The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) offers the Program for Academic and Creative Extension (PACE) to support gifted students who require an enriched and accelerated learning environment. If you’re a parent wondering how the YCDSB gifted program works, how to get your child assessed, and what to expect from PACE, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
📌 What Is the YCDSB PACE Program?
The Program for Academic and Creative Extension (PACE) is a full-time gifted program offered by YCDSB for students identified as intellectually gifted. The program is designed to:
✔ Provide an enriched, accelerated curriculum that challenges gifted students beyond the standard grade level
✔ Foster problem-solving, creativity, and independent learning
✔ Encourage collaboration with like-minded peers in a supportive classroom environment
✔ Develop critical thinking and leadership skills through advanced learning opportunities
📌 The PACE program is available starting from Grade 5 and continues through high school.
📝 How to Get Into the YCDSB Gifted Program (PACE)
Step 1: Board-Wide Gifted Screening (Grade 4 CCAT-7 Test)
• In the fall of Grade 4, all YCDSB students take the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT-7).
• This test measures verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning skills.
• To move to the next stage, students must meet one of the following criteria:
✔ 92nd percentile or higher in all three subtests (verbal, quantitative, nonverbal)
OR
✔ 98th percentile or higher on the composite score
📌 Parents can request their child’s CCAT-7 results from the school principal.
Step 2: Individual Psychological Assessment (WISC-V Test)
• If a student qualifies from Stage 1, they undergo a one-on-one intellectual assessment.
• This assessment is conducted by a registered psychologist using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V).
• To qualify for PACE, a student must score at or above the 98th percentile in the General Abilities Index (GAI).
📌 Parents receive a detailed report of their child’s assessment, and a copy is placed in their Ontario Student Record (OSR).
Step 3: Identification & Placement in PACE
• In May or June of Grade 4, parents of eligible students are invited to an Identification Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) meeting.
• The IPRC officially identifies the student as gifted and recommends placement in a self-contained PACE classroomstarting in Grade 5.
• Parents can choose to:
✔ Accept placement in the full-time PACE program
✔ Decline placement and receive an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for gifted enrichment in a regular classroom
📌 Final placement is subject to availability in designated PACE schools.
📍 Which Schools Offer PACE in YCDSB?
PACE is offered in select YCDSB schools, meaning students may need to transfer from their home school to attend the program.
• Elementary Level (Grades 5-8): Self-contained PACE classrooms are available at designated schools.
• Secondary Level (Grades 9-12): Gifted students continue in a specialized academic pathway with advanced courses.
📌 For a full list of YCDSB PACE schools, contact your child’s school or the YCDSB board office.
🚌 Transportation for PACE Students
• Students who live more than 1.6 km from the nearest PACE school qualify for school bus transportation.
• Those within 1.6 km of the school must arrange their own transportation.
📌 Refer to YCDSB Policy 203 for full transportation guidelines.
✅ Benefits of the YCDSB PACE Program
✔ Advanced Curriculum: Students receive a more challenging and enriched education.
✔ Faster Learning Pace: Gifted students move through material at an accelerated rate.
✔ Like-Minded Peer Group: Allows gifted students to learn alongside peers at a similar intellectual level.
✔ Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Encourages innovation, leadership, and self-directed learning.
✔ Preparation for Future Success: Provides a strong foundation for Advanced Placement (AP), IB (International Baccalaureate), and university programs.
📌 The structured and engaging environment of PACE helps gifted students maximize their potential while staying motivated in school.
⚠️ Challenges & Considerations
❌ Limited Availability of PACE Schools
• Since PACE is only available in select schools, students must transfer from their home school to attend.
• This may result in a longer commute for some families.
❌ High Academic Expectations
• The advanced curriculum can be demanding and fast-paced.
• Some students may feel academic pressure or stress from the rigorous coursework.
❌ Not the Right Fit for Every Gifted Student
• While some gifted students thrive in structured, accelerated programs, others may prefer a regular classroom with enrichment opportunities.
• Parents should consider their child’s learning style, social-emotional needs, and long-term goals.
📌 It’s important to assess whether PACE aligns with your child’s personality and academic strengths before making a decision.
🏫 Is the YCDSB PACE Program Right for Your Child?
PACE may be a great fit if your child:
✔ Excels academically and thrives in a challenging environment
✔ Enjoys deep learning, problem-solving, and independent research
✔ Has strong time management and organizational skills
✔ Benefits from working with like-minded peers
However, PACE may not be the best fit if your child:
❌ Struggles with high-pressure academic settings
❌ Prefers a standard-paced curriculum
❌ Needs additional support with social-emotional skills
📌 Parents should discuss placement options with teachers and administrators to ensure the best choice for their child.
📢 Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for the YCDSB Gifted Program?
✔ If your child qualifies, the PACE program can provide an exciting and rewarding educational experience.
✔ However, parents should consider factors like academic expectations, school location, and social-emotional needsbefore making a decision.
✔ Work closely with teachers and school administrators to ensure PACE is the right fit for your child.
💬 Does your child participate in the PACE program? Share your experience in the comments!
📌 Looking for more insights on education in York Region? Check out my other posts! 🚀
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 
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