Activities/Clubs

At Grove, boredom and inactivity are not on the agenda. Our calendar is packed with an array of off campus trips, cultural events, clubs, and activities, ensuring that there is always something exciting happening. Engaging in extracurricular opportunities not only keeps students busy, but also nurtures a healthy lifestyle, the acquisition of new skills, and the discovering of hidden talents.

Grove offers two dedicated activity periods each weekday afternoon. On weekends, students may choose from a full slate of activities throughout the day and into the evening, all supervised by staff to prioritize safety.

Participating in extracurriculars not only promotes relaxation, but also allows an avenue for self-expression, confidence building, relationship building, and the development of essential coping skills.

At Grove School, students can participate in a variety of over a dozen staff-led and supervised activities each day that emphasize fun, leisure, and personal growth. These engaging activities are carefully designed to encourage creativity, physical wellness, and social interaction, allowing students to explore new interests while staying active. In this supportive environment, they can forge meaningful connections with their peers, enhancing their overall school experience and personal development.

Beyond the enriching on campus offerings, students also have the exciting opportunity to embark on off campus excursions. These trips to bowling alleys, movie theaters, coffee shops, beaches, and other local attractions create a well-rounded balance of leisure and adventure. By participating in both on-campus and off-campus activities, students not only enjoy a diverse range of experiences but also develop lifelong interests and foster lasting friendships, all while having fun in a dynamic and vibrant community.

Each semester, Grove School offers over twenty diverse clubs, providing students with a variety of opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. The term begins with a club fair, where students can learn about and sign up for the clubs that interest them most. Participation is required, with students expected to join at least two clubs per week, ensuring they remain engaged in meaningful, enriching experiences throughout the semester.

Each week, all twenty or more clubs are available for students to participate in, giving them consistent opportunities to engage with their chosen activities. This wide range of clubs ensures that students have flexibility in their schedules and the chance to explore multiple interests over time. Whether they are into creative arts, sports, academic enrichment, or community service, there is always something exciting happening, allowing students to dive deeper into their passions while building valuable skills and friendships.

One of our most popular activity offerings at Grove School is our ASTEE (Alternative Site Therapeutic Educational Experience) program. ASTEE provides students with enriching off campus experiences that support their personal growth and well-being. We offer two types of ASTEEs—adventure trips and destination trips—each providing unique opportunities for learning and connection outside the traditional classroom setting. These trips are designed to enhance students’ social, emotional, and physical development while fostering a sense of independence and teamwork.

Adventure trips focus on outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or rock climbing, encouraging students to challenge themselves physically and mentally in nature. Destination trips, on the other hand, take students to scenic locations such as tropical islands, national parks, and picturesque areas, broadening their perspectives and exposing them to new environments. Both options are highly popular with students, offering a blend of fun, learning, and therapeutic value that keeps them excited and engaged.

At Grove School, our on campus hobby farm, Deep Roots, provides students with a unique and enriching experience that combines the joy of working with animals and the benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Interacting with animals such as goats, chickens, and rabbits can significantly enhance students’ emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of connection and empathy. This therapeutic approach not only helps students develop valuable life skills but also promotes a calming environment that supports their overall mental health.

In addition to the therapeutic benefits, students at Deep Roots have the opportunity to take on various jobs around the farm, which helps them cultivate a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. By participating in daily farm tasks such as feeding animals, maintaining the gardens, and caring for the property, students learn the importance of commitment and teamwork. These hands-on experiences not only reinforce essential life skills but also empower students to take pride in their work and contribute to the well-being of something other than themselves, which helps them better understand the importance of community.

We believe in the importance of keeping our students busy and active, regardless of whether they prefer indoor or outdoor activities. To support this commitment, we have top-notch facilities designed to facilitate a wide range of physical pursuits. Our full size gymnasium, used for basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, indoor soccer, and more, is available for use after school, allowing students to practice and develop their skills. Additionally, our fitness room is equipped with an array of weight and cardio machines, providing students with the resources they need to stay fit and healthy.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, our campus boasts an outdoor sports court for basketball and other games, a well maintained baseball field, and even a picturesque lake perfect for fishing and paddleboarding. These facilities encourage students to engage in physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle. Whether students are honing their athletic skills, enjoying leisurely activities, or simply spending time in nature, Grove School provides the environment and resources for them to thrive and be active.

At Grove School, we understand the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and skills among our students. To support this, we offer a range of vocational training experiences designed specifically for those interested in entrepreneurship. Students can engage in hands-on activities such as operating a food truck, managing the school store, or utilizing a t-shirt press to create custom apparel. These experiences not only provide practical skills but also give students the opportunity to explore their passions and creativity in a real-world context.

Through these vocational programs, students learn essential business concepts such as marketing, budgeting, and customer service while collaborating with peers and faculty. This immersive approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering students to turn their ideas into actionable projects. Whether they are making smoothies, designing merchandise, or managing inventory, our vocational training experiences equip students with the tools and confidence they need to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations in the future.