Grier School is a boarding school for girls in grades 7-12, and day school for girls in grades 5-12 located in beautiful Central Pennsylvania.
Our 235 students enjoy a well-rounded education in academics, the arts and athletics.
At Grier, girls become emboldened, engaged, and poised for the future.
Lemuel Grier, the first in our founding family, conveyed this sentiment best: "Our aim is not to stuff the mind with undigested knowledge from the Text Book, but to train its powers, so that the student may be able to think for herself." Today, the tradition to develop students` critical thinking abilities-as well as the other 21st century skills-inspires both our pedagogy and curriculum, which offers classes ranging from college preparatory to Advanced Placement (AP) and in-depth scholarship through electives and advanced offerings.
The standards of faculty and instructors are high, as are the levels of concern and support provided to ensure that students experience success.
Quick Stats (2025)
Top Rankings
Grier School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 96 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Learning Difference Programs
mild to moderate
n/a
Year Founded
1853
1907
Campus Size
320 acres
120 acres
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 8, 2025
Last Day of School
Wed. May 20, 2026
Student Body
Enrollment
235 students
315 students
% Students of Color
11%
26%
% International Students
40%
21%
% Students Boarding
85%
67%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1170 - 1430
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
23
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$37 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$69,900
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
$68,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$28,500
(International students may not be day students.)
(International students may not be day students.)
$36,250
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$43,000
$49,624
Summer Program Cost
$2,000
(Grier Summer offers 3 weekly sessions. Sessions may be combined to create longer stays. Boarding campers ages 9-17 may choose 1, 2, or 3 week stay options. Day campers are ages 7-17.)
(Grier Summer offers 3 weekly sessions. Sessions may be combined to create longer stays. Boarding campers ages 9-17 may choose 1, 2, or 3 week stay options. Day campers are ages 7-17.)
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
39%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$20,000
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Feb. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
50%
65%
Director of Admissions
Kara Lawler
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
23
18
Courses
2D Art, 3D Art, Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, Design Drawing, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, US History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
29
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpha Omega, Anti-Bullying Club, Bridge Club (Women's Rights and Advocacy), Environmental Club, Excursion Club, Garden Club, Grier School Ambassadors, Journalism Club, Kaleidoscope, Knitting Club, National Honor Society, Prom Committee, Recycling Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Flute Choir, Jazz Band, Musical Theatre, Orchestra, Pottery Club, Private Music Lessons, Rock Band, Select Singers, String Orchestra, Theatre
Recreational Athletic Programs:
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
- Grier School is a boarding school for girls in grades 7-12, located in Central Pennsylvania. We also offer a day student program for girls in grades 5-12. Post graduate opportunities are available as space permits. Our 235 students enjoy a well-rounded education in academics, the arts, and athletics.
- LD types supported: mild to moderate
- Grier School accreditations: Middle States Association
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Camila Sodi - Mexican TV star and pop singer - attended Grier as a 9th grader.
- Marcy Rylan - Soap Opera actress
- Veronica Velasco - Mexican Green Party Official
- School Motto: Mens Sana In Corpore Sano (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body)
- School Mascot: Fox
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Grier School cost?
Grier School's tuition is approximately $69,900 for boarding students and $28,500 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 65%.
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 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Riding, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis 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, High average SAT scores and High ACT scores.
When is the application deadline for Grier School?
The application deadline for Grier School is Feb. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
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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The nearest boarding school to Grier School is Mercersburg Academy (60.9 miles away)
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