Learning at Pace.
Pace combines mastery-based academics with real-world experience, leadership and independent benchmarks, so that learners are academically prepared and ready for an uncertain world. Freedom is extended as responsibility is shown.
How learning is organized.
Core skills
Math, literacy, writing, communication and research, mastered step by step.
Quests
Cross-curricular projects that bring together science, history, entrepreneurship, civics, teamwork and problem solving.
Socratic discussion
Learners practice thinking critically, communicating well and engaging respectfully with different views.
Exhibitions
At the end of every session, learners demonstrate what they have learned in public, in front of families.
Leadership
Learners take on growing responsibility, and contribute to and serve others.
Guides.
In Pace’s youngest studios, Montessori-certified Guides give learners direct, hands-on instruction. As learners grow, the Guide’s role shifts. By Launchpad, Guides act as mentors and coaches who help each learner reach their own conclusions rather than lecturing from the front.
At every stage, Guides are developmental coaches. They set challenges, hand over ownership, lead reflection, protect standards, and build community. Expectations are high, and so is support.
With an average of fewer than ten learners per Guide, every learner is known.
Freedom and responsibility.
Each learner writes a Contract of Promises that defines their role in the community, and works in mixed-age teams that build collaboration, accountability and goal-setting. Every Friday learners run Town Hall, propose ideas and vote on how their studio works. Freedom grows as responsibility and mastery are shown.
Character develops alongside academics, and learners earn Learn to Be badges for leadership and character.
Outdoors.
Fifteen acres of forest are part of the school week. Pace is a TimberNook Certified school, and Spark learners follow the TimberNook nature-play curriculum, with extended time, ample space and natural loose parts that support deep, child-led play. Older learners take on expeditions, including state park trips and biodiversity measurement at Pocahontas State Park.
Measuring progress.
No single test defines a learner. Readiness is judged on demonstrated mastery, performance and character over time.
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Mastery of academic standards
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Badge completion
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Writing and portfolio work
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Public Exhibitions
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Leadership experiences
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National benchmarking through NWEA MAP, three times a year in the older studios
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DIBELS and Montessori observation in Spark, with dyslexia screening
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Advanced coursework, certifications and college credit opportunities
The Pace graduate.
Pace prepares young people for college and careers, and for the larger work of building a life of their own.
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A lifelong learner
They know how to learn.
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An independent thinker
They form their own conclusions.
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A skilled communicator
They listen, speak, write and connect effectively.
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A resilient problem solver
They persist through challenge and uncertainty.
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An active, informed citizen
They strengthen their communities.
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A whole, integrated person
They know themselves and live with integrity.
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A leader
They help people and teams thrive.
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An entrepreneur
They create value and pursue opportunity.
Visit Pace.
Spend an afternoon at the school, meet the Guides and watch learners at work.