PACE & CIC FAQs

The Program of Additional Curricular Experiences (PACE) and Center for International Curriculum (CIC) are LBUSD’s oldest specialized or magnet programs that have a national reputation of excellence among universities. Since PACE and CIC were established in 1975 and 1982, respectively, both programs have built a strong record of successfully preparing students for the rigors of university and annually send students to many of the country’s most elite colleges.

Both PACE and CIC offer academically challenging programs that prepare students for college and beyond. Each includes a well-rounded course load in math, science, social science, English, world languages, and electives mapped out for each year.

PACE requires a minimum 3.5 GPA for admission and features a highly structured, AP-rich curriculum designed for students who enjoy academic rigor and a collaborative, college-preparatory environment. CIC, which requires a 3.0 minimum GPA to apply, has an international focus to its coursework with Chinese and Japanese foreign language classes being housed within the program. CIC offers flexibility to customize students’ course load with the ability to take a mix of AP/Honors classes or as many AP classes as PACE.

The right choice depends on a student’s learning style and goals. PACE students often thrive in its close-knit, high-achieving community that challenges and supports them to reach their fullest academic potential. CIC students prefer to be able to regulate the intensity of each year in an environment that encourages exploration and adaptability. Both programs allow time for extracurricular activities and provide strong preparation for future success.

Specialized programs such as CIC or PACE are designed to give students a more traditional liberal arts education and enable them to be more competitive candidates for elite universities and UCs. Alternatively, LBUSD offers a wide variety of career pathways in art, information technology, public service, agriculture, health sciences and many others to allow students the opportunity to explore a potential interest in a local industry. These programs are designed to help students develop technical skills in certain areas and are designed to meet CSU requirements.

Yes. Poly is very safe and, if accepted, your child will be ensconced in a cohort of about 180 students with a dedicated PACE or CIC teaching staff. Poly has for decades drawn students from all over Long Beach and many of the graduates return to the school to become administrators or teach the next generation. They come back because the culture is friendly, enthusiastic, inspiring and, overall, a place where academic excellence is valued. Poly represents the rich diversity of Long Beach.

Poly is the oldest school in Long Beach, where multiculturalism and diversity are celebrated. For example, instead of a homecoming court, the school has international ambassadors who are students selected for their excellence in academics, sports, volunteer work or other areas. The school also has an annual weekend retreat called Poly North where sophomores from across the campus talk and learn about each other’s lives. The Poly spirit is a special part of the school and best experienced at a football game.