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.
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.
CAWE and Winterim
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What? Students design and execute a week of study centered around a topic, including budgeting, fundraising, analyzing educational outcomes, and a presentation of learning to their community on the final day. CAWE (Creative Academic Weeklong Experience) is for students grades 10-12, who take on greater leadership of the experience. Winterim (a term borrowed from a similar program at the university level) is more teacher-led and includes students grades 7-9. The week includes field trips, projects, and visits to/from experts. Some winterims include overnight experiences. Students may choose an “Independent CAWE/Winterim”, but are expected to complete work, like their peers. Like Project Week, students are graded for their work over the week. To see current topics, please click here.
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Who? Students work in groups of 10-20 students with a teacher advising. Some high school students may take on the role of “lead” within their CAWE.
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When? CAWE/Winterim week is the week prior to Spring Break. This year that includes March 16-20. A detailed itinerary and permission slip for each group will be given in the weeks prior. On the afternoon of March 20, community members are invited to experience demonstrations of learning from all groups in an “open house” format on the middle school campus. Watch for a detailed invite in the spring.
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Why? CAWE/Winterim gives students the opportunity to dive deeply into a topic of interest, as well as learn independence and responsibility. The experience allows students to gain expertise in planning, organizing, budgeting, leadership, cooperation, compromise, and communication. Setbacks and changes help students to build resilience.
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How? Students sign up for a CAWE/winterim early in the school year. Some groups may fill up and students may be waitlisted for their first choice. Groups meet periodically during the school year and during Project Week. They plan, budget, and then work to earn the money needed to participate in their chosen CAWE/winterim. Teachers grade the week based on a rubric tailored for their group’s topic and activities/projects. The grade is integrated into the “Key Experience” category that makes up 5% of the final grade for core classes for the spring semester.
