School & Academic Profile 2009-2010
School Code: 910-675
Accredited by:
Member of: Association of American Schools in South America - AASSA Association of American Schools in Brazil - AASB |  |
School & Community Pan American Christian Academy, commonly known as PACA, is a nondenominational, college-preparatory, Christian, American school located in São Paulo, Brazil - a city with a metropolitan population of about 22 million (São Paulo is the largest business, industrial, and cultural center of South America). PACA students reflect the multinational community from which they come. Today the school serves the children of mission organizations, diplomatic, business and professional families with a dual curriculum program (American and Brazilian).
PACA’s enrollment averages 350 students: 170 in grades Pre K-5, and 180 in grades 6-12. Our student body is approximately 30% North American, 30% Brazilian, 21% Korean, and 19% other nationalities.
Our 8.9 acres of campus and facilities, place PACA in a class with the best international schools in South America. Our maintenance and service crew provide excellent care to our 22 classrooms, science laboratory, library, media center, computer center, learning lab, gymnasium, regulation-size athletic field, outside courts, cafeteria, playgrounds and a 25-meter swimming pool.
English is the language of instruction. All students follow an American Curriculum and receive an American high school diploma. Students may concurrently take course work taught in Portuguese to earn a Brazilian diploma.
The current faculty of 35 are all degreed and certified. The student-faculty ratio is approximately 10:1.
School routine begins at 8:05 am and ends at 3:20 pm. The school calendar follows two semesters: August to December, and January to June. PACA provides a minimum of 200 school days in its calendar year.
Where our graduates have been accepted: The following is a list of some of the colleges and universities to which PACA students
have received acceptances from 2005-2009.
School Statistics Class of 2009 | 28 students from 6 nations | 18 Native/native proficiency
SAT Scores for Class of 2009
Native English (18)
Non-Native English (10)
| CR Math WR 626 | 605 | 550 542 | 590 | 462 |
GPA Distribution for Class of 2009
4.00+
3.5 - 3.99
3.0 - 3.49
2.5 - 2.99
2.0 - 2.49
Below 1.99 | 25%
14%
21%
18%
18%
4% |
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations 2009 (score of 3 or above/total) There were a total of 67 AP exams taken in May 2009. Pass Rate (score of 3 or above for college credit): 73%
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Physics
Italian
| 3/4
3/3
3/3
1/1
| Statistics
Chemistry
Biology
Chinese
| 1/1
4/8
8/10
1/1
| English Literature
English Lang / Comp.
US History
Spanish Lang.
| 8/11
11/17
4/6
2/2
| World History | 1/2 |
High School Graduation Requirements
American Diploma: Twenty-five credits are required to receive the American diploma.
American and Brazilian diplomas (Dual): Required to complete twenty-eight credits. The rigor of meeting requirements for both diplomas limits the choice of electives from which a student can choose.
| Department | American | Dual | Courses | | English | 4 | 4 | General English 9, English 10-World Literature, English 11-American Literature; English 12-British Literature, AP English Language, AP English Literature | | Math | 3 | 4 | Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math/Trigonometry, AP Calculus, Unified Math | | Science | 2 | 4 | Physical Science, Biology or AP Biology, AP Chemistry or Quimica, Physics | | Social Studies | 2 | 4.5 | Ancient World History I, Modern World History II, US History or AP US History, US Government, Geografia do Brasil, História do Brasil | | Portuguese* | 4 | 4.5 | Portuguese Language is taught in 4 levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Special Portuguese, Advanced Portuguese, Redação | | Bible* | 4 | 4 | Life of Christ (9), Old Testament Survey (10), Church History / Theology (11), and Worldview (12) | | P.E. | 2 | 2 | Physical Education or Sports Credit | | Fine Arts | 1 | 1 | 3D Art, Performing Arts, Art, Advanced Art, Yearbook | | Electives | 4 | | 3D Art, Speech, Knowledge Bowl, College Prep Writing, Forensics, Robotics, Yearbook, Geografia Mundial, Music, College Applications, Drama | | Other | | | Teacher Aide, Study Hall (no credit) | | Total | 25 | 28 | | | * 1.0 credit for each year of study at PACA |
Grading System and Class Ranking The GPA is computed from final grades in all courses. GPA is calculated by converting grades to total points and dividing by total credits. Grades earned at other schools are not included in the PACA GPA. AP classes receive 1.0 extra grade point and Honors classes receive an extra 0.3. PACA does not rank students.
One unit of credit is granted for satisfactory completion of courses that meet five days a week for 45 minute periods for 200 days. One half unit of credit is granted for successful completion of semester courses that meet for the same amount of time per day and per week for 90 days. PACA has an eight period day.
Numeric Grade = Letter Grade = GPA
98 - 100
93 - 97
90 - 92
87 - 89
83 - 86
80 - 82
77 - 79
73 - 76
70 - 72
69 - 71
66 - 68
65 | A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D- | 4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0.7 |
Curriculum Description
Kindergarten
Students enjoy an all day curriculum designed to develop reading, writing, oral language, math, music, and art skills. Our kindergarten students have opportunities for social interaction to help promote personal responsibility and growth.
Elementary and Middle School
Our emphasis is on basic skills in reading, language, mathematics, Social studies, science, computers, and physical education. Students will have special activities in sports, music, and drama. We offer a learning lab to assist students with learning disabilities.
High School
The academic program is college preparatory, designed to prepare students for entry into colleges and universities in the United States, Brazil, and around the world. Advanced Placement and Honors courses challenge students even further. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety interscholastic sports and co-curricular activities.
Brazilian High School Diploma
Under the name Escola Cristã Pan Americana, students who enroll in the Brazilian curriculum receive an additional secondary school diploma. Brazilian courses include Química, Artes, Matématica Unificada, Redação, Geografia do Brasil, História do Brasil, and Geografia Mundial. For the Class of 2009, 14 students out of 28 graduated with a Brazilian High School Diploma.
Advanced Placement Programs
PACA offers Advanced Placement courses to qualified student to enhance and expand their educational experience. The courses offered regularly are: English Language, English Literature, US History, Chemistry, Biology, and Calculus.
Honors Program
Core courses may become honors courses with permission from the instructor and approval of an in-depth additional assignment. Three Honors Courses is the maximum a student may take within a school year.
Co-Curricular Activities National Honor Society / Knowledge Bowl Tournament / Drama Performance/ Choir Concert / Musicals / Community Service Activities / Student Government / Varsity & JV Sports Programs: Softball (M, W), Volleyball (W), Cheerleading (W), Basketball (M, W), Soccer (M, W), Indoor Soccer (M).
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