Gifted Assessments for St. Theresa of Lisieux PACE/AP Program

St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School, part of the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) in Richmond Hill, is widely recognized for its strong academic programs and especially for its PACE/AP program (Program for Academic and Creative Extension with Advanced Placement). This program starts at Grade 9 and is created for students who demonstrate gifted learning potential and are ready to take on advanced academic challenges.

What Is the PACE/AP Program?

The PACE/AP program at St. Theresa gives gifted and high-achieving students an enriched, accelerated pathway through high school. From Grade 9 onward, students study in enhanced courses in core subjects such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. In senior grades, students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams, recognized internationally by universities and colleges, and in many cases, earn credits toward their first-year post-secondary studies.

Key benefits of the PACE/AP program:

Gifted enrichment: a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire advanced learners.
Preparation for university: early exposure to advanced content builds confidence and study skills.
Peer community: motivated students learn alongside like-minded peers.
University credit potential: successful AP exam results can be applied toward post-secondary programs.

Admission and Application Process

Admission to the St. Theresa PACE/AP program is competitive, with only a limited number of Grade 9 spaces available each year. The selection process prioritizes:

Students formally identified as gifted through a psychoeducational assessment meeting YCDSB standards.
Students assessed by a qualified private psychologist and confirmed by YCDSB staff.
High-achieving students living within the school’s boundaries who demonstrate readiness for advanced learning.

The application window typically opens for one week in early November, and families must submit both the online application and supporting documents directly to the school. Final admission decisions are communicated before the new school year begins.

Gifted Assessment Requirements for PACE/AP

To be considered an identified gifted student, applicants must complete a psychoeducational assessment administered by a registered psychologist. Assessments must include:

A standardized cognitive test, such as the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children).
A General Ability Index (GAI) or Full-Scale IQ score in the 98th percentile or higher.
A comprehensive written report suitable for submission to the York Catholic District School Board.

Gifted Assessments in Richmond Hill – How We Can Help

Our centre provides professional gifted assessments in Richmond Hill that meet the exact requirements for the St. Theresa PACE/AP application process. We offer:

Fast, reliable testing with priority scheduling to meet school deadlines.
Detailed reports formatted to YCDSB standards for gifted identification.
Experienced psychologists specializing in psychoeducational assessments for children and adolescents.
A special $75 discount for grade 8 students applying specifically to the St. Theresa PACE/AP program. Only for assessments completed by Oct. 15

Whether your child has already completed the YCDSB CCAT screening or you are seeking a private assessment, our team is here to ensure the process is smooth and stress-free.

Take the First Step Today

Applying to the St. Theresa PACE/AP program starts with the right gifted assessment. Contact us today to book a consultation and learn how we can help your child take advantage of this unique academic opportunity in the York Catholic District School Board.

Gifted Assessments for St. Theresa of Lisieux PACE/AP Program at YCDSB