Learning Design

 

At Pace Academy, our mixed-age studio design encourages children to learn from each other, connect deeply with their peers, and mentor one another — at their own pace. Instead of teachers, we have Guides who facilitate student growth. Instead of grades, students demonstrate mastery through work portfolios and exhibitions. Our Learner Driven Community empowers students to co-create their learning environment, bound by clear contracts, as they Learn to Learn, Learn to Do, and most importantly, Learn to Be.

  • Learn to Learn

    Socratic discussions and self-paced mastery of reading, writing, and math skills equip children to be lifelong learners.

  • Learn to Do

    Real-world tools and skills through hands-on, project-based Quests that promote curiosity and problem solving.

  • Learn to Be

    ​Children build character and form authentic relationships through practicing warm-hearted and tough-minded teamwork with their peers.

The Hero’s Journey

Enrolling in Pace Academy is accepting our invitation to embark on a Hero's Journey, which is full of challenges and rewards. While mastering its rigors requires commitment, discipline, and hard work, the fulfillment from achieving such a worthy goal offers a resource they can access for life.

 

Life at Pace

 Our studios afford learners a great deal of freedom, within boundaries. Children learn to set goals, manage their time, and track progress. Our mornings are reserved for core skills, and afternoons for hands-on, real-world projects and reflection. With lots of time dedicated to exploration, play, and collaboration, our students help and learn to be helped by their peers in the studio.

Studio Design

Spark Studio

Ages 5-7

Inspired by Montessori principles, young learners come together to explore the world around them. We provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere where children are encouraged to ask questions and become independent. Children use hands-on materials to build a strong foundation of reading, writing, and math, with extended free play and exploration time each day. Our Spark Studio is experiential and intended to cultivate a love of learning.

Explorer Studio

Ages 11-13

The Explorer Studio is for students ages 11-13 who have already proven that they can work independently. These students will work on complex real-world problems and learn to write and think more deeply. Students continue collaborating, building their character and friendships with their studio mates who will challenge and support them through peer review of their work. This Studio ultimately brings students to a deeper understanding of their character while they explore their natural talents and gifts to discover who they are and where they are going. The Studio offers a higher level of freedom and a safe place to test their limits, failing early, cheaply, and often.

Discovery Studio

Ages 7-11

In Discovery Studio, natural curiosity is nurtured alongside a well-balanced learning experience. Personalized core skills — reading, communication, and math — are self-paced and mastery-based using adaptive technology, hands-on materials, and guided skill-building sessions. Students explore the arts, sciences, history, and the natural world through exploratory projects each afternoon in collaboration with their peers.

Launchpad Studio

Ages 14-18

Launchpad students get ready for real-world success by gaining valuable skills, mastering them through apprenticeships, and launching real startups, businesses, and projects. Students experiment with entrepreneurs, scientists, and community leaders to hone their most precious gifts and talents until they find their calling in life. Whatever their goal, students can design a 4-year high school experience that propels them toward their ambition. COMING FALL 2026.

 

A Learner Driven Community

  • Students create and sign a Contract of Promises describing the community norms and how each individual will act.

  • Mentor teams encourage younger and older students to listen, affirm, set goals and hold each other accountable.

  • Students earn "Learn to Be" badges that celebrate character development.

The TimberNook experience at Pace

Pace Academy is the exclusive TimberNook provider in Central Virginia. We are excited to include these incredible resources in our learning design and also provide dedicated TimberNook summer experiences outside of the school schedule.

Are you ready to begin your family's journey?