STUDENT LIFE

Explore Interests.
Build Confidence.


Find Your Place.

 

At Groves, every student deserves to feel known, included, and encouraged to participate.

During the school day, students learn in an environment designed around how they learn best. Through Student Life, they have even more opportunities to discover their strengths, build confidence, connect with others, and try something new.

“Everybody makes everyone feel included in everything we do here.”

Explore. Move. Connect.

Student Life includes Athletics, Performing Arts, Enrichment Clubs, and Extended Day Care. Together, these programs give students different ways to connect, contribute, explore their interests, and experience success beyond the classroom.

Student Life programs are offered during the fall, winter, and spring, with a separate registration period for each season.

Families receiving tuition assistance receive the same percentage of assistance toward Student Life fees. We want every student to have the opportunity to participate.

A Place for Every Student.

Our programs are intentionally designed to make participation welcoming and accessible. With no tryouts or cuts for Groves-sponsored activities, students can explore their interests without the pressure of already having experience or advanced skills. Because Groves is a close-knit community, students play a sport, participate in a production, and join a club, often in the same season. Each experience offers another way to build skills, friendships, and confidence.

77% of Groves students participated
in Student Life programming in 2025-2026

Athletics

At Groves, athletics are about growth over glory. Through sports, students build skills, develop leadership, practice sportsmanship, and learn what it means to be part of a team. There are no tryouts or cuts for Groves-sponsored teams. If a student is interested, there is a place for them to participate. Groves is a member of the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference and affiliated with the Minnesota State High School League. We sponsor 15 programs across three seasons for students in grades 4 through 12, with eligibility varying by sport. Cooperative partnerships with neighboring schools also give Groves students access to 10 additional sports while remaining part of the Groves community.
MSHSL Eligibility Brochure
MN Sports Physical Form

Performing Arts

The performing arts give students many ways to discover and share their creativity. Every student who wants to be part of a production has a place. Students can explore performance, music, design, technology, and behind-the-scenes roles in a welcoming environment, contributing in ways that build on their interests and strengths. Through choir, plays, and other productions, Groves offers seven programs for students in grades 5 through 12, with eligibility varying by program. Students develop confidence, collaboration, self-expression, and a sense of belonging.

Enrichment Clubs

Enrichment Clubs give students in grades 2 through 8 a fun, low-pressure way to explore new interests and connect with others. Sixteen clubs are offered each season, with four clubs available each day, Monday through Thursday. Offerings rotate throughout the year, allowing students to continue developing an interest or try something entirely new during the next nine-week session.

Groves Athletics: More Than a Game

At Groves Academy, athletics are about more than competition—they’re about growth. Through sports, students build leadership skills, practice sportsmanship, and learn the value of teamwork in a supportive, inclusive environment.

As members of the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference (EMAC) and affiliates of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), we offer opportunities for all students—no tryouts required. If you’re interested, you’re in.

The following athletic opportunities are available to Groves Academy students through cooperative partnerships with neighboring schools.

Academy Calendar

Extended Day Care

Extended Day Care provides students with a safe, welcoming, and supervised place to spend time after school until 5:00 PM, every school day.

Extended Day Program Policy

Questions?

Student Life Programs & Registration

Curtis Olufson
Director of Student Life and Enrichment
[email protected]

Athletics

Peter Shutte
Athletic Director
[email protected]

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