Academic Resource Center

Providing equitable support to ensure that all learners reach their full potential
-Pace Lower School Academic Resource Center Vision StatementThrough the Academic Resource Center (ARC), trained learning specialists offer academic support for learners in every grade in the Lower School. Learning Specialists use various instructional techniques to meet students at their points of need and move them progressively towards greater independence and success in the academic program.

Our Learning Specialists are equipped with knowledge and research-based resources to ensure that all Lower School students reach their full potential. Literacy skills are key to accessing all academic content. Therefore, it is important that children have a strong foundation in the fundamental components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. 

For students with unique learning needs, early intervention is essential. Learning Specialists partner with parents and teachers to identify students with different learning needs. They provide targeted support in foundational reading skills, written and verbal expression, and executive functioning. In addition, Learning Specialists help students learn study skills and strategies for acquiring, recalling, applying and retaining information. They provide academic support in small-group sessions during the school day at no additional cost to parents. 

The Pace Lower School ARC team is dedicated to helping families support their children. If you need additional resources for support or would like to have an informational conference, please contact Lower School ARC Director Judith Inniss. 

The Middle School Academic Resource Center (ARC), located in the Inman Center, is equipped with three dynamic learning specialists who avail their knowledge and expertise to students, parents and faculty.  Students may receive support in learning strategies, executive functioning, academic content review and approaches to assessments. A variety of Pace faculty members, including the Middle School guidance counselor and subject-specific teachers, also support students in the ARC in order to meet the needs of the whole child. ARC resources are available to students during the school day and after school, and students are scheduled for regular sessions based on teacher referral, parent request or student self-advocacy.

As students navigate through Middle School, it is important for them to understand the importance of self-advocacy, identifying their strengths and challenges, and embracing the art of being a lifelong learner.  The Middle School ARC is a place where students can explore these objectives in a comfortable environment while striving for academic success.

The Middle School ARC may also be a resource for families as their Middle Schooler becomes more and more independent. If you are interested in outside resources and publications or would like to discuss how the ARC can best support your student, please contact Middle School ARC Director Katy Goldsmith.