Grier School
About the School
- Grier School is a nationally and internationally known boarding school for girls in grades 7-12 and a day school for local girls in grades 5-12, located on 320 mountainside acres in beautiful Central Pennsylvania.
- Leaning on the research of what girls need, we pride ourselves on the all-girl experience and the building of sisterhood.
- Our girls are engaged, authentic, and confident.
- They're passionate about academics, the arts, and athletics.
- Grier School is dedicated to providing every student the opportunity to unlock her individual potential and pursue her unique passions.
- We offer a challenging curriculum within a nurturing and inclusive community where students find a sense of belonging as they gain knowledge, confidence, social and global awareness, and leadership skills.
Quick Facts (26-27)
Upcoming Events
Top Rankings
Grier School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 93 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
2026 School Data
Grier School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Learning Difference Programs
mild to moderate
n/a
Year Founded
1853
1906
Campus Size
320 acres
125 acres
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
School Motto
Mens Sana In Corpore Sano (A Sound Mind in a Sound Body)
Student Body
Enrollment
250 students
320 students
% Students of Color
11%
27%
% International Students
40%
21%
% Students Boarding
85%
65%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1170 - 1430
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
73%
Summer Program Details
# of AP Courses Offered
23
18
Courses
2D Art3D Art
Art & Design DrawingArt History
BiologyCalculus AB
Calculus BCChemistry
Computer Science AComputer Science Principles
English LiteratureEnvironmental Science
European HistoryFrench Language
Human GeographyMacroeconomics
MicroeconomicsMusic Theory
Physics 1Psychology
Spanish Language and CultureStatistics
US History
Tuition & Financial Aid
Endowment Size
$37 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$75,500
(Scholarships & Financial Aid Available)
(Scholarships & Financial Aid Available)
$71,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$32,500
(Day Students ≠ International Students)
(Day Students ≠ International Students)
$40,000
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$50,000
$50,000
Summer Program Cost
$2,000
(Grier Summer offers three weekly sessions. Sessions may be combined to create longer stays. Boarding Camper > Ages 9-17, Day Camper > Ages 7-17 .)
(Grier Summer offers three weekly sessions. Sessions may be combined to create longer stays. Boarding Camper > Ages 9-17, Day Camper > Ages 7-17 .)
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$20,000
$25,000
Request Information
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
50%
64%
Director of Admissions
Kara Lawler
Lindsay Bassham
Lindsay Bassham
Associate Director of Admissions
Leah Buck
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
21
17
Colors
Green and Gold
School Mascot
Fox
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
34
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
A Capella GroupAlpha Omega
Art ClubNational Art Honors SocietyAstronomy Club
AV Club (Grier TV)Baking Club
Beyond the BubbleBridge Club
Catholic Soul Food ClubChess Club
Excursion ClubGrier Fit Club
Grier History ClubGrier School Ambassadors
KaleidoscopeMath Club
Model United NationsNational Honor Society (NHS)
National STEM Honor Society (NHS)Newspaper
Odyssey of the MindPhoto Club
Pottery ClubProm Committee
Recycling ClubRobotics Club
Rock BandSustainable Sisters Club
Tri-M Honor SocietyUSA Bioolympiad
Yarn Art ClubYearbook
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Year: 2024
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of the Performing Arts
1
Fashion Institute of Technology
1
New York University
1
Northeastern University, Global Scholars Program
1
Parsons School of Design
1
Pennsylvania State University
1
Rhode Island School of Design
1
Savannah College of Art & Design
1
University of Massachusetts Amherst
1
University of Southern California
1
School Notes
- Our students are free to explore new opportunities and possibilities in a supportive, encouraging environment. Girls are encouraged to try new paths, to follow ambitions, and to pursue leadership roles. In finding her voice and comprehending her value, a student at Grier comes to recognize the power and potential of being a girl in the 21st century. At Grier, girls become emboldened, engaged, and poised for the future.Grier girls are challenged in the classroom and find support from teachers and peers to develop academic perseverance. In addition, Grier students develop critical thinking and communication skills that empower each girl to step forward, speak out, and get involved.Students find a wide variety in the Grier Curriculum, which offers classes ranging from college preparatory to Advanced Placement (AP) and in-depth scholarship through electives and advanced offerings. At Grier, small classes, passionate teachers, and hands-on experiences involve students and immerse them in a culture of achievement. The standards of faculty and instructors are high, as are the levels of concern and support provided to ensure that students experience success.Grier School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and licensed by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education. In addition, Grier is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Heads Network, and the National Coalition of Girls' Schools (NCGS).
- Grier's Signature Programs in dance, horseback riding, and the arts are the areas for which we are renowned and that distinguish Grier from other schools. At Grier, girls can pursue their passions and appreciate each other's talents in a friendly and inclusive environment. Appropriate courses and instruction are available both for the novice and the aficionada.Our programs continue to grow and evolve as a reflection of student interest. That growth is reflected in the construction of new facilities on campus, which include the Performing Arts Center, two indoor and outdoor riding arenas, the Fine Arts and Vocal Music Building, and the brand-new Instrumental Music Building.
- When your daughter finds herself at Grier, she can become bold, engaged, and confident in a friendly, inclusive environment. Once a part of the Grier community, families are invited to discover specially curated information by logging into myGrier. Explore the school news and follow us on social media to stay connected to your daughter and witness the enriching opportunities you have made possible by choosing Grier.
- LD types supported: mild to moderate
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Camila Sodi - Mexican TV Star & Pop Singer
- Marcy Rylan - Soap Opera Actress
- Veronica Velasco - Mexican Green Party Official
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Grier School cost?
Grier School's tuition is approximately $75,500 for boarding students and $32,500 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Grier School?
The acceptance rate of Grier School is 50%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Grier School?
Grier School famous alumni include: Camila Sodi, Marcy Rylan and Veronica Velasco.
What sports does Grier School offer?
Grier School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Paddle Tennis, Riding, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
Does Grier School offer a summer program?
Yes, Grier School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Grier School's ranking?
Grier School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small average class sizes.
When is the application deadline for Grier School?
The application deadline for Grier School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Student & Alumni Reviews
Review
Description
I liked Grier very much when I attended it. Four years went by so fast, I did not even notice how I graduated so quickly. In the meantime, I saw myself change and become stronger. . .
Grier School is unique in a number of different ways, but the aspect that I value most as a former student has to do with the atmosphere and student body. Many people ask me what. . .
Grier is a school that develops young women with the confidence to be their best and be themselves. Grier values and supports each individual student. Its hallmarks are community, diversity and focus on developing each. . .
Show more reviews (3 reviews)
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