The charter application for PACE Academy was submitted to North Carolina State Board of Education in February 2003. PACE Academy's application was approved in July 2003. The preliminary planning year immediately followed. The charter for PACE Academy was signed March 11, 2004 for a ten year, renewable term. PACE Academy opened August 19, 2004. 

Mission Statement

The mission of PACE Academy is to support the academic growth, emotional development, and professional readiness of all students. We believe community-based learning promotes sound decision making, encourages independent problem solving, and provides our future workforce with prerequisite skills necessary for securing and maintaining post-secondary employment. 

Educational Program

The educational program of PACE Academy will address the academic, social, and vocational needs of high school students. Students will meet graduation requirements following the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Instruction at PACE Academy will be guided by the principles of the self-paced learning model. Encouraging students to work at their own pace to accomplish academic goals will increase time for one on one assistance, opportunities for cooperative learning, and authentic assessment, while reducing competitiveness, minimizing social pressures, and limiting stress within the classroom. After careful examination of each student's educational history, review of cumulative records, and extensive academic performance and skills assessments, PACE Academy staff will guide students to create a personal education plan based upon the North Carolina Occupational Course of Study or (Career Prep) Future Ready Core Course of Study for grades nine through twelve.