Yes, we are accredited by the Middle States Association and the International Association of Learner-Driven Schools.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, we are currently accepting learners ages 5-13.

With the addition of Launchpad Studio in ‘26-’27 school year, we will welcome Learners ages 5-15.

Technology is introduced gradually and used purposefully. Spark learners do not use screens as part of their school day. Discovery learners typically use technology for about one hour daily, while Explorer and Launchpad learners use it for one to two hours, primarily for personalized academics, research, and creative work. The remainder of the day centers on hands-on projects, Socratic discussions, collaboration, movement, and outdoor learning.Item description

We believe that children learn best when working with younger and older children rather than split up into groups based solely on age. In addition to an individualized curriculum, all ages of students within their respective studios work together in groups.

While we respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy in our learning design, we are not a Montessori school. Montessori principles and pedagogy provide the foundation for our Spark Studios, and we build on the Montessori method with the latest interactive technologies, hands-on projects, and the Socratic Method in our older studios.

We operate on a 10-month calendar, typically with five to seven-week sessions followed by a week off.

Pace is a secular school that welcomes families of all faith traditions and none. Learners are encouraged to examine important questions, engage respectfully with different perspectives, and develop their own convictions. Religious formation remains with each family.

Pace’s learning design draws from the strongest elements of Montessori, Acton Academy, project-based learning, and nature-based child development—adapted through years of experience with Richmond-area learners.

Children who love to learn, are curious, self-motivated, and respectful. Our environment is an accelerator for the independent learner who can tackle challenging questions, follow instructions and solve problems.

We believe learning is better in a diverse environment. As a learning community we want to bring together families from different backgrounds to help them understand, respect, and support one another. We strive to maximize diversity across six dimensions: race, economics, gender, age, religion, and school background.

We believe every learner deserves the supports they need to thrive, and we want to be transparent about what Pace Academy can—and cannot—provide. Pace is a small school with a learner-driven model, and we do not offer formal special education services, including IEP implementation, dedicated intervention staffing, or therapeutic or clinical supports.

Our program works best for learners who can engage with consistent routines, work independently for meaningful periods of time, and respond to coaching and feedback within a general education setting. Learners who flourish at Pace are typically able to use organizational tools, shift between tasks, and regain focus with guidance and structure.

While we can often support learners with dyslexia and mild attention or focus challenges through our core program, Pace may not be the right fit for students who require a highly modified curriculum, intensive behavior support, or frequent, ongoing 1:1 assistance throughout the day.

If you’re considering Pace and would like to explore fit, we encourage you to contact us. We’re happy to talk through your child’s needs and help you determine the most appropriate setting.

We believe curiosity is where meaningful learning begins. At Pace, learners explore questions, develop their unique gifts, and discover what genuinely matters to them. Over time, curiosity grows into capability—and capability into purpose: using their strengths to solve meaningful problems, contribute to their communities, and build fulfilling lives.

The annual tuition for 2026-2027 is $13,400, payable in 10 monthly payments.

There is a $100 non-refundable application fee.

Once accepted, Explorer, Discovery, and Launchpad learners pay a $1,000 non-refundable technology and enrollment fee; Spark Studio learners pay a $500 non-refundable fee. The annual supply fee covers all required materials and enrichment activities for every studio.

We are located at the historic Central Baptist Church in North Chesterfield, VA. In addition to extended classroom space and playground, our learners have access to 15 acres of forest, supporting our mission to take learning outside the classroom.

We currently do not offer financial aid or scholarships, though it’s something we hope to offer in the future.

TimberNook is a nature-based program offered at Pace Academy in three ways: year-round as part of our learners' curriculum, through weekday community classes, and in our summer camps.

Each format provides unique outdoor, child-led play experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking, separate from our regular school programming.