Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.

I am a recent graduate and cannot help but reflect on my 10-year journey at P. A. C. E. (from grade 3 to grade 12). As a former student, I feel compelled to share my thoughts about this great school. The academic program is outstanding, and the rigorous curriculum has prepared me well for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in my chosen field of study.

During my time at P. A. C. E, I had the opportunity to participate in numerous competitions and be part of various clubs that allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and develop leadership skills. I also loved being part of Winterlude, Drama Festivals, and Student Council.

I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful teachers I've had: Ms. Corbit, Ms. Knight, Ms. Diculescu, Mr. Obradovic, Mr. Short, and Mr. Krelove, just to name a few. They played a crucial role in shaping my education and helping me grow as a person. As I progressed through school, I received a lot of support from Ms. Gruchy, the Principal. She is an excellent leader, a caring mentor, and a counselor who guided me in making important life choices and helped with my career planning. The university application process was made significantly less stressful thanks to the guidance and support I received from her throughout the years.

I can confidently say that my time at P. A. C. E.was transformative. My experience here has left an indelible mark on my life, and I will forever cherish the memories and lessons learned during my time as a student.

Great environment. Friendly and responsive teachers that take pride and ownership of their job. Curriculum is tailored to meet the caliber expected of the kids. Our daughter is happy every morning to return to school, it’s her 6th year at PACE.lately pick up and drop off is a little challenging with limited parking inside and outside of the school… small thing in the big picture.

I highly recommend PACE for its outstanding services and parental support. The staff managed by Ms. Gruchy. (principal) is very kind, helpful and supportive. We have had an incredible experience with this school for my daughter since she started. Administration and teachers are hard working and go above and beyond. It is needless to say that in terms of education level this school is one of the best and most advanced in the area and that is one of the main reasons we enrolled our daughter. My daughter learns interesting and advanced materials on a daily basis and the teachers know how to teach them in very interesting ways and in a very friendly environment.

Absolutely Amazing School! 2 of my kids attended at P. A. C. E
my son is in grade 7 and my daughter is in grade 1. They have amazing education, they organize programs very well and they have great teachers and resources, they also have great students that are respectful (mostly) and have an amazing principal

From the first time I had contact with the school’s director to when I enrolled my child, our family's experience has been exceptional. The teachers and staff are dedicated, caring, and truly invested in the success and well-being of the child.

P. A. C. E.offers a well-rounded, academically challenging curriculum My child's progress and enthusiasm for learning have been remarkable. This stands true especially during the Covid mandated school shut down. P. A. C. E continued to be there for the students and even though the circumstances were unprecedented they provided the same standard of education to our children.

The school organizes various events and activities that engage students. We especially look forward to the Winter and Musical Festival each year which is a showcase of the wonderfully talented children at P. A. C. E.

After school the teachers are available to students who need extra help. P. A. C. E also offers a variety of after school programs. Whether it’s sports, drama, band, choir there is something for everyone.

The facilities are well-maintained. The safety and security of the students are a top priority, and I always feel confident that my child is in good hands.

The communication between the school and parents is excellent. We receive regular updates on our child's progress, and the teachers and school director are easily approachable and readily available to address any concerns or questions.

P. A. C. E.has exceeded our expectations in every way. It's a place where students are encouraged to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. I couldn't be happier with our choice for our child's education.

Wonderful school with amazing teachers! My child has been attending since grade 1 and absolutely loves it. Advanced curriculum, supportive environment, and generally a well run and organized school. Lots of interesting field trips and impressive performances. This school is great preparation for high school and university. Highly recommend!

Our son’s educational journey at PACE started when he was in grade 4. Coming from a French immersion program to PACE was certainly a massive change for him which brought in some unique challenges. The school administration helped him immensely towards adapting to the new learning environment and paved his way to educational success. For us, small class sizes, great supervision, academic achievements and a balance between art and science has been important and as such, we saw PACE as the right place for our son for the last eight years. Special thanks to the school management to work closely with the graduating students to seize their future in post-secondary education.

My daughter has spent 4+ years at PACE starting from grade one. The teachers here are patient and kids-loving. The academy program is more advanced. I particularly love the craft projects, for which I was always surprised by the quality. The school is a bit lacking in its facilities compared to other schools though.

This is a really good school. Highly recommended. A strong academic atmosphere, a deep but interesting and creative curriculum. The students there are nice and hard working. Professional education team. The whole school is positive and warm. My children are very happy to share interesting things in school with us every day when they go home.
Of course there will be teacher mobility, but as parents we can also understand, because private school teachers are highly mobile, which is an undeniable fact. NOT only like PACE. The key is that the school works very hard to control this uncertain factor. This is the most important. My family likes PACE and appreciate for all the staff for educating and guiding my children.

I am incredibly impressed with Pace. The teachers are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely care about their students' success. My child has flourished academically and socially since attending this school. The extracurricular activities offered are diverse and engaging, allowing students to explore their interests. The school's emphasis on creating a positive learning environment is evident in every aspect of their operation. I highly recommend Pace to any parent looking for a nurturing and stimulating educational experience for their child.

My children have been attending Pace Academy, and our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The school provides a nurturing environment that has perfectly catered to their individual learning strengths. I've noticed that they are about two years ahead in their studies compared to their friends in public schools. A big thank you to the dedicated staff at Pace Academy for ensuring each child's journey is both academically advanced and genuinely enjoyable.

P. A. C. E. Academy for Gifted Children provides a wonderful educational program that challenges and enhances the experience of their students. Janice Gruchy and her staff are true professionals who provide a nurturing environment as well as one that offers superior education.

I feel extremely honored that my daughter, Theo, can be a part of the Pace family from Grade 1. Every teacher has been incredibly patient and enthusiastic. You can see your child gradually grow, become more confident and independent in this small community. We are very pleased! The only possible improvement might be that parents would like to see the school enhance its facilities; other than that, we are very satisfied!

We chose P. A. C. E for our child because of her one day trial visit to the school, she said kids were like minded and the teachers were very supportive. This was important for us as we were looking for a school that would be challenging and engaging for our daughter. The gifted program is well balanced and our child loves going to school. I find that the teachers and principles are readily available to answer any questions and or address any concerns. If your child is gifted and you want them to be with like minded children then P. A. C. E.just might be the place for them.

I couldn't be happier with the education and support my son has received at PACE. He has been attending since 1st grade and is now in 6th grade. The teachers here are not only dedicated but also incredibly skilled at nurturing his talents. The school offers a well-rounded program that goes beyond academics, with various enriching extracurricular activities. My son's growth and development have been remarkable, and I'm grateful for the positive impact the school has had on him. This academy is truly a gem for gifted children.

An excellent academic-focused learning environment that teaches students organizational skills, accountability and hard work.

My son has been in Pace Academy for gifted children since grade 1, for 8 years now. My daughter also goes to Pace for four years now. I have seen the school and its staff going through some changes but one thing that has remain the same is the professionalism and dedication of everyone to creat a safe, healthy and respectful teaching environment for students.
I only wish the school had better sport facilities if you ask.

As a former student, I can safely say that PACE has exposed me to a curriculum and a wealth of information that could never be achieved anywhere else. From learning practical math beginning in grade 1, to dissecting polysyllabic words and learning what they mean in grade 7, through Word Within a Word, PACE is a student-centred school that embraces a deep understanding of all concepts in education, including math, science and a wonderful emphasis on the arts, with their bi-annual Festival of Arts and Festival of Words.

The administration and staff are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their respected fields. In my experience, the teachers were always there for students and always willing to help at lunch and after school hours. The director herself has a wealth of experience both in teaching and running the school. Students and parents should feel proud to send their kids to such a wonderful and well respected institution. I cherished my time there.

I am truly grateful for the positive impact Pace has had on my child's education and personal growth. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent seeking an outstanding educational institution that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures character and values. Thank you Ms. Gruchy, for shaping the future leaders of tomorrow with such dedication and passion.

Both my kids have been attending P. A. C. E.for the last 5 years. We are extremely happy with their academic progress. This school truly offers exceptional academics to higher level thinking students especially in Math, English, and Science. Currently, I have a 5th and 7th grader at the school. The hands-on experiences, and innovative projects my kids have to do especially in Science classes are just beyond their grade level. No other schools in the area can offer anything like it. My kids love it at this school, where they can be challenged, set a goal, and see the results. The teachers are all very knowledgeable, and approachable. Whenever my kids need help or clarifications the teachers are always available to them during homework period. From my experience so far, kids will thrive at this school if they are determined, and are dedicated to learning.

Excellent school! With two children attending the school, we have been part of P. A. C. E.for over 10 years, and my kids’ experience has always been rewarding. It is important for us to find a school that would challenge our kids academically, teach them the critical thinking skills necessary for university, and get the valuable life skills to navigate the world outside of school. P. A. C. E.has been providing all of that! It offers a challenging, yet well-balanced curriculum in every grade; it gives students the opportunities to engage in discussions and debates to practice their critical thinking skills; it also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, trips, and social events that provide students with opportunities to engage beyond the classroom experiences.
In addition, P. A. C. E.is committed to fostering a positive school environment, teaching the students values and ensuring positive educational and emotional growth. P. A. C. E.teachers and administrators take successful student education experiences at the school very seriously and encourage an environment of kindness and responsibility.

This is a fantastic school with one of the best reputations in the province. My child (now in grade 11) has been a student here for the past 6 years and I praise staff for the level education and maturity they instilled in my kid. Aside from an intense academic focus this school places a focused approach on developing maturity, independency and creative thinking in kids.

While there are several teachers to mention (Obradovic, Short, Krelove, Corbit) leadership of the school is what sets the tone (Ms. Gruchy).

Not every child may be a fit to this school - it requires a certain level of academics and family support for the student to be successful. However I would strongly advise for PACE to be considered if you are looking for a higher level of education for you kid.

Pace School is an exceptional institution. The faculty is knowledgeable, committed to student success, and fosters a positive learning environment. The curriculum is well-rounded and comprehensive, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The school's culture promotes inclusivity and respect, creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Overall, Pace School offers a high-quality education and a nurturing environment for students to grow and thrive. Pace school has proven to be the best school multiple times and I am proud my son goes there. The school principal and all the faculty there are very professional and care about the students.
-Fara Homayoonkhah

I attended P. A. C. E.from Grade 2 (September 1995) to Grade 12 (June 2006), and I have nothing but glowing things to say about my time there. It is a truly beautiful community full of unique and exceptional individuals (both students and staff), and now, almost 20 years after I graduated, my classmates are still my closest friends. Academically, the school challenges and encourages students to become independent and life-long learners, and does an excellent job tailoring curriculum to meet each student's needs. I actually can't imagine where I would be without the investment that the teachers and administration made in me during my time there, and I am eternally grateful to all of my mentors. In fact, I still regularly visit the school when I get the chance to say hello to the teachers and staff who influenced me the most and are still around, namely Caroline Corbit, Allan De Lara, Ryan Short, Joanne Abela, and Janice Gruchy.

And speaking of Janice Gruchy, I was lucky enough to be there when she arrived at the school, and was actually in the first class that she ever taught! I have a ton of love and respect for her as an educator and as a human, and I could not be happier to see her shepherd Barbara Rosenberg's vision into a new era.

The only semi-negative thing I have to say is that I do think it's extremely sad that the high school is being phased out. I understand that P. A. C. E.is not a charity and that tough business decisions have to be made, but I think that high school environment was special and unique and I can't imagine it existing anywhere else. It may not have been right for everyone, but for the people it WAS right for it was absolutely amazing.