Grier School is a boarding and day school for girls ingrades7-12, located in beautiful Central Pennsylvania.
Our 274 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 other21st 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 (2024-25)
- Grades: 7-12, PG
- Enrollment: 275 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $59,900
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Average class size: 9 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Grier School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 99 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Student Test Scores
Student Test Scores
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Year Founded
1853
1906
Campus Size
320 acres
128 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
275 students
319 students
% Students of Color
11%
25%
% International Students
35%
20%
% Students Boarding
90%
70%
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
21
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$27 million
$27 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$59,900
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
$65,563
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,900
Summer Program Cost
$4,350
(Grier Summer offers two 3-week sessions. Sessions may be combined to create longer stays. Campers may choose 1 to 2 week stay options and fees will be prorated.)
(Grier Summer offers two 3-week sessions. Sessions may be combined to create longer stays. Campers may choose 1 to 2 week stay options and fees will be prorated.)
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$20,000
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Feb. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
50%
60%
Director of Admissions
Kara Lawler
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
21
18
Courses
Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science Principles, English Literature, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics 2, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, Studio Art: 2-D Design, US History, World History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
15
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
30
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
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:
Equestrian, Golf, Personal Fitness, Tennis, Yoga, Zumba
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:
Equestrian, Golf, Personal Fitness, Tennis, Yoga, Zumba
College Matriculation
Year: 2010 - 2015
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Boston University
5
Pennsylvania State University
5
New York University
4
Grinnell College
2
University of Wisconsin
2
Berklee College of Music
1
Georgetown University
1
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
1
School of the Visual Arts
1
Trufts University
1
School Notes
- Grier School is a boarding and day school for girls in grades 7-12, located in Central Pennsylvania. Our 285 students enjoy a well-rounded education in academics, the arts, and athletics.
- 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
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Grier School cost?
Grier School's tuition is approximately $59,900 for boarding 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 60%.
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 15 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Riding, 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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