The Academy of the Pacific Rim was chartered in 1995 and opened its doors in 1997 with the purpose of empower urban students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to achieve their full intellectual and social potential by combining the best of the East (high standards, discipline and character education) with the best of the West (a commitment to individualism, creativity and diversity). The school began with 100 students in grades 6 and 7 and has reached capacity with 350 students in grades 6-12. The success of students is due to the efforts of students, families, parents, guardians, staff and board members working hard together to prepare all students for success in college and beyond.
The mission statement states: “students and families can thrive in a strong school culture that emphasizes character education and high academic standards for all students, not just the privileged or exceptionally talented”.
Academy of the Pacific Rim has a very diverse population of students, which includes a representation from the Haitian, Nigerian, West African and Dominican communities. Twenty-five students from the 11th grade class participated in the Becoming American on-line Museum Project.