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 programs have a challenging course load of math, science, social science, English and world languages, and electives mapped out each year. Of the two, PACE requires a 3.7 minimum GPA to apply and is more rigorous with an AP rich course of study. CIC, which requires a 3.0 minimum GPA to apply, has an international flavor to its coursework and offers the ability to take as many AP classes as PACE or not. Choosing the right program comes down to the right fit for each student. Some students thrive in PACE’s academically competitive community, whereas students who choose CIC want a high level in course work and are offered more options at each grade level, such as choosing between honors and AP versions of a class. Both programs allow students the ability to pursue extracurricular activities.

In recent years there has been an increasing trend at LBUSD to offer 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. These programs are designed to help students develop technical skills in a certain area and are designed to meet CSU requirements. 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.

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.