Pace Academy stands as a defining institution in Atlanta’s educational landscape, consistently ranked among the premier independent, co-educational, college-preparatory day schools in Georgia. Located at 966 West Paces Ferry Road in the historic Buckhead neighborhood, the academy serves approximately 1,150 students from Pre-First through 12th grade. Established in 1958, it has evolved from a small community school into a global leader in K-12 education, characterized by its rigorous academics, commitment to character development, and a unique emphasis on global citizenship.

The school is widely recognized for its iconic landmark, "The Castle," a stone mansion that serves as the heart of the campus. Beyond its historic architecture, Pace Academy is defined by a low student-teacher ratio—averaging 9:1—which facilitates an intimate, discussion-based learning environment where every student is known, supported, and challenged.

The Foundation of Excellence: Mission, Values, and History

The mission of Pace Academy is clear and ambitious: to create prepared, confident citizens of the world who honor the school's core values. This mission is anchored by the school’s motto, To Have the Courage to Strive for Excellence, a guiding principle that informs every academic curriculum, athletic competition, and artistic endeavor.

A Legacy Built on Transformation

The history of Pace Academy reflects the broader evolution of Atlanta itself. Founded in 1958 by a group of community leaders led by Jane Tuggle and Mills B. Lane, the school initially opened its doors to 150 students in a rented estate. The early years were focused on establishing a rigorous academic foundation. However, the most significant turning point in the school's history occurred in the late 1960s. In 1967, the board of trustees voted unanimously to integrate the school, making Pace one of the first independent schools in Atlanta to do so. This decision fundamentally shifted the school’s trajectory toward becoming an inclusive community that values diversity of thought, belief, and background.

Core Values in Practice

Pace Academy operates on a foundation of Judeo-Christian values, though it remains nonsectarian and independent. These values emphasize:

  • Partnership: A collaborative relationship between parents, students, and faculty.
  • The Whole Child: A focus on social, emotional, and physical growth alongside intellectual development.
  • Respect: Fostering an environment where diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs are celebrated.
  • Global Mindsets: Encouraging curiosity about the world beyond the local community.

Academic Rigor: A Three-Division Structure

Pace Academy is strategically organized into three distinct divisions, each designed to meet the developmental needs of its students while maintaining a cohesive educational journey from early childhood to young adulthood.

Kam Memar Lower School (Pre-First – Grade 5)

The journey at Pace begins in the Lower School, where the focus is on sparking curiosity and building fundamental skills. The "Pre-First" grade is a unique feature of Pace, acting as a bridge between kindergarten and first grade to ensure children have the emotional and cognitive maturity required for long-term academic success.

In these early years, the curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning. Classrooms are vibrant hubs of activity where teachers use multi-sensory approaches to education. Science and technology are integrated early on, with dedicated lab spaces where young students begin exploring the basics of robotics and environmental science. A hallmark of the Lower School is the "Strings" program, where every student is introduced to a stringed instrument, reflecting the school’s belief in the cognitive benefits of music education.

Garcia Family Middle School (Grade 6 – Grade 8)

The Middle School years are viewed as a critical period of transition. Pace Academy addresses this by providing a structured yet flexible environment in the Garcia Family Middle School building. This 57,000-square-foot facility is designed to foster independence while maintaining a safety net of faculty support.

The curriculum shifts toward more specialized subjects, including foreign languages (Spanish, French, and Latin), advanced mathematics, and laboratory-based sciences. There is a heavy emphasis on writing across the curriculum, preparing students for the analytical demands of high school. Beyond academics, the Middle School focuses on "Transitions," a program that helps students navigate the complexities of adolescence, peer relationships, and digital citizenship.

Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School (Grade 9 – Grade 12)

The Upper School is the pinnacle of the Pace experience, housed in a state-of-the-art facility named after the Arthur M. Blank family. The atmosphere here resembles a small liberal arts college. Classes are often conducted around Harkness tables, encouraging seminar-style discussions rather than passive lecturing.

Pace offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and honors-level classes. The faculty, many of whom hold advanced degrees, serve not just as teachers but as mentors. The college counseling program is particularly robust, beginning formal engagement with families in the ninth grade to ensure that students find the best fit for their post-secondary education. Historically, Pace graduates matriculate to some of the most competitive universities in the world, equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary for higher education.

The Signature Program: Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL)

What truly distinguishes Pace Academy from its peers is the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL). Launched in 2014, the ICGL is not just an extracurricular program; it is a cross-divisional curriculum that shapes the identity of every Pace student.

Annual Global Themes

Each year, the entire school explores a single global theme. Past and current themes have included Water, Food, Climate, Conservation, Energy, and Health. This thematic approach allows students to see the interconnectedness of global issues across different subjects. For example, during the year of Water, a Lower School student might learn about the water cycle in science, while an Upper School student explores the geopolitics of water rights in a history seminar.

The Four Pillars of ICGL

  1. Curriculum: Integrating global themes into standard academic coursework.
  2. Co-Curriculars: Guest speakers, scholars-in-residence, and local community service projects.
  3. Global Study Tours: These are highly structured international trips that allow students to engage in field research, service learning, and cultural immersion. Recent tours have taken students to places like Iceland, South Africa, and the Amazon Basin.
  4. Leadership Fellowships: For Upper School students, the ICGL offers prestigious fellowships that fund independent research projects and leadership development opportunities.

By the time a student graduates from Pace, they are expected to have a nuanced understanding of global challenges and the leadership skills necessary to address them.

Campus and Facilities: Blending Tradition with Innovation

The Pace Academy campus is a blend of historic charm and modern utility, situated on a lush, 37-acre site in Buckhead.

Kirkpatrick Hall (The Castle)

The iconic "Castle," officially known as Kirkpatrick Hall, was originally a private home built in 1931 using stone quarried from the property. Today, it houses administrative offices and serves as a powerful symbol of the school's heritage. For students and alumni, the Castle represents the "home-like" atmosphere that Pace strives to maintain despite its growth.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Upper School

Opened in 2014, this facility changed the face of the campus. It includes specialized science labs, a world-class library, and the "Great Room"—a central gathering space for students to collaborate and socialize. The building was designed with sustainability in mind, reflecting the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Fine Arts Center and Inman Student Activities Center

Pace Academy invests heavily in the arts and student wellness. The Fine Arts Center includes a 600-seat theater, professional-grade ceramics studios, and music rehearsal halls. The Inman Center, on the other hand, serves as the hub for athletics and student life, featuring a gymnasium, a natatorium (swimming pool), and a dining hall that provides nutritious, chef-prepared meals for the entire community.

Riverview Sports Complex

Since the main campus is located in a residential area of Buckhead, the school utilizes the Riverview Sports Complex in nearby Cobb County for many of its outdoor athletic programs. This 23-acre complex includes stadiums for football, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field, as well as high-quality baseball and softball fields.

Athletics and Arts: The "Knights" Culture

Extracurricular participation is a cornerstone of the Pace experience, with nearly 90% of the student body involved in at least one sport or arts program.

Competitive Athletics

The Pace Knights compete in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). The school’s athletic philosophy focuses on teamwork, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence.

  • Football: Despite being a relatively young program (started in 2009), the football team has achieved significant success, including state championships.
  • Soccer and Baseball: Historically, these have been the "powerhouse" sports for Pace, producing numerous collegiate and professional athletes.
  • Basketball: The boys' and girls' basketball programs are perennial contenders in the state playoffs, often playing in front of capacity crowds at the Inman Center.

Fine and Performing Arts

The arts at Pace are not treated as electives but as essential components of a well-rounded education.

  • Visual Arts: Students explore everything from traditional painting and sculpture to digital photography and 3D printing.
  • Performing Arts: The theater department produces multiple shows a year, ranging from Shakespearean dramas to modern musicals. The debate program is also nationally recognized, consistently ranking among the top teams in the country.

Admissions and Tuition: Investing in the Future

Admission to Pace Academy is highly selective. The school seeks students who are not only academically capable but also demonstrate curiosity, character, and a desire to contribute to the community.

The Admissions Process

Prospective families typically begin the process a year in advance. Requirements include:

  • Standardized testing (such as the SSAT).
  • Teacher recommendations and school transcripts.
  • Student and parent interviews.
  • Campus visits through the "Ravenna" platform.

The primary entry points are Pre-First, 6th grade, and 9th grade, though vacancies in other grades are filled as they become available.

Tuition and Fees (2026-2027 Academic Year)

Investing in a Pace education involves a significant financial commitment. For the 2026-2027 school year, the tuition rates are as follows:

  • Lower School (Pre-First – Grade 5): $37,360
  • Middle & Upper School (Grades 6 – 12): $43,020

Tuition typically includes lunch, lab fees, and school insurance. However, families should budget for additional "non-tuition essentials" such as textbooks (for grades 6-12), uniforms, and optional ICGL study tours.

Financial Aid and Accessibility

Pace Academy is committed to ensuring that its community reflects the socio-economic diversity of Atlanta. To this end, the school awards over $5.1 million in need-based financial aid annually.

  • Need-Blind Admissions: A student’s academic qualification is considered independently of their financial situation.
  • 100% Demonstrated Need: Once a student is admitted, Pace is committed to meeting 100% of the family’s demonstrated financial need, as calculated by the "Clarity" financial aid system.
  • The Pace Access Fund: This specific fund helps cover the cost of "non-tuition essentials" for families receiving aid, ensuring that all students can participate in every aspect of school life, including global travel and athletics.

Notable Alumni and Community Impact

While Pace Academy emphasizes the growth of the individual, its impact is often measured by the success of its alumni. Graduates of Pace have gone on to become leaders in various fields:

  • Professional Sports: Players in the NFL, NBA, and MLB, including notable names like Andrew Thomas and Wendell Carter Jr.
  • Arts and Entertainment: Successful actors, film producers, and musicians.
  • Technology and Business: Founders of innovative startups and executives at Fortune 500 companies.
  • Public Service: Leaders in non-profits, law, and government.

The school maintains a strong alumni network, with many graduates returning to campus as guest speakers, mentors, or even faculty members, further strengthening the "family" feel of the institution.

Conclusion

Pace Academy remains a lighthouse of academic excellence in the Southeast. By balancing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a forward-thinking global leadership program, the school successfully prepares its students for the complexities of the 21st century. Whether it is through a discussion at a Harkness table, a service project in the local Atlanta community, or a study tour halfway across the world, Pace students are consistently challenged to "have the courage to strive for excellence." For families seeking an education that values the whole child while demanding high intellectual standards, Pace Academy stands as a premier choice in Atlanta.

FAQs

What is the "Pre-First" grade at Pace Academy?

Pre-First is a developmental bridge between kindergarten and first grade. It is designed for children who may benefit from an extra year of social, emotional, or cognitive growth before entering the more formal academic environment of the first grade. It ensures a strong foundation for future success.

How does Pace Academy handle global travel?

Global travel is facilitated through the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL). While trips are optional, they are highly integrated into the curriculum. The school provides "Citizens of the World" travel grants to help cover airfare costs, and financial aid applies to these trips for qualifying families.

Is Pace Academy a religious school?

No, Pace Academy is an independent and nonsectarian school. While it is rooted in Judeo-Christian values and emphasizes character and ethics, it does not have a formal affiliation with any specific church or religious organization. It welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pace?

The average student-teacher ratio is 9:1, with average class sizes ranging from 12 to 15 students. This allows for personalized attention and foster strong relationships between faculty and students.

Where do Pace Academy students go for outdoor sports?

While some facilities are on the Buckhead campus, the school uses the Riverview Sports Complex in Cobb County for sports like football, baseball, softball, soccer, and track. The school provides transportation for students to and from this complex for practices and games.