ACADEMICS AT GRA'S COLLEGE PREP ALL-BOYS SCHOOL

Grand River Academy believes that any student can thrive in the right environment. We guide every young man who enters the Academy to reach his full potential academically, emotionally, and socially. Designed specifically for boys, we view our all-boys college preparatory school as an avenue to develop young men into exceptional, contributing citizens.

As a top academic boarding school in Ohio, GRA's active and engaging learning environments focus on creation and collaboration, and motivating students to realize and achieve their true potential. With experienced and dedicated Faculty and staff members who are experts at teaching boys, every young man develops qualities of character, honor, sportsmanship, empathy, and a passion for lifelong learning. More than a boarding school education, Grand River Academy fosters a close-knit and supportive 'Community of One' - a home away from home, a family, and a place where enduring friendships take hold.

Welcome from the Dean of Academics

        Welcome to Grand River Academy! As the Dean of Academics and Faculty, I am pleased to
present the 2022 – 2023 Curriculum Guide. This document is a snapshot of our academic policies, programs, and opportunities and offers a great view into what makes Grand River Academy unique. In addition to graduation requirements, grading policies, and testing information you will find a list of course descriptions for each department. Our talented faculty anchor a robust academic program and continue to offer a great catalog of courses. This year we are excited to introduce several new programs: Graphic Design and Photography will be added to our Technology and Fine Arts department, and we will now offer ASL (American Sign Language) as an option for our language requirement for graduation. In addition, our English and Social Studies departments will now offer AP© Literature and Composition and AP© Modern World History.

        While the structure of our academic program prepares students for college and beyond, the secret ingredient to student success in the classroom remains our intentionally small class sizes, individualized attention, and accessibility of our teaching faculty and support systems that are in place for each student to reach their maximum potential. The best summary of Grand River Academy’s academic program can be found in our Academic Vision statement:

“Grand River Academy’s learning community fosters confident, independent, resourceful, and self-aware students by challenging them to think critically and creatively, work collaboratively and inclusively, and communicate effectively and courageously. By building confidence through reasoned and willing risk-taking, and by providing an environment that cultivates joy for life-long learning, our balanced approach to dynamic programming cultivates global awareness to empower students to lead lives of consequence.”
I look forward to meeting you during a campus visit or in one of our online family seminars!

Christopher C. Ames
Dean of Academics and Faculty
Grand River Academy