The College in the Schools (CITS) program through UMD offers college level curriculum in the high school setting. Students are able to select a challenging balance of courses offered at GRHS. Students have the ability to explore the depths of interests, develop skills necessary to be successful at the college level and earn University of Minnesota Duluth credit while taking classes in high school. 

Through the Liberal Education Pathway, students can complete nearly all of the Liberal Education requirements at the University of Minnesota Duluth by taking courses at GRHS. On top of the preparedness students attain from College in the Schools credit, transfer rates of the CITS courses offered at Grand Rapids High School is also very high. Not only are these courses valuable for students planning to attend UMD, the credit earned is also satisfying requirements for students as they set off to their schools of choice. A survey of college students who participated in CITS courses indicated UMD credit transferred successfully into required areas over 95% of the time. Many students entered their first year of college with a high standing due to the credit already attained, students were able to jump directly into high level coursework, and students report more preparedness for the college curriculum as a result of the IB and CITS programs. By completing the Liberal Education Pathway, students can be well on their way to completing their liberal education requirements or "generals" and able to focus on major requirements and graduate much earlier. These benefits can ultimately save time and money and more often students noted that they used the advancement in credit to explore other courses, interests and future education opportunities such as pursing a minor or a double major. 

Listed below are recommended courses to help prepare for the Liberal Education Pathway at GRHS. The recommended courses provide a knowledge base and encourage further development of skills such as organization, time management, and determination that increase the likelihood of success in the pathway.