PETERSEN ALTERNATIVE CENTER FOR EDUCATION

Petersen Alternative Center for Education is a Title I public high school that is part of the Stanislaus County Office of Education school district, located in Modesto, CA with about 158 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 9 teachers, Petersen Alternative Center for Education has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Petersen Alternative Center for Education (PACE), located in Modesto, California, is a specialized educational institution operated by the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE). Designed to serve students who may not thrive in a traditional comprehensive high school setting, the center focuses on providing a supportive and flexible learning environment. It is committed to helping students overcome academic or personal obstacles by offering individualized instruction and credit recovery programs, ensuring that all students remain on a path toward earning their high school diploma or transitioning to post-secondary success.

Beyond its academic curriculum, the center emphasizes character development, social-emotional growth, and career readiness. By maintaining smaller class sizes and fostering close relationships between staff and students, PACE creates a nurturing atmosphere that encourages accountability and goal-setting. As part of the broader Stanislaus County educational network, the school plays a vital role in the community by providing a "second chance" opportunity that empowers students to achieve their educational potential and build a stable foundation for their future.

For more information, contact Petersen Alternative Center for Education at (209) 238-6717 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.