Academics

A young man with dark skin and short curly hair, dressed in a gray polo shirt and cream-colored pants, is sitting on a beige upholstered bench, writing in a small notebook with a gold pen. He is positioned in a modern, minimalist room with wooden wall panels, a potted plant, and abstract artwork in the background. Sunlight casts shadows on the wall and floor.

Known, Challenged, and Prepared

At Cedar Grove, rigor means more than high expectations. It means active, inquiry-based learning where students analyze, reason, and solve complex problems through Socratic dialogue and productive struggle. Students don't just memorize — they construct understanding through evidence, discussion, and application.

The educational model is built on 3 elements and is grounded in the “ROOTS” core values: Rooted in Identity, Open Bold Futures, Own Your Path, Think Deeply, and Strengthen Community.

1. College Readiness & Purpose

Every child should know the fullness of life is available to them, that college, and the doors it opens, is a path they can walk. A student’s future should be shaped by their dreams & drive, not circumstances of birth. We keep all doors open so students can choose their path. Our model ensures strong academics while exploring purpose. Through targeted support, students build skills for rigorous environments & develop habits like note-taking, time management, & self-advocacy. “June Term” extends learning through financial literacy, college transition, internships, & real-world experiences.

2. Rigor Through Thinking and Active Learning

Rigor is active, inquiry-based learning grounded in Socratic dialogue. Students analyze, reason, & solve complex problems, applying knowledge in new contexts. Rather than memorizing, they construct understanding through evidence, discussion, and application. Classrooms center on open-ended, text- and problem-based questions. Teachers push students to explain and defend their thinking. Students learn structured academic discourse, building on others’ ideas. Advisory extends this work beyond core classes.

3. Belonging, Joy & Agency

Students thrive when known, valued, and engaged. We foster a joyful, relational culture with strong adult and peer connections. Advisory, family engagement, and community experiences ensure students feel seen and supported. We prioritize restoration, wellness, and identity development, building academic and social-emotional growth. Students develop agency through goal setting and meaningful choice, with interventions paired with high expectations so every learner succeeds.

Cedar Grove opens Fall 2027 serving grades 6 and 9, growing to a full 6-12 school by 2030.

We are finalizing our curriculum and instructional partnerships. Check back for updates, or fill out the form below to receive updates.