Welcome, Future Jackrabbits!


Welcome, Future Jackrabbits!


Please click on each program to access their digitial information packets.


Please click on each program to access their digitial information packets.

PACE & CIC FAQs


PACE & CIC FAQs

How are PACE and CIC different from other programs in LBUSD?

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.

What is the difference between PACE and CIC?

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 requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and emphasizes a global perspective, offering students flexibility to tailor their coursework by choosing between honors and AP options at each grade level. 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 benefit from an internationally focused curriculum that encourages exploration and adaptability. Both programs allow time for extracurricular activities and provide strong preparation for future success.

How do specialized programs differ from career pathways?

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.

Is Poly safe?

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.

Why should my child go to Poly?

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.

How are PACE and CIC different from other programs in LBUSD?

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.

What is the difference between PACE and CIC?

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 requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and emphasizes a global perspective, offering students flexibility to tailor their coursework by choosing between honors and AP options at each grade level. 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 benefit from an internationally focused curriculum that encourages exploration and adaptability. Both programs allow time for extracurricular activities and provide strong preparation for future success.

How do specialized programs differ from career pathways?

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.

Is Poly safe?

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.

Why should my child go to Poly?

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.

How are PACE and CIC different from other programs in LBUSD?

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.

What is the difference between PACE and CIC?

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 requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and emphasizes a global perspective, offering students flexibility to tailor their coursework by choosing between honors and AP options at each grade level. 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 benefit from an internationally focused curriculum that encourages exploration and adaptability. Both programs allow time for extracurricular activities and provide strong preparation for future success.

How do specialized programs differ from career pathways?

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.

Is Poly safe?

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.

Why should my child go to Poly?

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.