Academics

The Greene School's academic program blends rigorous, college-preparatory coursework with the hands-on, real-world learning that defines our EL Education model. Every student follows a structured path through core subjects: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish, as well as Outdoor Education, Wellness and the Arts, while building the character, fieldwork experience, and independent thinking that our mission is built around.

A Rigorous Core Curriculum

Students complete four years of English, math, and most students complete four or more years of social studies and science — including our unique Field Ecology course, which takes ninth graders outdoors from day one to study the land our campus sits on. Two years of Spanish (or more) and courses in financial literacy, computer science, and the arts round out a well-balanced course of study designed to prepare every student for college and wild success after high school.

For students looking to go further, we offer Honors sections across departments, Advanced Placement courses including AP Language and Composition, AP Literature, AP Environmental Science and Early Enrollment Program (EEP) courses that carry real college credit from Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. Students can also pursue Dual Enrollment and All Coursework Network (ACN) opportunities at local colleges and universities.

Crew: The Heart of Our Model

Every student is part of Crew — a small advisory group that meets throughout the day, all four years. Guided by the EL Education belief that "we are crew, not passengers," Crew blends academic support with social-emotional learning, helping students build resilience, collaboration, and a genuine sense of belonging. Crew is also home to two Greene School traditions: our Wilderness program, an outdoor orientation experience that kicks off each school year, and Student-Led Conferences, where students take ownership of reflecting on their own growth and goals by presenting them to their families/caregivers and Crew Leader.

Portfolios and Fieldwork

Academic mastery at The Greene School is measured through more than tests and grades. Students build a Passage Portfolio in tenth grade — reflecting on who they are as learners — and a Senior Portfolio, a culminating body of work that they defend before a panel of community members and industry professionals. Learning Expeditions carry students through extended, interdisciplinary studies grounded in fieldwork, often connected to real environmental and community questions right here in Rhode Island.

Character and Service

Community service is a graduation requirement, not an extracurricular add-on — students partner with local nonprofits to understand and address real community needs. Students who go further can pursue distinctions like the National Honor Society, the National Green Schools Society, the Commissioner's Seal, the Seal of Biliteracy, and our STEM Pathway Endorsement.

Planning Ahead

Each student works with their Crew leader, family, and school counselor to map out a four-year course plan aligned to their interests and goals — whether that's advanced STEM coursework, world language proficiency, the arts, or a combination of all three. Our full Program of Studies and Student Planning Guide includes detailed graduation requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies for families who want to dig deeper.