!

Are you coming to the Gala on April 23rd? If so, we would love for you to pledge your gift at the live Reverse Auction! The room is always buzzing with excitement and adrenaline during this event, and it takes gifts like yours to make that happen. If you are planning to be there in person, save it for the event. That said, please let us know of your plans to pledge so that we can be aware! Email [email protected].

If you are not planning to attend, then there is no need to wait! You can give your gift via the form on this page, or contact the Advancement Office at [email protected] for further instructions.

Can I make a pledge, but pay my gift later?

Yes!

If you would like to pledge to the auction, you can contact the Advancement office at [email protected] to make our team aware of your intention to give. There will also be pledge forms available at the Gala on April 23rd.

If your question is not answered here,
please contact the Advancement Office at [email protected].