Admission.
Pace is enrolling for 2027–28. Studios are kept small, so seats are limited. Each family comes to know the school gradually, through a visit, an application, conversations with current families and a week in the studio, before anyone commits.
The process.
01 Research
Read the website, the FAQs and resources, and then the Information Kit. This is the most important step.
02 Visit
Every prospective learner tours Pace. Parents are welcome to visit alone first, and to return with their child.
03 Apply
If the school feels right after the visit, you receive the application: written answers, adult references and a $100 non-refundable application fee.
Application fee: $100
From application to enrollment.
04 Invitation
Qualified applicants are invited to continue, to meet current families and to schedule a Studio Experience Week.
05 Studio Experience Week
Your child spends five consecutive days in their studio with learners and Guides, so that everyone can see whether the fit works.
06 Acceptance
If the fit is mutual, your family is invited to enroll.
Availability this year.
2026–27 school year
Spark 1 · Ages 4–6 · Waitlist
Spark 2 · Ages 6–9 · Waitlist
Discovery · Ages 9–12 · 1 seat open
Explorer · Ages 12–14 · 1 seat open
Launchpad · Ages 14–16, growing to 18 · 2 seats open
Availability shown is for the current school year. Seats sometimes open during the year as learners move or advance to a new studio.
Tuition for 2026-2027 is $13,400, prorated depending on enrollment date.
Tuition and fees.
$14,500
Annual tuition, 2027–28, paid over 10 months ($1,450 per month)
Fees
$100 · Application fee, non-refundable
$500 · Supply fee, Spark 1 and Spark 2
$1,000 · Supply fee, Discovery, Explorer and Launchpad. Covers an individual Chromebook, field trips and supplies
A school for families who choose differently.
Choosing Pace means choosing a different path for your child, and the families who do well here are comfortable being independent. They trust children with real responsibility, accept that struggle is part of learning, and are willing to explain their choice to friends and relatives. Pace is also a partnership. The model works best when families share its growth mindset at home.
Pace may be a good fit for:
families who want their children to grow into capable, self-directed learners.
families who feel that traditional schooling no longer matches the skills and mindset a changing world asks for.
people who think differently and value thoughtful, unconventional approaches.
families whose work or travel calls for schooling that adapts to real family rhythms.
creators, makers and children drawn to building their own ideas.
families who appreciate child-led learning but cannot realistically sustain a full homeschool model.
Pace may feel less natural if you are hoping for:
teacher-led lessons, letter grades and class rankings. Guides coach rather than lecture, and learners are measured against mastery and their own growth.
homework, test preparation and a fast academic pace as the main measure of a good school.
a school where parents step in when a child struggles. The model depends on children working through challenges, with support from their Guide and family.
intensive specialized services for a serious learning disability. Pace is not set up to provide them.
a religious school. Pace is secular.
If you are unsure, we would be glad to talk it through. Studio Experience Week also lets you and your child find out together.
Questions.
Another question? Get in touch or write to myjourney@pacerva.com.
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Yes. Pace is accredited by the Middle States Association and the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.
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Yes. Pace Academy is an independent school and an Acton Academy affiliate, part of a network that takes its inspiration and receives mentorship from the founding Acton Academy in Austin, Texas. Pace adds its own Montessori studios, TimberNook outdoor program and accreditation through Middle States and IALDS.
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Ages 4 to 16 now, growing to 18. Learners are placed by readiness in mixed-age studios, not by grade.
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Spark 1 and Spark 2 are Montessori studios, led by Montessori-certified Guides. Older studios build on that foundation with mastery-based academics, Socratic discussion, hands-on projects and Quests.
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Children learn well alongside both younger and older peers. Each learner follows an individualized path and works in a mixed-age studio, advancing when they meet the readiness requirements.
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Technology is introduced gradually. Spark learners use no screens during the school day. Discovery learners use it about an hour a day, and Explorer and Launchpad learners one to two hours, mainly for academics, research and creative work. Most of the day is hands-on projects, discussion, movement and outdoor learning.
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Pace runs a 10-month calendar, in sessions of five to seven weeks, each followed by a week off. Every session ends with an Exhibition of Learning.
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Curious, self-motivated, respectful children who enjoy learning and can work independently on hard problems and follow instructions.
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Pace does not offer formal special education services, such as IEP implementation, dedicated intervention staff or clinical supports. It works best for learners who can handle routines, work independently and respond to coaching. Pace can often support learners with dyslexia and mild attention challenges, but may not suit a learner who needs a highly modified curriculum, intensive behavior support or frequent one-on-one help. Please contact us to talk through fit.
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No. Pace is secular and welcomes all faiths and none. Learners are encouraged to explore big questions and form their own views, while religious upbringing stays with families.
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Pace does not offer financial aid itself. The Foundation for Self-Directed Learning, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is building a scholarship fund to award tuition assistance. You can read more on the Giving page.
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At the historic Central Baptist Church in North Chesterfield, Virginia, with access to 15 acres of forest.
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TimberNook is a nature-based, child-led outdoor play program. At Pace it is part of the Spark Studio learning design, and TimberNook Central Virginia also offers weekday community classes and summer camps.
Begin with a visit.
See an afternoon at Pace, meet the Guides, and ask what you like.