When it comes to choosing the right homeschool curriculum, many families prioritize a program that aligns with their faith, promotes academic growth, and supports independent learning. The A.C.E. curriculum, which stands for Accelerated Christian Education, has been a trusted option for decades. In this review, we’ll explore how the A.C.E. program works, its foundational values, and the types of learners it serves best. If you’re considering a structured, faith-based approach to homeschooling, this guide will help you determine whether A.C.E. is the right fit for your family.
What Is A.C.E. Curriculum?
A.C.E., or Accelerated Christian Education, was created in the 1970s with a clear mission: to offer a rigorous academic experience grounded in a biblical worldview. Its goal is to help students grow both intellectually and spiritually.
The heart of the program lies in its PACE system, which stands for Packets of Accelerated Christian Education. Each PACE is a consumable workbook that focuses on a specific segment of a subject. Students work through these PACEs independently, allowing them to learn at their own pace while mastering each concept before moving on. The program also emphasizes character development, with biblical values woven into every subject. This creates a learning experience that reinforces both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
How the A.C.E. Program Works
The A.C.E. program offers a full suite of core subjects, including Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Word Building (which focuses on spelling), and Literature and Creative Writing. In addition to these core areas, there are also elective options and Bible courses available.
Each subject is broken down into twelve PACEs per level or school year. Students begin by setting daily goals, then work through each PACE with built-in checkpoints such as self-tests and reviews. Once they’re ready, they take a final PACE test to demonstrate mastery. A unique aspect of A.C.E. is the scoring system, where students check their work regularly to catch mistakes and learn from them in real time.
This process not only builds academic confidence but also encourages responsibility, time management, and ownership of learning. The consistent format across all subjects makes it easy for parents to track progress and maintain structure in their homeschool routine.
Who Is A.C.E. Best Suited For?
A.C.E. is especially appealing to Christian families who want their children to be immersed in a biblical worldview throughout their education. It’s a great option for students who thrive on structure and prefer working independently with clear expectations.
Families transitioning from a private Christian school often find the program to be a smooth adjustment, thanks to its familiar format and emphasis on discipline and accountability. It also works well for households with multiple children at different grade levels because of its self-paced nature. Each student can work independently, which allows parents to focus on support rather than direct instruction all day long.
Pros and Cons of A.C.E.
There are many things that families love about A.C.E. The biblical integration is strong and consistent across every subject, which helps reinforce Christian values throughout the day. The mastery-based format ensures students thoroughly understand each concept before moving forward, and the self-guided structure promotes independence and discipline. For many families, the clear progression and ease of implementation make it a very manageable choice, even in busy households.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The curriculum is primarily workbook-based, so it may not be the best fit for learners who need a hands-on or collaborative environment. Creative projects, group work, and real-world application are limited. Additionally, the design and layout of the materials may feel more traditional compared to modern, multimedia-rich programs. For some students, this might affect engagement, especially if they prefer more variety in presentation.
What Parents Say
Many families have found great success using the A.C.E. homeschool curriculum. One parent shared that A.C.E. helped their child build confidence and independence while staying grounded in faith. Another said they loved how character training was included in every subject, providing more than just academic value. Others appreciated the simplicity of the PACEs, saying it made it easy to plan and stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Where to Buy A.C.E. Curriculum
Curriculum Express is proud to carry the full selection of A.C.E. homeschool materials. Whether you’re looking for individual PACEs or complete subject sets, we have everything you need to get started. We also offer placement testing to help you find the perfect starting level for your child. And if you ever need guidance, our friendly team is here to help you navigate your curriculum choices with confidence.
You can explore A.C.E. curriculum by subject or grade here:
Accelerated Christian Education ACE – Curriculum Express
Your Choice!
The A.C.E. homeschool curriculum is a tried-and-true option for families who value faith-based learning, academic mastery, and student independence. While it may not be the perfect fit for every learner, it shines in households that appreciate structure and biblical integration.
As with any curriculum, the best choice depends on your unique goals, your child’s learning style, and your overall homeschool vision. If you’re still unsure, our team at Curriculum Express is ready to help you find the right fit for your family’s journey.