Accelerated Christian Education® has taken the conventionally styled textbook and divided it into bite-sized, achievable, worktexts called PACEs. Each PACE is similar to a unit in a textbook. Each level consists of 12 PACEs in each subject. PACEs integrate Godly character-building lessons into the academic content, and self-instructional activities are carefully designed to develop thinking skills and create mastery learning.
Students begin their PACE work by noting their goals, the concepts they will learn, a Bible verse, and a corresponding character trait. From the beginning of each PACE, they know what is expected and assume the responsibility for their own learning! Full-color explanations and illustrations add excitement to each lesson, and innovative learning activities reinforce the interesting text material.
Each PACE contains several Checkups, which are quizzes covering a section of the PACE. If mastery in an area is not achieved, the Checkup will reveal that weak area. Students can then take the time necessary to review and learn those concepts before proceeding to the next.
Upon completion of the activities and Checkups, students prepare to take the Self Test. Here students evaluate themselves, and a supervisor/tutor determines readiness for the final PACE Test. When the Self Test is successfully completed, the student turns in the PACE and takes the PACE Test the next school morning. The PACE Test objectively measures student mastery of the material.
Website: A.C.E.
(77 Reviews)
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Contributor Reviews
Reviews are solely the opinions of the contributor.
I currently enrolled my son because of lockdown situation in india. I found it useful as per gaining knowledge but coming to math my kid need all measurements in indian style which ace ciriculum will definitely don't help him in future math.
Cons: They teach little kids that the lochness monster is real
Grades Used: 3-7
My high school was the “poster child” school that would be easily pointed to as a reason to use ACE. For me, the best part about ACE was leaving it to go to a public school. I really enjoyed having to catch up with actual drug users because I had not received a basic foundation science and math. I really enjoyed that, while I got straight A’s on all my ACE tests and was regularly a “level E”, I had to repeat a grade when I moved to a “real” school because I was woefully unprepared for actual academic rigor. I do, however, get on my knees and thank God that I was put in a public school where I could learn, be challenged, and challenge others. I’m stronger for it. I’m sad for those I knew that didn’t “get out” and are struggling to cope with the things this program ideally would protect against. In the opinion of someone who had gone through it and have seen both sides...don’t waste your time. Don’t worry so much about your kids being challenged in their faith...let them be challenge and build it. In the end I now have a Master of Science degree and work in high paying jobs for Fortune 500 companies. I would not be here had I continued ACE.
Cons: Math needs a LOT of additional help. My son has to see a math tutor to get the "teaching" necessary for math and additional instruction practice on Khan Academy, some outdated facts, a little legalistic in its Bible teaching. It isn't "fun" or interactive enough for younger grades.
Grades Used: 1st, 8th, and 10th grade.
As a whole, I love ACE Paces. I am a working mom, so I do not have the time for constant lesson plans, excessive grading, etc. My 8th grader goes with me to work. I am a therapist that drives a lot and works in homes. He works with as we go, and we discuss concepts and do supplementary videos on drives. This program is PERFECT for my 10th grader. He has really owned his own education. This program is also really good at teaching organization, self-discipline, and motivation skills necessary to succeed in the work force.
It is not interactive for little ones. My 1st grader uses Abeka for reading and phonics, PACES for math, and unit studies for everything else. She needs a lot of activities to spark the love for learning. Honestly, I can't imagine how boring this curriculum would be for 12-13 years. I think parents of younger children will have to supplement a lot to see their children "thrive" and love learning.
My two older children are higher functioning on the autism spectrum. They attend the Lighthouse Christian Academy online school. The academic advisors are SO good. Because my boys had an IEP in the public school, they get modifications to the ACE program. For instance, they do 2 subjects at time. The advisors also seek to fill in the gaps of learning. If the child missed a crucial concept in 5th grade, they identify that gap and make sure the child has all the foundations before moving up to the next level. This did NOT happen in the public school. They just moved along even if the child did not understand the foundational skill.
Cons: You have to take charge
Grades Used: 1
I am homeschooling my 1st grade son this year due to the pandemic. He is on the spectrum with ADHD. He is excelling with the self paced books, plenty of little breaks. It allows me to work with him when he is ready to learn. We are finishing week 2. He's already completed a few paces and I suspect we may be able to finish two grades this year if we choose not to supplement with a lot of other activities (thanks to a great kindergarten program). With the addition of him attending a few hours of ABA a week, OT and speech. I love the flexibility, ability for him to take charge of his learning, the ability to keep moving on or to add extracurricular activities. I love the freedom to add my own touch/flare for what I want to teach him as a parent. It gives you the basics and you are free to expand! You can do schoolwork on weekends, evenings to work around your job, other activities if needed. You can take it with you on vacation, etc. I completed my own education using this curricular base. I went on to earn my masters in nursing and am successful.
Cons: Dumb names; old, outdated English; dumb character trates and goal reading
Grades Used: 6-8, 10-12
The concept is good, but the result is terrible. The English is the worst. They, just like many other curriculums, take the unfortunate conclusion that literature and Grammar belong in one course. In the high school years, English is complete garbage. Terrible, outdated methods of research on the grammar end, and literature literally take up over half of the Pace. Also, the stupid wisdom sheets are just a waste of paper. And that is just English. In every other subject, you still have the dumb comic strips, the useless ‘character trates’, and the infamous reading of goals. I know I vent, but grade 8 Ace is comparable to grade 4 Abeka. I can’t recommend this curriculum to anyone.
I have personally used ACE when I was in high school and am now using it for my 5th grader. A couple things to note:
-Any experienced homeschooling parent will tell you there is no ‘one size fits all’ curriculum. It doesn’t exist. Every curriculum has pros and cons and you have to do what’s best for your family.
-No curriculum in itself is interactive. It’s simply information on paper. You, the parent, must provide the extra things like games and hands-on activities like a public or private school teacher does in a classroom.
-ACE is an older curriculum that needs updated in some areas. I haven’t seen anything racist (as some others claim) but I agree that it needs to be updated.
-It’s definitely Bible based. If that bothers you, this curriculum probably isn’t for you.
-Sometimes ACE gets a bad rap because Christian schools use it and very little interaction is provided by teachers. I am not a fan of that because I believe kids need interaction to learn well.
-I personally believe parents should evaluate every year to see if a curriculum still suits their family needs. Some curriculum is very strong in elementary but not as great for the older years or vice versa. If one doesn’t work for you, the beauty of homeschooling is the freedom to change it up and tailor it to your family.
That all being said, I am homeschooling this year due to the pandemic/uncertain economy and I am fine with ACE for fifth grade. To clarify, my son has been in a Christian school that uses a popular curriculum that is very drill-and-kill. It was making my son miserable so I decided to change things up and I’m glad I did. ACE is a gentle approach to learning and while some of it is old fashioned, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I will re-evaluate next year to see if we should change curriculum or maybe we’ll go back to private schooling, depending on life circumstances. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend ACE to anyone.
Cons: legalistic, characters with absurd names, seems to discourage the freedom and ability to think crticialy
It was a long time ago I attended a christian school that used the ACE curriculum. I was actually 20 years old but had been out of school for the last few years so was doing some catch up learning. One thing that bothered me was that we were encouraged to see pastors and leaders as someone who was not to be questioned. There was an emphasis on submission to authority. By this i mean for instance, characters with names like " Pastor Alltruth". That's absurd. This suggests one's pastor is incapable of error and should not be questioned. In fact no one gets an A plus on their theology exam. And the bible speaks approvingly of those who are Berean and accept what an authority or teacher says only after testing it to make sure it actually IS truth. I would say that its a bit legalistic.
Cons: None
Grades Used: 3-12 and 7-12
PJ, thank you for your excellent review! Our kids were homeschooled, one from 7 through 12 and the other 3 through 12. We used a mix of a ACE (General Studies) Apologea (Science), Saxon (Math) and Tapestry of Grace (English/Literature). The content and accountability associated with a ACE is exceptional! By the time our kids were seniors, they both went to community college and took classes with credit that applies to their degree at 2 major universities, which they both attended. Because of the credits accumulated during each of their HS senior years, my son graduated in 3-1/2 years and my daughter a full year early. For anyone who thinks ACE has racist content or doesn’t work, you are highly mistaken.
Cons: None
Grades Used: K-3
Racism??? Where?
I used A.C E. for 3 years to bring my grandson up to grade level. Our public school system completely failed him.
He repeated Kindergarten.
He repeated 1st grade.
After 6 weeks in 2nd grade, he was failing so miserably I asked his parents to pull him out and let me have an opportunity. I had homeschooled 2 sons.
After several educational evaluations, it was revealed he was functioning at a late Kindergarten/early 1st grade level.
I had used Abeka with my other children, but felt it would move too quickly for my grandson. A C.E. was a perfect fit. Methodical, but thorough with ample review and repetition. After 2.5 years, he was so proud to be at his appropriate 4th grade level.
Solid, Biblical principles with no racism involved anywhere. There are characters of different races, all with equal abilities, etc.
Each student has a unique learning style. A.C.E. fit our need perfectly.
Cons: None
Grades Used: 2,3,6,9
To the person “briefly” educated...
I went to an ACE school for three years and am currently using ACE in my home. I have the actual books here right now. I have NEVER thought that anything was racist about this curriculum! I’m sure you could come up with something online to say that anything is racist. Good grief - stop looking for things to stir up strife.
Grades Used: 4th-5th
I am now in my 30s and was briefly educated by reading A.C.E. packets when I was quite young. I remembered racist elements in them—among other things that bothered me. I was thinking about that recently, looked it up online, and found specific examples of overt racism in the learning packets. I cannot link to articles and blogs detailing this information here, but it is available online.
I felt a real need to say something about the problem of racism here since I experienced the curriculum myself.
Cons: It is poorly and woefully misunderstood.
Grades Used: 4-11, 2-9
I would be more interested in reviewing the reviews. Some of you...."wow" is all I can say. If you are insisting that the curriculum is responsible for providing dynamic, interactive learning for your child, than YOU are the one who is being lazy. The ease in which you can simply take the assignments with you on a vacation, field trip, or road trip, etc... exemplifies the ease in which YOU can add a dynamic, interactive style to the learning. This curriculum is made of staples and paper and thereby does not have the authority to dictate how dynamic or interactive your child's learning experience is throughout the school year. That's YOUR responsibility.
For those who suggest the curriculum is nearing "white nationalism" - that is simple laziness. If you are searching so hard to find fault with the curriculum, than you are wasting your own time when you could have been finding a more dynamic, interactive method for your child. One of the things I love most about this curriculum is its focus on personal accountability - it seems some of the parents in this thread failed to master this concept.
I attended a private school that utilizes this curriculum during high school. I was sorely lacking in fundamental skills traditionally taught in the public school. With the first year, I not only excelled, but I had progressed ahead more than two full grade levels. I graduated Valedictorian, was accepted into more than five major state universities of my choice, received full academic scholarships, and completed my degrees (yes, more than one) in less than five years, including writing several dissertations. I am now at the top of my chosen career and I serve as a consultant for several healthcare companies.
In the spirit of fairness, I allowed my children to attend public schooling until it was woefully clear to me that there was complete lack of "dynamic, interactive" learning in that setting - apart from the fact that multiple children just happen to be sitting in the same room. My children were depressed and lonely. Everything was a popularity contest, even among the educators. Despite the fact that my children were straight A students, it was suggested that they be held back multiple times so as to, "ensure their mastery was concretely laid". Well, I scream a very firm, "Nope" to that sentiment. Not only was my 4th grader reading at a 10th grade level, my 2nd grader was solving multiple-step equations. "Nope", indeed. We now use the ACE curriculum. Not in a school, but at home, utilizing our own style of learning. My now 7th grader is in high school level subjects and my now 5th grader has just completed 8th grade literature. Both are happy, involved, gifted athletes, and are busy with friends 5+ days a week. No, the curriculum did not do that - I as the parent who facilitates their learning did that. Could that have happened in public school? Sure. Was it? That is also a resounding "Nope".
The curriculum gets the highest possible rating from my family because of its flexibility and its components, not to mention its structure and commitment to ensuring the student understand and gain mastery the concepts.
I hope some of you find the exact curriculum that is right for you and your children - but, my greatest hope is that you do not sell your children, or their schooling, short by searching for the easiest route to education.
Cons: I wish I could buy locally.
Grades Used: 1-10
I have been using ACE for my 5 kids age 8-16 for 10 years. I don't use all the subjects. This year my 6th & 10th graders are using math, social studies & science. My 3rd and 5th graders are using math & science.
We have tried other math programs over the years but keep coming back to ACE. It is nice to see the pile of completed books. Especially when you are going through a period of self doubt. You can see the progress. All 5 of my kids have varying learning issues. All of their birth parents had learning disabilities. The important thing to know about any curriculum is that it is not one size fits all. Every child learns at a different pace and they sometimes make leaps or slide backwards. You should definitely use a placement test for whichever curricula you choose. Your third grader may need to start in the 1st third grade pace or maybe the 10th second grade pace. If they are really smart, the third grader may be "prescribed" to start somewhere in fourth grade work. Don't buy a curriculum and be upset that your child is too smart for it, do your research and put them where they should be. And if they are ahead,great! They may move slower when things get tough or if they breeze through they'll be ready for community college while still in high school. Around here that is "free college credit"!
Cons: None
Grades Used: 8-12
Wonderful. This will prepare your child for college work. My daughter went through all the PACE's and went into nursing school. Today she is a Registered Nurse earning a good living. Those who say it is anythings less then successful did not work the program. As far a social interaction goes, there is a lot of interaction in public school that is unwanted and not needed. There are several actives for children outside of the public school actives. Be active in community sports, field trips with other home school students and church youth groups.
Cons: kids learn how to fill out a workbook - aims at procedural knowledge, out of touch with reality and complexity of life, promotes very black and white thinking, not truly bible-centered, trains children to be legalistic rather than loving Jesus, robotic
Grades Used: K-4, 7-8
I served as a teacher and monitor of an ACE school, and have taught in a public school.
In my experience, I think public schools are far ahead in pedagogy, research, and training of teachers and students. I understand the rationale for homeschooling and will spare you all from the merits of either types of schooling. From my perspective, ACE just seems out of touch, not in the “in the world but out of the world” way but disconnected from life. I wish students can learn the heart of God and experience Him authentically, not through conforming to a very specific set of standards that are not truly biblical. What I found out later is that ACE has independent baptist leanings. If you’re in this camp though, you would like it.
After teaching ACE for three years, I’ve lost the joy of being in education. While it may be a relief that students in this system are orderly and tame, in the long run, they miss out on inquiry, peer interaction, and many complexities that make life rich and meaningful.
I understand parents for choosing ACE due to the ease of access and administration. However, I beg you to consider alternative choices for the upper grade levels. Students need more than textbook answers and filling out word banks and multiple choice questions.
Cons: Not for everyone, especially those who are not self motivated.
Grades Used: 1-6
I enjoy using the ACE paces for my child. I can add to the learning at anytime by videos and other resources, however if time doesn’t permit, there is still a lot of material covered. Teaching multiple children, which I have done, makes it easier with ACE. One of my favourite thing about ACE is the tracking system and study for mastery.
I went to a Christian school for grade(s) 3-8, which used the ACE books. When I entered into public high school, I was miles ahead of the public curriculum.
Cons: None so far.
Grades Used: K-2
This is my 2nd year using ACE, and we love it so far. I thought kinder was going to be too easy but I think we adults are always trying to make it harder or "more challenging" than it needs to be. I've looked up my state standards and this curriculum covers it and more.
My oldest is in 2nd grade and he reads incredibly well. He's good at math. He's always asking me questions about science, Bible, and english. This kid's attention span can be pretty short, but he loves it. We get to talk and learn new things together. Social studies is alittle easy in my opinion but no curriculum is perfect. I don't mind supplementing at times.
Curriculum is just a foundation and you need something that makes sense to you & the kiddos. We (the parents) put the love of learning in them, not necessarily the curriculum. You can always build on it or supplement. Every parent will have different goals in mind for their children. It's very important to me that they aren't like the world, and entirely about loving God, serving Him and others, no matter what they grow up to be. God is the center. ACE helps keep us focused on the Lord along with our studies. Side note, they love the characters and comics.
I see them learning, and they are not behind kids in public school. I have nieces and nephews who go to public, and my kids are not behind them, if not maybe ahead. I don't care for public for a number of reasons, as I myself went to public k-12. I absolutely know ACE will prepare for college. There are plenty who have stated they've done ACE and have a degree. College is great so long as your not getting into debt for no reason. Go to college to get a degree you will actually use. I have nothing against college, but it's not necessary for all. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, no college, but wealthy. If my kids need to go for the career of their choice then they'll most definitely be ready. It's not something we push, but are supportive.
As we continue to use ACE we will always talk and expand on each topic; add or take away as we see fit.
Check the standards for your state and compare before you knock it. Its not for everyone, but it totally fits our needs.
Cons: disjointed bible integration; unchallenging; rote (read and regurgitate); child is silo'ed; does not promote discussion or critical thinking
Grades Used: 2; 4; 9
I'm using ACE for for my three boys, ages 7, 10, and 15.
I would say ACE is okay for kids under third grade, but the upper levels are simply not challenging enough. ACE relies on the same old formula, and varies little in its methodology...read a passage and answer the questions EXACTLY as you find them in the passage. I agree with other reviewers who say the curriculum is too rote and easy.
I'm also concerned with the KJV only bible verses on the bottom of the pages. The verses are often taken out of context to support a point. I'm also concerned with how culturally insensitive the social studies reading seem to be. It's actually demeaning to non-white, suburban American cultures, and seems to support a very narrow understanding of the world.
All in all, ACE is ok if your child is in kindergarten to first grade. The content is simply not good enough in the upper grades, especially if you want them to develop higher level thinking skills.
Science and social studies are the weakest part of the ACE curriculum. Math is also not rigorous enough.
Pros: Mastery education curriculum is wonderful. It is simple in elementary so by High School, when the curriculum is significantly harder, a solid foundation has been established. Learning to love to learn, and learning beyond what PACEs introduce is a useful skill in life.
Cons: I do not use PACEs for 5-8 English.
Grades Used: K-12
I taught NC History, World History, Geology, Physics and Chemistry in a public school. While I enjoyed teaching, seeing my children being able to complete PACEs at their own speed is invigorating. Having time to learn musical instruments and play various sports is a terrific addition to our curriculum. It is not uncommon for them to continue in the summer to complete another grade in the upper grades.
We have 13 children, 11 boys and 2 girls and they were all well-prepared for the next grade. We have 3 sons in medical school, 1 son in Information Systems, 1 son finishing up a degree in Christian film, 1 son is in Honors College in EE, ME and Economics. Our 7th son is a junior in college planning on a career as a dentist. Our freshman in college is preparing for medical school. The remaining 5 are continuing in ACE. ACE is flexible and thorough. I highly recommend ACE.
Cons: No teachers manual, only for one type of learner, math lacks explanation and help for those struggeling and is simply boring
Grades Used: For myself I used from K-5th grade. My son is using the 6th grade ones in two subjects.
PACE's were awful for me in school. I went to two different schools where they had them. There were times where the math was too difficult and nobody was around to ask questions or to have teach me. This was early 90's and the private schools that had/have these didn't have to have a teacher on site. So in a subject like math, well us hands on learners get left behind. Other subjects I was doing fine with. I do not remember the science or social studies, aside from them being very Biblical and ties everything back to Christianity. All of that is fine, but for those two subjects it takes away from the lesson and the facts. You are left knowing all about God, but not enough about the real world and how to think academically, rather than religiously. I hate that I was not in a public school for my early years. The foundations were not there and my time at the private schools who use these was spent behind an enclosed desk. As for homeschooling though, well I love the Language Arts and we use the Social Studies as our Bible curriculum. Sitting and guiding my son through the lessons has made all the difference and he is doing so well in those two subjects. If you have a child that is self taught and has the drive, well PACE's would be perfect. They are not good for the aural, physical, and verbal learner though.
Cons: nothing so far.
Grades Used: 1st grade
I use ACE math. It is definitely slower pace it works well for kids that need the slower pace math. Also the kids can test out of the pace and move on to the next if it is too easy. So people who are saying that they pace was too easy then have them test and move on. so me and my kid its working great.
Cons: Self Directed, unchallenging
Grades Used: 1-3rd
My daughter has been doing Paces for 3 years now. We first started out great, loved it. However things are starting to change for her she is needing more interaction and guidance than I can give. I work full time and I need to get something that fits better for us.
Also she is getting bored and not challenged at all. Looking at various curriculum for 4th grade, have not yet decided.
Grades Used: 9
I am thrilled with the PACE workbooks. I think the open book quizzes are a great way to get ready for the final.
Cons: Textbook-y
Grades Used: 3,4,6
We have used several curricula: Heart for Dakota, My Father's World, Christian Light Education, charlotte Mason, unit studies, delight led, and unschooling. I have positive thoughts on all of them, but this past year I put my always homeschooled children in public school, and they hated it. So I pulled them out and they were absolutely so thankful for ACE. They are usually finished with their school in 2 hours. We use a different curriculum for math, and a couple have chosen to use CLE for Bible, but the majority of our school is ACE. It has been nothing but a blessing to us this year. They can bring it along when I go to Women's Bible study; they can carry their little 3ring binder of school work anywhere. I set their goals and check their work each week to have them redo pages with me. We absolutely love this curriculum. They finish in the morning and have the afternoon to pursue their delight directed unschooling pursuits!