100% Canadian
Canada's Guide
to Private Schools
 
Find Schools
Evaluate Schools
Explore Advice
Meet Schools

My Shortlist

Keep track of your top schools
1

BUILD YOUR SHORTLIST

Login or sign up to save schools.
2

EVALUATE YOUR SCHOOLS

3

TRACK IMPORTANT DATES

Trusted by families since 1998.
Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. logo
in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.
TOPICS
Grades 1 — 8 — Richmond Hill, ON (Map)
 Add to shortlist
Visit school website

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

Don't choose a school before attending the Expo & Info Day.

Get Family Pass

Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. ACADEMICS & Curriculum


Page Contents

Insider community voices

Hear directly from Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. community as they share insights into the Academics.

Steven Dengler, Parent, Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. - text snippet underneath video thumbnail - academics
Parent

Steven Dengler

Shares something their child is particularly proud of at the school.
Jason T, Parent, Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. - text snippet underneath video thumbnail - academics
Parent

Jason T

Shares something their child is particularly proud of at the school.

Curriculum Traditional

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at P.A.C.E.: Traditional

P.A.C.E. has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Traditional?]

Our Kids definition: Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

Compare P.A.C.E.'s Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Traditional - 39%
  Liberal arts - 12%
  Progressive - 34%
  Montessori - 12%
  Reggio Emilia - 1%
  Waldorf - 2%

What P.A.C.E. says about their overall curriculum and approach:

P.A.C.E. is a magnet school for students who have been identified as intellectually gifted by means of a psycho-educational assessment. The curriculum is differentiated through various methodologies and strategies i.e. compacting, identifying learning styles, creative problem solving, acceleration, inquiry-based learning, addressing the critical thinking skills, sophisticated field studies, greater depth and breadth of instruction, etc. in order to meet the special needs and characteristics of gifted kids. Our courses reflect high powered learning experiences for our gifted learners, including pre-AP courses offered in grade 8. To address the needs of the whole child, wonderful Fine Arts, Athletic, and Co-Instructional Programs complement our strong academic program. There is something truly special about being surrounded by people passionate about everything they do.


Approach

Focus Special needs
Academic Gifted

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance

    P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 67%
      Traditional math - 27%
      Discovery math - 6%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    P.A.C.E. is a blend of old and new, allowing for the mastery of basic skills while creating exciting new initiatives in how to learn mathematics. It's not all about numerical operations but the understanding of mathematical concepts and the application of mathematics to real world experiences.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    A number of different textbooks are used at the high school level. But, most importantly, we create Resources Booklets for our students which allows us to draw from many different sources.

    Calculator policy:

    To foster the development of mental math students in grades 1-6 do not use calculators. Starting in grade 7 calculators are used for basic computational skills. Graphing calculators are taught and used in grades 8- 12, but only scientific calculators (without graphing capabilities) are used for evaluations.

  • Early Reading

    Phonics-intensive

    Early Reading approach at P.A.C.E.: Phonics-intensive

    P.A.C.E. has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).

    [Show: About Phonics-intensive?]

    Our Kids definition: Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Early Reading with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Phonics-intensive - 48%
      Whole language - 2%
      Balanced literacy - 50%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    Children entering in to grade 1 are reading at various levels; from one or two sentences with pictures, to chapter books. Therefore, often there are 2 or 3 reading groups each with different reading assignments. Typically, by January, all of the children have reached a comparable level in their reading fluency but not necessarily in their reading comprehension. By the end of grade one all of the children are reading the same novels.

    DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Writing

    Equal balance

    Writing approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal balance

    P.A.C.E. has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Process approach approach).

    [Show: About Equal balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Writing with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 78%
      Systematic approach - 11%
      Process approach - 11%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    Our children love to write, and we begin to introduce analytical writing as well as creative writing in grade one; the sophistication of which increases as writing assignments are introduced into writing categories: poetry, short stories, essays, and dialogues/monologues.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance

    P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 7%
      Inquiry - 25%

    Teaching approach:

    A variety of methodologies work best with our students. It is very important for our students to be exposed to the expert, to work effectively with their peers, and to creatively design their own scientific experiments.


    Treatment of evolution:

    SubjectOffered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance

    P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 73%
      Traditional - 25%
      Social justice - 2%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    Literature comes alive through multiple interpretations and rich performance tasks that include choral speaking, debates, trials, videos, music and drama.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Social Studies

    Thematic

    Social Studies approach at P.A.C.E.: Thematic

    P.A.C.E. has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).

    [Show: About Thematic?]

    Our Kids definition: The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Social Studies with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Thematic - 33%
      Core knowledge - 39%
      Expanding communities - 28%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    Through our broad-based issues and themes, students learn in a very holistic manner as opposed to learning content and facts in isolation. The exploration of the dynamic activities enhance the critical thinking skills and students learn how to apply, analyze and evaluate information. It is through these theme based assignments that our younger students learn to hone their research skills - both through written report and oral presentation.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance

    P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 79%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 13%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    Through our life skills course, civics, history, law, philosophy and classical civilization students develop their critical thinking skills through discussion, debate and analytical essay writing. Students enjoy discussing BIG IDEAS while respecting the opinions of their peers in a safe and open learning environment. Application to real life experiences remains an important aspect of any social science or humanities course.

  • Foreign Languages

    Equal Balance

    Foreign Languages approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance

    P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 64%
      Audio-lingual - 4%
      Communicative - 32%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    The acquisition of French as a second language includes the concrete sequential mode of learning as well as interactive group work. Our French Language program addresses the four components: Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Written and Oral Expression. Students study French cultural and language heritage as well as the constructs of formal grammar.


    Language instruction offered in:

    SubjectOffered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts

    Equal Balance

    Fine Arts approach at P.A.C.E.: Equal Balance

    P.A.C.E. has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 63%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 36%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    Students engage in making art come alive using a collaborative approach to learning. Taking risks, emoting and developing the aesthetic sensibilities create the ultimate performance in both drama and music.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at P.A.C.E.: Medium integration

    P.A.C.E. has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

    Our Kids definition: Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 52%
      Light integration - 22%
      Heavy integration - 26%

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    All students use personally owned devices to enhance learning experiences and opportunities in various disciplines throughout the regular school day. Robotics plays a very large role in our technology program and the instruction of coding begins in grade four.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    The development of a healthy mind and body is critical to success.

  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at P.A.C.E.: Ontario curriculum

    P.A.C.E. has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Compare P.A.C.E.'s Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 57%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 43%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    P.A.C.E. has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What P.A.C.E. says:

    This information is not currently available.

Language English

Learn about Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.'s languages of instruction and enrolment.

P.A.C.E. offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English

Curriculum Pace Accelerated

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at P.A.C.E.: Accelerated

P.A.C.E. has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Accelerated?]

Our Kids definition: The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

Compare P.A.C.E.'s Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Accelerated - 18%
  Standard-enriched - 54%
  Student-paced - 28%

What P.A.C.E. says about their curriculum pace:

This information is not currently available.


Flexible pacing style

Type Offered
Subject-streaming (tracking)
Multi-age classrooms as standard
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
Regular guided independent study opportunities
Differentiated assessment

What P.A.C.E. says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at P.A.C.E.: Rigorous

P.A.C.E. has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

Compare P.A.C.E.'s Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 51%
  Supportive - 49%

What P.A.C.E. says about their academic culture:

This information is not currently available.

Developmental priorities Intellectual

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

What P.A.C.E. says about their developmental priorities:

Addressing the needs of gifted children through a well balanced education that attends to the cognitive as well as social emotional needs of the children allows for us to groom good people who will be productive citizens in society.

Special needs support No support

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

P.A.C.E. offers No support

P.A.C.E. offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
    Dyscalculia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism
    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
    Asperger's Syndrome
    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
    Down syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
    Williams syndrome
    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
    Clinical Depression
    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
    Clinical anxiety
    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
    Suicidal thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
    Cerebral palsy
    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
    Muscular dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
    Blindness
    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
    Deafness
    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

What P.A.C.E. says:

P.A.C.E. is able to provide limited accommodations for students with learning disabilities i.e. extra time on tests and exams.


Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support Dedicated gifted school

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment

There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.

In-class adaptations

Program Offered
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

What P.A.C.E. says about their gifted learner support:

Through our broad-based issues and themes, students learn in a very holistic manner as opposed to learning content and facts in isolation. The exploration of the dynamic activities enhance the critical thinking skills and students learn how to apply, analyze and evaluate information. Addressing the social and emotional needs of the child is integrated in the day to day lives of the students through both teaching and learning practices.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 8, P.A.C.E. students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.

12345678
P.A.C.E.45 mins45 mins45 mins45 mins45 mins60 mins60 mins90 mins
Site Average16 mins19 mins26 mins31 mins37 mins44 mins56 mins60 mins

What P.A.C.E. says about their flipped classroom policy:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 1 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackGr. 1 to Gr. 12
Academic achievement reportingGr. 1 to Gr. 12
Habits and behaviour reportingGr. 1 to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsGr. 1 to Gr. 12
 

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.


The challenging curriculum supports intellectual development.

Insights from parents and alumni indicate that PACE School fosters an environment where gifted students are consistently challenged through a rigorous and diverse academic program, further enhanced by opportunities in various competitions, encouraging active engagement and intellectual growth.

This school is purpose-built for gifted kids, and so they're not there to let them off the hook for being gifted. They're there to develop that; they're there to encourage that; they're there to challenge that; they're there to give the kids a foundation that they can use to go forward in life, especially with assignments that are actually challenging. Last summer, when my son was between Grades 11 and 12, he took a first year university course, just for fun, at a prestigious American school. It was distance learning, but it was the full first year university course. He had no problem with that course, because he had the foundation of hard work, and the foundation of being challenged.
—Steven Dengler, parent (see full interview)
PACE isn't a school where you can coast; you have to put in the work. When you're a gifted child at other schools, it is easy for that to work against you. By that, I mean, it's easy to get by with great marks and hide. At PACE, you're always expected to work. There's no way to dissolve or hide behind somebody else. Everybody there is contributing on a daily basis. At some other schools, where students might be coasting, a lot of them get slammed when they go off to university.
—Steven Dengler, parent (see full interview)
If your child has an affinity for math, or chemistry, or robotics, or some other subject, the school provides amazing opportunities to participate in competition, and would really encourage your child to get involved in the competitions. They have baked into their educational outlook the chance to go out and find places to compete academically, and intellectually, whereas other schools might only have competition in sports. My oldest has been involved in a number of competitions, in math, chemistry, and biology. And they've been super encouraging. They've really helped with the preparation. He's actually placed first in a number of very prestigious math competitions, as well as winning a silver medal at the International Biology Olympiad last year, which was in Portugal.
—Steven Dengler, parent (see full interview)

The curriculum is balanced by a supportive academic culture.

According to insider observations, PACE School's diverse and balanced curriculum ensures students receive well-rounded education while maintaining a supportive academic atmosphere that encourages seeking help and developing essential study, time management, and project skills.

The academic program at PACE does a great job of balancing the curriculum. From math and science to visual arts and physical education, we feel that the kids are getting a robust education. The culture around academics has always felt supportive and encouraging, never demanding or full of pressure to achieve above all else. The students are guided and encouraged, allowing them to identify on their own any areas where they might need additional support. The staff has always encouraged the kids to ask for help when needed and they have never felt like they couldn't approach a teacher when they were struggling with something. Study skills are intertwined into the curriculum, as well as time management and even what I would refer to in a broader sense as project management skills. They're taught how to break down larger assignments, work toward a deadline and produce a specific set of deliverables. All these things will absolutely prepare them as they progress into later, more challenging, grades and into their higher education.
—Raminder Juneja, parent (beginning 2020) (see full review)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.

  Previous: School Leadership
Next: Student Body  

Continue your research on Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.:

 Add to shortlist
Visit school website
 Add to shortlist
Visit school website
How helpful is this report?
We'd love to hear your feedback at [email protected]
Our Kids
Get the eNewsletter
Canada's Guide to Private Schools
Canada's Guide to Camps & Programs

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Some information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. OUR KIDS ™ © 2026 All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive our exclusive eNews twice a month.


Name
Email
Verify Code
verification image, type it in the box
You can withdraw consent by unsubscribing anytime.

Our Kids
From OUR KIDS, Canada’s Guide to Private Schools,
Camps & Kids' Programs.