Pace Academy

Pace Academy
source
Name	Pace Academy
Established	1958
Type	Independent day school
Address	4720 Northside Drive
City	Atlanta
State	Georgia
Country	United States
Campus	Urban
Enrollment	~1,100
Grades	Pre-K–12
Colors	Green and Gold
Mascot	Knight

Pace Academy is an independent, college-preparatory school in Atlanta, Georgia, serving students from preschool through grade 12. Founded in 1958, the school occupies an urban campus and participates in regional networks and associations while maintaining connections to local institutions and national organizations. Pace emphasizes liberal arts preparation, experiential learning, and extracurricular engagement across divisions.

History

Pace was founded in 1958 during a period marked by events such as the Civil Rights Movement and the aftermath of Brown v. Board of Education (1954), with early governance tied to local civic leaders and private boards. Over decades the school navigated developments in Atlanta University Center, partnerships with institutions like Emory University, collaborations with cultural organizations such as the High Museum of Art, and responses to municipal initiatives from the City of Atlanta. Leadership transitions reflected broader trends seen in independent schools represented by groups like the National Association of Independent Schools, and expansions paralleled growth in Atlanta driven by corporations such as Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines. Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries Pace engaged with pedagogical shifts influenced by standards from organizations like the Southern Association of Independent Schools and accreditation bodies. Institutional milestones included campus expansion concurrent with metropolitan projects like Interstate 75 developments and demographic changes tied to suburbanization patterns exemplified by Buckhead and Sandy Springs.

Campus

The campus sits near landmarks including Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, with facilities accommodating divisions, arts spaces, and athletic fields. Buildings have hosted visiting collaborators from institutions such as Georgia State University, visiting artists affiliated with the Woodruff Arts Center, and speakers from organizations like TED. The site’s planning reflected municipal zoning overseen by City of Atlanta agencies and engaged landscape designers who have worked for clients like Atlanta History Center. Campus technology infrastructure incorporates partnerships with vendors used by universities such as Georgia Tech and media resources paralleling collections at the Hapeville and regional public libraries like the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Campus security and emergency planning align with protocols from agencies including Fulton County offices and state-level guidance from Georgia Department of Education standards, while sustainability efforts mirror initiatives by groups such as the Trust for Public Land and the U.S. Green Building Council.

Academics

The academic program spans Lower, Middle, and Upper School curricula informed by frameworks used by programs like the Advanced Placement program and regional course offerings comparable to those at Lakeside School and Horace Mann School. Departments include mathematics, sciences, humanities, world languages, and visual and performing arts with elective collaborations mirroring conservatory links such as those at the Cobb Symphony Orchestra and visiting scholars from Spelman College and Morehouse College. Students pursue trajectories similar to applicants to institutions like University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University, Duke University, Princeton University, and Harvard University. Faculty development often references conferences hosted by the Educational Records Bureau and professional groups such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Assessment practices include standardized examinations used by districts and testing organizations like the College Board and the Educational Testing Service.

Student life

Student life features arts programs, service initiatives, and clubs that collaborate with community partners including Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and cultural institutions like the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The student government model reflects structures found at peer schools such as The Westminster Schools and Marist School, while publications and media are produced with tools comparable to those used by collegiate outlets like The Emory Wheel and The Technique. Traditions include assemblies, convocations, and speaker series inviting figures from organizations such as Peace Corps, Teach For America, Atlanta Public Schools, and regional business leaders from Equifax and Home Depot.

Athletics

Athletic programs compete in leagues with other independent schools and metropolitan teams, fielding squads in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, cross country, and track and field. Teams have competed against opponents from schools like The Lovett School, Woodward Academy, St. Pius X, Christ Presbyterian Academy, and McEachern High School. Facilities support strength and conditioning programs modeled on collegiate training seen at University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, with coaching staff who have ties to regional clubs such as Atlanta United Academy and recreational leagues overseen by the Georgia High School Association for certain competitions. Athletic achievements and championships have been recorded alongside regional tournaments hosted by organizations such as Cobb County athletic associations and invitational events like the GHSA postseason.

Admissions and tuition

Admissions procedures include application components similar to those used by peer independent schools, including transcripts, recommendations, and interviews, reflecting practices promoted by networks like the National Association of Independent Schools and regional testing benchmarks through the Educational Records Bureau. Tuition rates and financial aid policies are periodically reviewed by trustees and are competitive with schools in the Atlanta area, with scholarship and need-based aid administered through internal committees and philanthropic support from foundations such as the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and alumni donors with links to corporations like AFLAC and Cox Enterprises.

Category:Schools in Atlanta Category:Private schools in Georgia (U.S. state)