Grove School

Since 1934, Grove School has been serving adolescents with social, emotional and learning challenges and their families. Grove is an independent, family-owned, therapeutic boarding school located in the shoreline community of Madison, Connecticut. The program is designed to meet the needs of 105 adolescent boys and girls ages, 11-18+, with average to above average intelligence, who have been unsuccessful at making a satisfactory adjustment in their homes, in their schools or in their social relationships.

We accept students with emotional, social and learning issues who may have depression or low-self esteem. They may have attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome or other neuro-biological problems. We do not accept assaultive, delinquent or drug-dependent children.

We have recently expanded our program to accommodate day students in our Therapeutic Day Program, as well as young adults, 18 and over, in our Transition Program.

Therapeutic Community
Accountability, courage, integrity, consideration of others, self-respect, commitment to holding onto the Self in the face of the fear that accompanies true growth and differentiation form the foundation upon which the Grove School community is built. They are the principles which guide individual, group and family therapy; they are the ingredients necessary for the development of social responsibility; and they are the guidelines for the staff’s interaction with each other and with our students.

Clinical Expertise
Our primary clinical emphasis is on contextually-based psychodynamic psychotherapy with a focus on interpersonal relationships. Therapy services are delivered by high level professionals including five Psychiatrists, two Clinical Psychologists, three Licensed Clinical Social Workers and three Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Students participate in two individual therapy sessions each week, one group session each week, and family therapy monthly.

Individualized Education
The academic program accommodates students who have experienced a negative impact on their school careers and require the opportunity to develop or renew a positive learning momentum. Academic rigor is stressed within a school structure aligned with the Connecticut State Standards. Each student’s progress is based on an individualized learning plan with differentiated instruction in courses ranging from AP Courses to remediated courses. Grove employs thirty content and/or special education certified teachers to deliver academic instruction.

Diverse Activities
Grove offers a variety of activities in many spheres including the fine arts, music, theatre, coeducational athletics, fitness training, yoga, meditation, and outdoor adventure. Each student can select from over 20 clubs that meet on a weekly basis. Grove has developed an Alternative Site Therapeutic and Educational Experience (ASTEE) program which incorporates domestic and foreign travel. Past trips include sailing trips to the Caribbean, high adventure outdoor trips and service trips to El Salvador.