About Us

About Us

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Mission

Through its urban Oakland campus and online offerings, Patten Academy of Christian Education (PACE) exists to elevate, cultivate, and celebrate life in our city and communities by intentionally integrating a robust Christian ethos with unwaveringly high academic standards in each student and family we serve.

Philosophy

The school philosophy grows out of historical intentionality to maintain a coeducational Christian institution in which students can complete primary, intermediate, junior and senior high studies in a nurturing environment and atmosphere reflective of the teachings and values of Jesus Christ.

PACE maintains that in order for education to be complete, it must support student development and growth spiritually, intellectually, socially, aesthetically, and physically.

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Vision

As the K-12 expression of the educational mission of the Christian Evangelical Churches of America (CECA), Patten Academy of Christian Education (PACE) seeks to empower students to transform their world through rigorous academic training and an expressly Biblical worldview.

Mission Statement

Through its urban Oakland campus and online offerings, Patten Academy of Christian Education (PACE) exists to elevate, cultivate, and celebrate life in our city and communities by intentionally integrating a robust Christian ethos with unwaveringly high academic standards in each student and family we serve.

Student Learner Outcomes

1. Effective Critical Thinkers, and Independent Learners
Students will be expected to be Effective Critical Thinkers and Independent Learners who:

  1. Learn and analyze information and concepts across curriculum and research and apply knowledge in cross-curricular and real life situations.
  2. Demonstrate capabilities in logic and realistic reasoning, independent learning, informed decision-making, creative problem solving and conflict resolution.
  3. Test and apply theories, beliefs and conclusions against facts, real life applications and Biblical standards and beliefs.
  4. Prepare and present work products that reflect proficiency as an independent and proficient learner in the California common core subject area content and California higher education content standards.

Students will be expected to be Skilled Communicators who:

  1. Effectively use available technology and other communication, research and information processing assets.
  2. Demonstrate clear, correct and collaborative listening, speaking, writing, and independent learner skills in English at or above grade level.
  3. Carry out a broad spectrum of research, critical thinking, and communication activities in school work and community service.

Students will be expected to be Christian and Community Contributors who:

  1. Analyze and apply information and concepts in the context of Biblical knowledge and values.
  2. Choose and carry out actions that reflect honesty, integrity, respect, self-discipline, compassion and responsible behavior.
  3. Participate in service activities that address needs of others and build and strengthen home, community, church, and school.

Our history

The Patten Academy of Christian Education (PACE) was founded in 1944 by Dr. Bebe Patten. The founding purpose was to provide young people with a Christ-centered educational facility in which students could grow spiritually and academically in an atmosphere reflective of the teachings and values of Jesus Christ. That founding purpose remains until this day. With the opening of grades nine through twelve in 1945, the Patten Academy of Christian Education began serving the greater Bay Area community. In the early 1950’s, grades seven and eight were added, and in 1960, PACE became complete with the addition of grades kindergarten through six.

PACE has been located on Coolidge Avenue since 1962. Since 1985, the Academy has had modernized and updated classrooms for grades kindergarten through eight. In 1990 high school classrooms were moved and remodeled from the west side of the campus (the Patten University side) to the east side. In 1994 the Academy chapel building was renovated and now is a beautiful auditorium.

In 1974, recognizing that growth is essential for maintaining and improving its educational services, PACE applied to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for accreditation. After an in-depth study of our educational system, PACE was granted full accreditation K-12 in 1975 which it has held continuously. Our current term runs through 2029.

In 1977, continuing to improve its educational services, PACE joined the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). As an association strongly committed to helping Christian schools in the training of young men and women, ACSI provides a number of educational services which directly benefit administrators, teachers, and students.

In 1989, Patten Academy began its sports program interscholastically and has competed in boys soccer, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys baseball and girls softball as a member of the Bay Area Christian Athletic League. The Patten Academy Bulldogs have produced numerous All-BACAL League players and several Oakland Tribune Athlete of the Week honorees. In the summer of 2015, administration approved the joining of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)which has greatly increased our athletic opportunities for our students.

In the summer of 2016, grades nine through twelve relocated their classrooms to the second floor of Wycliffe Hall. A new locker room was created for student use. Additionally, the move provided the opportunity to celebrate our athletic accomplishments by displaying the earned trophies and awards in the common hallway. This has proven to be a positive expansion. The middle school classrooms were moved to the former high school rooms after being renovated and newly carpeted. Several other grade levels were moved around to create a fresh environment for the 2016-2017 school year.

In March 2020, Patten Academy adhered to the Alameda County mandated closure of on campus education and immediately transitioned to a distance learning delivery of education. This shift involved creative reimagining of curriculum, enhanced online resources, changes in schedules, acquisition of technology and a myriad of meetings via zoom and expanded trainings. While the initial thought was that this was temporary, it turned into the fall semester 2020 beginning distance learning as well. Again, many meetings and trainings allowed us to determine which strategies were most effective and to incorporate these. In spring 2021, Patten Academy began a hybrid model of education delivery with some in person and most online classes. This period of time allowed us to prepare for a full in-person option fall of 2022 while continuing to serve students who were still on distance learning.