WHAT IS PACE?
Program in America and California Explorations (PACE) is a Small Learning Community (SLC) at John F. Kennedy High School. PACE offers students a four-year advanced academic program with an emphasis in English and history. The goal is to ensure that all PACE graduates are prepared to attend and succeed at competitive four-year colleges and universities. Each PACE student takes a rigorous college-prep curriculum (including math, science, and foreign language) and takes uniquely designed English and history courses with an emphasis on California history, government and literature.
During their freshman and sophomore years, PACErs are taught in two-hour "teaching blocks." History is taught to one group of students one semester for two consecutive class periods with one break, while English is taught the other semester, utilizing the same two-period teaching block. For PACE staff, block scheduling allows for more instructional flexibility and provides opportunities for getting to know their students better. PACE junior and senior students follow the traditional six-period schedule. Junior and senior PACE students continue a rigorous curriculum and are offered honors and Advanced Placement courses in English, history, government, and science taught by PACE faculty. Other AP courses are also available.