SPECIAL FEATURES OF PACE
* Summer Program for Incoming Ninth-Graders
The PACE experience begins on the California State University, Sacramento campus with a mandatory four-week enrichment program designed for incoming ninth graders. The four daily high school-level classes center on activities in English, geography, writing and field trip preparation. Past field trips have featured river rafting or hiking near the American River, exploring San Francisco, conquering a ropes course and participating in an overnight trip to Yosemite National Park or Donner Summit.
The summer program provides a great opportunity for PACE students to establish PACE friendships, work with PACE faculty and begin the transition to high school. High school credits are earned for this program if student absences do not exceed three days. (Students may miss up to five days of summer school and still maintain their ninth-grade acceptance status in PACE, but will not receive any high school credit for PACE summer school classes. )
* School-Year Field Trips
During their four years in PACE, students attend two or more field trips per year. Field trips have included university visits, live theatrical productions, history and art museum tours, state park outings, and explorations of historical sites. These field trips have been offered at no cost to the student. Out-of-state field trips (such as a tour of East coast colleges and a trip to Ashland's Shakespeare Festival) are offered at a reduced cost.
* Speaker Series
PACE students are given the opportunity to attend question and answer sessions with prominent leaders. Past speakers have included Ron George, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court; Rick Rodriguez, Executive Director of The Sacramento Bee, Phil Angelides, State Treasurer of California.
* Investments in the Community
A PACE education encompasses not only academic subjects, but also citizenship through social responsibility. A student community service requirement (thirty hours per-school-year) encourages PACE students to learn about matters outside the classroom and provides them the opportunity to give back to their community.
* Cultural/Civic Events
There is a rich array of cultural and civic activity occurring in the Sacramento area. PACE students are required once each semester (twice during the school year), to attend a cultural or civic event and write an essay about their experiences. Attending these events provides opportunities for PACE students to learn more about their community, to expand their cultural and civic horizons, and to articulate their perspectives.
* Book Clubs
PACE encourages its students to read widely and to explore new literary horizons. During their freshman and sophomore years, PACE students participate in several small-group book clubs led by community volunteers. This allows an opportunity for detailed discussion of works of important and popular literature (fiction and non-fiction) in an informal setting.
* Internships
The Practical Politics Internship allows seniors to gain firsthand experience in government by working at city, county or state agencies, including the governor's office. The program has recently expanded to the private sector, with internships at a pharmacy, architectural firm, financial planning office and other places of business.
* Just For Fun
PACErs have many opportunities to socialize and celebrate their achievements at informal events, including PACE dances, rallies, the year-end dinner, and the annual senior trip to Disneyland.