Academics
The Grove School provides students with a robust, well-rounded, and inclusive academic program focused on personal development and preparation for adulthood.
College Prep Through A-G
As a part of rigorous study, the Grove School ensures that all core high school classes are college preparatory. One of the ways that the Grove School measures this is by teaching only UC Approved A-G courses. Teachers must submit a course-by-course curriculum and lesson plans for approval by the University of California Regents who examine the work for quality and rigor.
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For more information on A-G Courses and UC-Approval, please see the A-G Guide provided through the University of California Regents.
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AP Classes
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses are rigorous, college level classes and exams that can sometimes be applied to graduating credits at university. The classes are offered on a rotating basis to maximize the variety a school of Grove’s size can offer. In order to support student success, the Grove School only offers enrollment in these courses to Juniors and Seniors.
AP Courses offered at the Grove School include:
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Biology
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English Language and Composition
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English Literature and Composition
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Seminar (Part of AP Capstone)
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Research (Part of AP Capstone)
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Environmental Science
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Studio Art: 2-D Design
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United States Government and Politics
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United States History
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Spanish
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Physics
For more information on AP courses, please visit the College Board website.
Career Technical Education (CTE)
We currently offer four CTE pathways: Technical Theater, Hospitality, Food Science and Food Service. Beginning in the 2026-27 School Year, we will additionally offer Marketing and Outdoor Recreation Pathways.
Graduation Requirements
The Grove School’s graduation requirements allow students to meet or exceed the admission requirements for the University of California and California State University systems and virtually all other colleges and universities students might consider or attend.
Students need a total of 225 credits. Only juniors and seniors may enroll in AP classes.
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Current Graduation Requirements Include:
English – 4 years college prep
English 9, English 9 Honors
English 10
American Rhetoric/AP English Language & Composition
Expository Reading & Writing (ERWC)/AP English Literature & Composition
AP Seminar
Mathematics – 3 years college prep
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, Calculus
Lab Science – 3 years college prep
Biology, Honors Biology
Environmental Science
Chemistry, Honors Chemistry
Physics, Honors Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
Social Studies – 3 years college prep
World History/AP World History
United States History/AP United States History
American Government/ Economics
AP US Government & Politics/ Economics
Foreign Language – 2 years college prep
Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III
Visual and Performing Arts – 1 year college prep
Drawing and Painting I, Drawing and Painting II, AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
Health – 1 semester
Physical Education – 2 years required
Electives – 40 credits required (chosen from any of the courses above or the following electives)
AP Research, Human Geography/Honors Human Geography, Economics, Culinary Arts, Mini-Courses, Career Technical Education (CTE) Courses: Theater I, Theater II and Marketing
All seniors must complete a senior project for graduation.
Co-Curricular Experiences
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Field Trips- All students take field trips throughout the year to enhance the classroom curriculum. These allow us to take students out into the world, create opportunities for community service, enrich classroom experiences and facilitate a sense of community.
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Mentorship - All students work with a mentor teacher during an advisory type period throughout their experience at Grove. Typically, a student remains with their mentor for a three year cycle. This allows for teachers to get to know students well, and develops a strong relationship to support their academic, personal and professional development.
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Mini-Courses – These quarter long courses allow our students to explore physical and creative interests in a variety of unique topics. Typically, while also meeting state standards, courses are student-interest driven, and often co-facilitated between students and teachers. Minicourses are taken during periods 7 and 8.