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.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to ensure all students master foundational reading skills along with South Carolina College and Career-Ready Standards to reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom.

Our Philosophy

Although people with dyslexia have average to above-average intelligence, they continuously struggle academically in traditional educational settings because these programs are not set up to meet the specific needs of children with dyslexia. Extensive research has continuously proven that a structured, evidence-based literacy program implemented with fidelity by well-trained teachers and support staff is the most effective way to empower students with dyslexia to obtain academic success.   PACE Academy believes that by providing our students with this type of instruction, we can ensure all students, with or without dyslexia, master foundational reading skills necessary for academic success and life outside the classroom.

Our Commitment

PACE Academy is committed to ensuring 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.

Our Promise

Dyslexia and related learning challenges are characteristics of most PACE Academy students but will not be viewed as obstacles preventing their mastery of South Carolina College and Career-Ready Standards and literacy skills. PACE Academy curriculum and programs are specifically and intentionally designed to meet the needs of dyslexic learners.  PACE respects the unique talents each student brings and pledges to work tirelessly to ensure that they achieve the academic, technical, and social skills necessary to accomplish their future educational and career goals through a supportive and motivational environment that emphasizes specialized, systematic, multi-sensory, and individualized instruction. PACE Academy will fill the void that dyslexic students have historically encountered in traditional public school systems and will enable students to achieve academic excellence.

Our Values

Despite the difficulties people with dyslexia face academically, research has shown there is no connection between their overall intelligence and their ability to read. In fact, PACE Academy believes there are many advantages to having dyslexia. Many famous dyslexics, like Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, George Washington, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and many more, are celebrated for their intelligence and have shaped the world we live in today. PACE Academy firmly believes dyslexia is a gift and if given the proper tools for success, every child with dyslexia will agree! For more information on famous dyslexics and how they impact our world today, check out this article from Commonwealth Learning Center.

Inclusivity Statement

The Board of Directors and Administrative team make a commitment to honor the uniqueness of each individual at PACE Academy. We embrace diverse backgrounds, values, and points of view to build a strong, inclusive community and to prepare students for lives in a multicultural society. We hold strong to the belief that every child and employee shall be accepted regardless of race, culture, religion, creed, citizenship, socio-economic status, disability, medical status, sexual orientation, or identity. And we dedicate ourselves to promoting excellence and equity for every person involved with PACE Academy.

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

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