The Difference

What makes A.C.E. different from other curriculum providers is its individualized, self-instructional, mastery-based approach. PACEs allow students to absorb subject material at their own pace rather than being forced to learn at a pace set by a teacher in a classroom environment. Instead of being labeled by a chronological grade, each student may advance according to individual learning abilities. For instance, a student placed in the fifth grade in a traditional school setting may be taking varying levels of PACEs in the A.C.E. system. This same student could be taking Level 4 math, Level 5 science, and Level 5 English. Students may move ahead in some subject areas and proceed at a slower pace in others.

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The A.C.E. program also enables Ventura Christian Academy to administer PACEs to multiple students on different grade levels with minimal staffing. Kindergarten and first-level students are taught with a phonics-based program that requires direct instruction from a supervisor. From the second level on, the student is guided by the self-instructional PACEs. School supervisors give limited assistance to help students discover learning through the material.

Placement Testing

Students using the A.C.E. curriculum for the first time take the aceconnect Diagnostic Test to evaluate where they are performing academically and to prescribe where they should start. Whether students are transferring to a school using the curriculum or are from a homeschooling family, the Diagnostic Test helps identify any “gaps” in a student’s education. PACEs are then assigned to help the student continue his educational journey.

Core Curriculum

Core curriculum provides students with academics, skill building, reading practice, character and wisdom training, and knowledge of God and His Word. This complete package begins with reading development and progresses through high school, giving students a solid foundation for pursuing their life goals.

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Students who are more skilled may progress at a faster rate or may accelerate in the areas of their academic strengths. Slower students are encouraged to do their best but are able to work at their levels of proficiency and proceed as they are capable.

Each core subject consists of 12 PACEs (Packet of Accelerated Christian Education) per level. Typical students work daily on one PACE in each subject and may be performing at varying levels. The diagnostic test results help to identify academic weaknesses and prescribe a path to help students catch up. Most students complete at least 70 PACEs per year, while maintaining academic balance by completing about the same number of PACEs in each assigned subject.

Multimedia

Readmaster Plus is an educational software suite that enhances students’ educational experiences while challenging their learning. Readmaster Plus offers four distinct computer software programs:

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• Readmaster® improves reading rate and comprehension skills for Levels 1–12.

• Typemaster® teaches computer keyboard skills for Levels 1–6.

• Math Builder® provides drill and practice in math concepts for Levels 1–6.

• Word Builder improves spelling, word usage, and pronunciation for Levels 2–8.

Electives & Additional Instruction Programs

In order to enhance the core curriculum, A.C.E. offers a number of other programs and courses beneficial to academic growth and development. Each of these courses adds interest and enhancement to the core curriculum and to other learning activities.

Additional Support

Lighthouse Christian Academy (LCA) serves as the K-12 distance learning provider for A.C.E. curriculum. LCA assists Ventura Christian Academy with academic advisors, support, accredited diplomas, and a graduation ceremony. Ventura Christian Academy students have the opportunity to earn an accredited diploma through LCA as well.

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A.C.E. also provides extensive support to Ventura Christian Academy using the curriculum. A series of Christian Educators’ Conventions and Supervisors’ Training is held throughout the U.S. and in several foreign countries each year. Several Administrators’ Training sessions take place each summer at the A.C.E. International Corporate Offices in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

What is a PACE?

PACE is an acronym that stands for Packet of Accelerated Christian Education. A.C.E. School of Tomorrow® has taken the conventional-style textbook and divided it into bite-sized, achievable booklets called PACEs. Each level consists of 12 PACEs per subject. PACEs integrate Godly character-building lessons into the academic content, and activities are carefully designed to develop thinking skills and create mastery learning. 

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A.C.E. provides an unparalleled system of individualized learning through PACEs. With minimal assistance, PACEs allow your students to absorb subject material according to their own learning ability rather than being pushed forward or held back by age. For example, a student placed in the fifth grade by a conventional school may be working in Level 4 math, Level 5 science, and Level 5 English in the A.C.E. program. Students may move ahead easily in some PACEs and proceed slower in others.

Inside a PACE

• Students begin their PACE work by noting their goals, the concepts they will learn, a Bible verse, and a corresponding character trait. From the beginning of each PACE, they know what is expected and assume responsibility for their own learning!

• Throughout the curriculum, the introduction of new vocabulary words is controlled so that no new vocabulary word is used without the student first learning its meaning and pronunciation. Vocabulary words are repeated to build mastery.

• Explanations and illustrations add excitement to each lesson, and innovative learning activities reinforce the text material.

• Each PACE contains several Checkups, or quizzes, covering sections of the PACE. If mastery in an area is not achieved, the Checkup will reveal that weak area. Students can then take the time necessary to review and learn those concepts before proceeding to the next section.

• Upon completion of the activities and Checkups, students prepare to take the Self Test. Here students evaluate themselves, and a supervisor determines readiness for the final PACE Test. When the Self Test is successfully completed, the student turns in the PACE and takes the PACE Test the next school morning. The PACE Test objectively measures student mastery of the material.