Narrative Now

The Grove

A community classes and workshops program where expert instructors, small groups, and real curiosity come together — in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Visit The Grove Website

What Is The Grove?

The Grove is Narrative Now's flagship program: a series of weekly, in-person classes led by subject-matter experts in small-group settings of 8 to 12 participants.

Each class is designed to be accessible, engaging, and deeply human. There are no tests, no grades, no prerequisites. Just a room full of curious people learning something new — together.

The program also incorporates community excursions to cultural institutions, museums, and civic landmarks across New York City, extending the classroom into the city itself.

Inclusive by Design

What makes The Grove different is how we think about who belongs in the classroom. Our program is neurodivergent-affirming and built to be accessible to people of all abilities, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We don't build separate spaces. We build better ones — inclusive by design.

Our faculty are uniquely positioned to support diverse learners, and every class is designed so that every person in the room can participate, contribute, and succeed.

We believe the richest classrooms are the ones where people from different backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life learn alongside each other. That's not a tagline. It's how we design every class.

As a nonprofit, we're working to make this programming as accessible as possible.

What You Can Learn

The Grove offers classes across a wide range of subjects, each taught by someone who lives and breathes the material.

Civic Education

Understanding government, rights, and civic participation.

Digital Skills

Practical technology skills for everyday life and work.

Visual Design

Exploring visual communication, layout, and creative expression.

Personal Finance

Building financial literacy and confidence.

Language Arts

Reading, writing, and storytelling as tools for self-expression.

History

Connecting with the past to understand the present.

Performing Arts

Finding voice and presence through performance.

Life Skills

Everyday knowledge for navigating life with confidence.

How It Works

Small Groups

Every class is capped at 8 to 12 participants, ensuring meaningful interaction and personal attention from the instructor.

Weekly Sessions

Classes meet weekly, giving participants a consistent rhythm and the time to develop real understanding.

Expert Instructors

Every class is taught by a subject-matter expert — professionals, practitioners, and educators who bring real-world experience.

In-Person in Midtown

All classes take place in person in Midtown Manhattan, creating genuine connection and a true classroom experience.

Beyond the Classroom

The Grove extends learning into the city itself. Participants join community excursions to cultural institutions, museums, and civic landmarks across New York City — turning the five boroughs into a living curriculum.

From gallery walks to guided visits to historic sites, these experiences deepen what's learned in the classroom and connect it to the rich cultural fabric of our city.

Ready to Join The Grove?

Visit The Grove's website to browse upcoming classes, learn more about our instructors, and register.

Go to thegrovenyc.org