Academics at Grand River Academy®
At Grand River Academy, academics are more than grades—they’re a foundation for confidence, resilience, and self-regulation. Through our personalized approach, every young man discovers his strengths, takes ownership of his learning, and develops the skills to thrive in college and beyond.
Support That Builds Confidence
Our teachers are mentors as well as instructors. With a balance of structure and support, students learn to:
- Strengthen self-regulation by managing time and responsibility
- Catch up academically if needed and build resilience through challenges
- Strengthen study and organizational skills
- Grow confidence through consistent progress and achievement
Beyond the Classroom
Learning extends into every corner of campus:
- Study hall and tutoring are part of the daily routine
- STEM, arts, and enrichment opportunities spark creativity and curiosity
- College counseling prepares students for life after graduation
- Campus life emphasizes brotherhood—a supportive community that fosters respect for oneself, others, and the environment
Our Goal
Every young man who graduates from GRA leaves with more than a transcript—he leaves with the confidence, resilience, and self-regulation to succeed academically, socially, and personally. At GRA, our students are guided by honor, integrity, and a community that prepares them to thrive in college and beyond.
Foundations of Learning
This course is for students still developing organization or study skills or for those who need additional personalized instruction in specific subject areas, including, but not limited to math, science, social studies, and language arts. Class size varies from one to three students per teacher. An FLP class is scheduled daily for participants in the program and does not replace any other classes but rather complement them.
Any student who enrolls in Grand River Academy® and has a psychological evaluation will have an Education Plan written for him. Each of that student’s teachers, his parents, and the student will receive a copy of the Ed Plan which lists the classroom modifications recommended by the psychological report.
Students in FLP receive weekly comments from all of their academic teachers. These comments, detailing the past week’s performance, are posted online for parents to see. The FLP teachers also serve as the liaison for a student’s team of parents, teachers, and administrators. Quarterly IEP (Education Plan) progress reports for the student will be shown as an FLP class grade. Grading is based on participation, preparedness, and classroom behavior along with a written assessment documenting the child’s progress in meeting the established annual goals for the student.
A typical FLP class uses direct instruction in a small group setting during every class period. The FLP teacher helps students through difficulties that may arise in the process of completing homework assignments. Additionally, basic skills are emphasized as a student learns to take effective notes, outline, write research papers, and prepare for tests. Organizational skills throughout all areas of a student’s daily life are emphasized. Ultimately, the desired outcome of our FLP class is for students to develop the techniques and self-confidence that will help them succeed and no longer need academic support.
Students participating in the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program are automatically enrolled in FLP.
Participation in Foundations of Learning Program involves an additional fee per semester if not part of the JPSN Scholarship program.
STUDENT TUTORING PROGRAM
There is a study hall for all students every evening, Sunday through Thursday. During this time, many students study in their rooms or in the library. For students requiring a more structured study hall experience, the Student Tutoring Program offers additional academic support in the evening hours. It is in these small groups that students work on academic projects, essays, and nightly homework under the supervision of one of our Student Support teachers.
Grand River Academy’s® academic support program includes FLP classes and Student Tutoring. The program uses a multi-faceted approach to best support students who have struggled academically in other settings. While the support program does keep abreast of the latest research and trends, best practices — rather than passing fads — dominate GRA’s approach to empowering students with the tools needed to close gaps and improve skills. At all times, students benefit from the best practices that suit their specific educational needs.
Our program allows students to participate and thrive in GRA’s college preparatory classes without any sense of stigma. Additionally, the team approach allows for seamless communication between all concerned parties, further ensuring success. As a testament to this approach, many students advance out of this program by their senior year, confident and prepared for success in their future academic endeavors.
Headed by a licensed intervention specialist, the program provides small groups of students with classroom spaces to work under the supervision of a Student Support teacher/tutor.
Student Support teachers assist students in several ways. At a basic level, the teacher helps students meet assignment due dates and ensure regular homework completion. They also impart organization and prioritization skills to students, which reduces overall stress. Additionally, tutors are in communication with classroom teachers and FLP teachers about individual student progress, obstacles, and achievements.
The Student Tutoring Program is open to all grade levels. There is an additional fee for participation in the Student Tutoring Program, if the student is not already enrolled in the FLP program. Student Support teachers not only help students develop good study habits, but they also root for each student’s success and bolster students’ academic confidence.