Pattison’s Academy of Comprehensive Education (PACE) is a unique charter school located in Charleston County, serving students ages 4 through 21 who have multiple disabilities, including both cognitive and physical challenges. Our school is fully self-contained, with each classroom staffed by a special education teacher and at least two dedicated teacher assistants, ensuring our students receive the individualized attention and intensive care they need throughout the school day. We are committed to creating an environment where every student is supported and empowered, regardless of the complexity of their needs.
Our students require a high level of supervision and care, including assistance with daily living tasks such as toileting, feeding, and mobility, as well as ongoing health and nursing support. Many of our students do not communicate verbally, so we prioritize the development of communication skills and preferences using a variety of assistive technologies and strategies. Every aspect of our program is carefully designed to help each child grow, learn, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
Instruction at PACE is comprehensive and focuses on the development of life skills and functional abilities, laying the foundation for increased independence and quality of life. Our curriculum is infused with rigorous therapies—occupational, physical, and speech—that are integrated into the school day to go along with consistent benchmarking and progress monitoring related to academic skills. Teachers and therapists work collaboratively to create individualized learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate and deeply personalized. In alignment with state requirements, all PACE students in grades 3 through 11 participate in the South Carolina Alternate Assessment (SC-Alt). This assessment is tailored to reflect the curriculum and individualized educational setting in which each student learns, ensuring accessibility and relevance. The SC-Alt provides an important measure of student progress and helps guide our instruction, allowing us to continually refine our teaching strategies to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our learners.
We believe learning happens both inside and outside the classroom, which is why we provide community-based instruction through regular field trips and inclusive experiences with general education peers from neighborhood schools. These opportunities help foster social connections, build confidence, and bring essential life skills into real-world settings. At PACE, we are proud to offer an alternative learning environment that is compassionate, collaborative, and committed to the holistic growth of every student we serve.
Karl Lamont, Principal
Crystal Hildt-Board Chair
