In the early 2000s the Moshannon Valley Elementary School fell behind Pennsylvania elementary schools in terms of student proficiency on the PSSAs.

School officials said that the elementary school was behind in reading and math tests. Officials said because of that, the district was missing federal Aqequate Yearly progress targets. 

In an effort to help get the numbers where they should be, the district partnered with the Sylvan Learning Center of Johnstown in 2004. 

Workers at the Sylvan Learning Center suggested the elementary school begin the Ace It! program. 

According to a news release provided to 6 News, the Ace It! program is "tutoring, a targeted reading and math instruction program focused on students demonstrating academic need." 

Since 2004, almost 500 students have participated in the Ace It! program. 

Prior to the 2011-2012 school year, the program was offered during the after-school program and during summer school. 

This year, Superintendent Tonya DeVecchis-Kerr said that she is pleased that the district was able to make some changes. 

DeVecchis-Kerr said that instead of the program only being offered after school and during the summer, the program is now offered during the school day. 

The superintendent said that the program was initially funded by a state Educational Assistance Program grant. 

Due to cuts, the program is currently funded by the school district. 

DeVecchis-Kerr said that no family has to pay a dime. For the district to provide the program from November through March, it has cost $30,000. 

DeVecchis-Kerr said that she knew the district had to keep a program that has been so influential at the elementary school. 

Currently, there are 500 students in grades K-6 at the elementary school. 

DeVecchis-Kerr said that about 50 are participating in the Ace It! program. 

School officials and employees at the Sylvan Learning Center are pleased with the partnership over the last seven years. 

In 2010 the elementary school was named one of the state's "Top 10 Most Improved Schools" by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

According to a news release, "the school has met AYP targets six out of the seven years, and only missed the seventh year because of one sub-group's performance." 

DeVecchis-Kerr said that the program has been extremely helpful for the economically disadvantaged students in the district. She added that almost 40 percent of the kids at the elementary school are economically disadvantaged. 

At the end of this week the 50 students will complete the 30-hour program. 

District officials are confident they will see positive results from their new learning initiative.