Grand River Academy


Grand River Academy, formerly known as the Ashtabula County Institute of Science and Industry and then the Grand River Institute, is a private, nonsectarian, boarding high school for young men located in Austinburg, Ohio. It serves approximately 110 students in grades eight through twelve, with a post-graduate option.

History

The Grand River Institute, originally named the Ashtabula County Institute of Science and Industry, was founded in 1831 by a group of prominent leaders from the Austinburg Congregational Church. The school was originally intended to prepare young men for ministerial vocations, but in 1840, it began to admit female students. Betsy Mix Cowles was appointed as the school's first female principal in charge of the Women's Department, a post she held from 1843-1848. The institution's name and location changed in 1836 at the behest of Joab Austin, a wealthy citizen who pledged a sizeable endowment for the school.

Facilities

In addition to classroom and sports facilities, the school has a gymnasium and the Robert Morrison Lecture Center and Bud Field Student Center. Students are accommodated in one of five dormitories: Shepard Hall, Mastin Hall, West Hall, North Hall and Warren Hall.

Academics

The school admits boys who for a variety of reasons may not be reaching their full potential in a traditional high school environment. It teaches in small classes, and boasts many unique programs, such as the Foundations Learning Program where students learn how they best learn and manage time to succeed in the classroom, and newly introduced The Productive Growth Center.
In order to graduate, students must obtain 21 units of credit. In addition, all seniors must be accepted by an accredited college prior to graduation. Students have been accepted at 75 different colleges.
Grand River is accredited by the Ohio Department of Education, North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.

Athletics

As a member of the Lake Effect Conference, GRA offers a full range of athletic programs, consisting of 9 varsity, 4 junior varsity, and 1 club team.

Fall Sports

Politics, government and law