Exploring PACE Academy

Palmetto Achievement Center for Excellence (PACE) Academy charter school, an Alternative Education Campus (AEC), provides evidence-based, multi-sensory, structured language instruction to students in grades 2 – 8 in the South Carolina Midlands.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), in 2017, only 29% of South Carolina 4th grade students and 30% of South Carolina 8th grade students were able to score at or above proficient on the reading assessment, placing South Carolina 47th in the nation for reading. (National Report Card)  Despite the extra effort focused on literacy across the state, South Carolina has struggled to improve the literacy rate of students for the last decade. Though there are many factors that contribute to the low literacy rate of students in South Carolina, one highly over-looked reason is the fact that research now shows that 1 in 5 people have some level of dyslexia.

The primary goal of PACE Academy is for all students to learn to read effectively and efficiently. With this goal in mind, PACE ensures all teachers and classroom assistants are trained in multi-sensory, structured pedagogy, with the Orton-Gillingham Approach and are taught to implement such programs with intensity and fidelity. All teachers and classroom assistants are provided with training in best practices and curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of dyslexic learners while meeting the needs of all learners. They are also taught to use assessments to guide and differentiate their instruction to meet the individual needs of all students. Professional development every Wednesday afternoon focuses on multi-sensory/project-oriented instruction, student data analysis, technology, and social skill development to ensure the success of all students enrolled in PACE Academy. Students at PACE Academy are required to master South Carolina College and Career-Ready Standards to build a strong educational foundation.

For more information on appropriate instruction for children with dyslexia, visit the International Dyslexia Association.

Interested in Joining PACE Academy in the 23-24 School Year?