At The Grove, we satisfy Ontario Ministry of Education requirements with respect to curriculum expectations, but we also go beyond them in a unique approach guided by our core values (social justice, ecological sustainability and environmental justice, community engagement/ activism—see above) and our key commitments. They include the following: community, collaboration, respect for children’s voices, holistic education, as well as democratic decision-making, learning, and practice (see The Grove Community School Handbook).

Holistic Curriculum

We believe that education is about nurturing all aspects of a person’s being. We are committed to developing all dimensions of students’ capabilities (sometimes referred to as ‘multiple intelligences’). These specifically include: linguistic; logical-mathematical; musical; spatial; bodily-kinesthetic; interpersonal; intrapersonal; and ecological capabilities.

Arts Infusion

At The Grove, the arts—including visual and dramatic arts, music and dance (creative movement)—help to expand and foster imagination and creativity. As much as possible, students learn through the arts. In addition, children learn Expressive Arts as a stand-alone subject.

Engaging, Authentic, Challenging Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to tap into and further stimulate children’s curiosity, imagination, creativity, love of learning, and sense of personal, social, and ecological responsibility. Our community views all children as competent learners. We are committed to communicating and supporting well the attainment of high and realistic learning expectations for our students.

Experiential and Thematic Learning

The Grove provides children with real-life learning experiences. Hands-on learning where students experience things directly is prominent. Curriculum at The Grove is taught using themes, or big ideas and is organized in integrated units. The goal is to take the time that is needed to deepen the children’s understanding of the curriculum by recognizing the connections across the various subject areas, and to recognize and identify the real-world applications.

Collaborative Assessment

The Grove uses assessment and evaluation primarily to promote student learning. Assessment serves various purposes: setting goals; recognizing student accomplishments; ensuring students’ needs and interests are being appropriately supported; and promoting students’ further academic and social development. The School avoids the use of high-stakes, graded testing, rigid standardization, and any evaluation instruments designed to promote competitiveness and the ranking of students.

Anti-Bias Curriculum

Anti-Bias Education. At The Grove we aspire to fulfill these goals:

1. Each child will demonstrate self-awareness, confidence, family pride, and positive social identities.

2. Each child will express comfort and joy with human diversity; accurate language for human differences; and deep, caring human connections.

3. Each child will increasingly recognize unfairness, have language to describe unfairness, and understand that unfairness hurts.

4. Each child will demonstrate empowerment and the skills to act, with others or alone, against prejudice and/or discriminatory actions.