GRACE Scholars Accelerate Learning in Summer Pilot Program

The first group of GRACE Scholars, eleven boys and eleven girls—all rising Fourth Formers—followed academic programs customized to their needs, with each intended to propel the student forward in one or two subject areas. All students attended GRACE voluntarily; it is not a required program.

 

Students chose to focus their efforts on one or two of the following classes: chemistry, math, Latin, and English. In one case, a student completed Greek I and will move directly to Greek II in the fall. Some students who had free class periods selected an elective in astronomy or volunteered with the Epiphany School summer program, which takes place on Groton’s campus.

 

“Students have been able to make great progress by spending lots of time each day immersed in just one or two courses,” said GRACE program director and Groton science teacher Dave Prockop. “Both teachers and students have been impressed by how much they were getting done.”

 

Classes were small—from two to eleven students—which meant plenty of individual attention.

 

Their program was not purely academic: there was plenty of summer fun. Weeknight recreational activities—for those who finished their homework—included bowling and visits to a trampoline park and nearby Kimball Farm. Weekend outings—for everyone—included trips to a beach, a concert, an improvisational theater workshop and show, Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, whitewater rafting, and the Six Flags theme park.

 

There were nonacademic afternoon activities too—swimming in Groton’s outdoor pool, for example, and games such as Capture the Flag.

 

In a survey, GRACE scholars praised “the fun atmosphere,”  “the pace of the work and activities,” “being on campus with friends,” and the “pleasant overall atmosphere for learning.” Among many comments, one student observed, with some apparent surprise, “The teachers are really nice and the classes are actually enjoyable.”

 

Four intensive weeks of learning, sprinkled with summer recreation, have resulted in a tightly bonded group of formmates, more ready than ever to return in the fall.