Learning Center
Class meets Monday through Friday from 8:15 to 11:45 AM - with a snack break at 10:00 AM.
The goal is ... to prepare children for the world today and give them the academic and spiritual tools necessary to achieve their God-given potential. - from the A.C.E. Ministries website
The ACE system works differently than most other curricula. It is based on mastery and on scholars taking responsibility for their own learning. The curriculum is presented in individual workbooks called PACES. Each scholar is placed at their own level in each core subject. After completing the PACE pages set as their goal, the scholar scores their own work, then makes corrections and scores again. In this way, the scholar gets immediate feedback on their work and a chance to correct their mistakes. When scholars complete all the work set as their goal within the school day, they don't have homework from the Learning Center for that day! RCS believes that a scholar's time with their family after school is very important.
A teacher is always available to help with concepts that the scholar finds confusing or to help scholars find answers to their questions. When the scholar's self test scores indicate they understand the concepts covered in a PACE, they take the PACE test. A score of 90% or above is passing and the scholar goes on to the next PACE. Scores below 90% on PACE tests are rare because questions and problems are addressed while the scholar is working in their PACE and before the scholar takes the PACE test. If the scholar does score 89% or below, the teacher gives supplemental assignments and provides tutoring, then the scholar retests on those concepts before moving on to the next PACE.
A teacher is always available to help with concepts that the scholar finds confusing or to help scholars find answers to their questions. When the scholar's self test scores indicate they understand the concepts covered in a PACE, they take the PACE test. A score of 90% or above is passing and the scholar goes on to the next PACE. Scores below 90% on PACE tests are rare because questions and problems are addressed while the scholar is working in their PACE and before the scholar takes the PACE test. If the scholar does score 89% or below, the teacher gives supplemental assignments and provides tutoring, then the scholar retests on those concepts before moving on to the next PACE.
A Typical RCS Scholar Office
Each scholar at RCS does their morning PACE work in their own cubicle which is enclosed on three sides and open to the center of the classroom on the 4th side. Scholars may decorate and personalize their space as they wish as long as it is neat and not distracting. The cubicle partitions are metal lined with cloth, so it is easy to decorate or hang up study notes with magnets. There is a small magnetic dry erase board in each cubicle. Scholars are also provided with drawers for organizing class materials and personal items.
