Academics

GRACE Summer Program

GRoton Accelerate Challenge Enrich (GRACE) provides an opportunity for students to use the summer after Third Form (9th grade) to accelerate their academic progress.
GRACE promotes flexibility within the Groton curriculum and ensures that all students reach their full potential in math, chemistry, English, and Latin. For some, GRACE will accelerate access to the most advanced courses; for others, it will fill a preparation gap and provide a foundation for success. 
 
The four-week program prepares all GRACE Scholars for the rigors of Upper School (10th–12th grade), while also recognizing the importance of summer recreation. Before each winter break, current Third Formers receive information about applying to GRACE.  GRACE 2020 will run from June 28 to July 25.

Academic Courses and Goals

By immersing themselves in only one or two subjects at a time, GRACE Scholars can make meaningful academic progress in just four weeks. Students will typically take either two A courses or one B course from the list below. Occasionally, two B courses may be taken with special permission. A courses will meet for an hour and a half each weekday; B courses will meet for three hours each weekday, plus an hour on Saturday.

During free periods, students may take electives, such as Astronomy, or volunteer with the Epiphany School's summer program at Groton.

List of 4 items.

  • Latin

    1. Students coming from Latin 1, firm up preparation for Latin 2
    2. Students coming from Latin 1, move directly into Latin 3, skipping Latin 2

  • English

    1. Enhance writing and analytical skills in preparation for Upper School English and history

  • Math

    1. Students coming from Geometry, firm up algebra skills in preparation for Algebra 2
    2. Students coming from Algebra 1, move directly into Algebra 2, skipping Geometry during the school year

  • Science

    1. Firm up preparation for Chemistry
    2. Move directly into AP Chemistry or AP Biology without taking Chemistry during the school year

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to enrolling in courses, students will experience a variety of fun and enriching extracurricular activities. Groton’s Dining Hall will provide all meals, and boarding students will stay in Groton dorms under the supervision of the GRACE faculty.

Arts
Two-week units, each including a field trip. 2017 units were:
  • Music appreciation, including a trip to a concert
  • Improvisational theatre, including a workshop and show in Boston
Weekday Recreation and Entertainment
  • Afternoon physical activities, such as swimming, hiking, running, canoeing, and games
  • Off-campus entertainment two evenings per week, including mini-golf, a trampoline park, movies and similar excursions
Weekend Outings
  • Arts outings
  • Amusement park
  • White water rafting, beaches, Boston Harbor islands

Daily Schedule

List of 4 items.

  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

    Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.
    Class Block
    8:30–10:00 a.m.
    Short Break
     
    Class Block
    10:10–11:40 a.m.
    Lunch
     
    Class Block
    12:20–1:50 p.m.
    Short Break
     
    Class Block
    2:00–3:30 p.m.
    Outdoor Activity
    3:45–5:00 p.m.
    Dinner
    5:30 p.m.
    Art Class
    6:30–7:30 p.m.
    Study Hall
    8:00–9:30 p.m.
    Evening Snack
    9:30 p.m.
    Dorm Check-In
    10:00 p.m.
    Lights Out
    10:30 p.m.

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays

    Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.
    Class Block
    8:30–10:00 a.m.
    Short Break
     
    Class Block
    10:10–11:40 a.m.
    Lunch
     
    Class Block
    12:20–1:50 p.m.
    Short Break
     
    Class Block
    2:00–3:30 p.m.
    Outdoor Activity
    3:45–5:00 p.m.
    Dinner
    5:30 p.m.
    Art Class
    6:30–7:30 p.m.
    Study Hall
    8:00–9:30 p.m.
    Evening Snack
    9:30 p.m.
    Dorm Check-In
    10:00 p.m.
    Lights Out
    10:30 p.m.

  • Saturdays

    Breakfast
    9.00 a.m.
    Class Block
    9:30–10:30 a.m.
    Short Break
     
    Class Block
    10:45 a.m–noon
    Lunch
     
    Depart for Outing
     

  • Sunday

    Activities vary

How to Apply

Acceptance into GRACE is not automatic, but rather based upon the recommendation of faculty, who assess whether each student is well suited to benefit from the course or courses in which they are interested.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The tuition listed below covers all expenses, including not only the academic program, but also meals, art courses, recreational programs, entertainment, and field trips.
 
2019 Boarding Tuition:
$8,000
2019 Day Tuition:
$6,400


Financial aid is available, in some cases exceeding levels allocated during the school year. Once students are admitted into the GRACE program, parents will be contacted and given the opportunity to request financial aid. It is our hope to never have the cost of the program prevent a student from participating in GRACE.
Groton School Mission: To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.