Grier School
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.
Alumni Reviews Review School
- Review Description
- Pennsylvania State University 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. . .
- Pennsylvania State University 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. . .
- Penn State University For me, there are so many aspects of Grier that make it unique to other boarding schools. At Grier, you don't receive the "run-of-the-mill" boarding school experience. There, it was not just about. . .
- Show more reviews (3 reviews)
Top 10 Rankings
Similar Size Schools All-Girls Schools
Grier School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 108 schools) for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Attention Small average class sizes
| Definition of Terms | 2020 School Data | Grier School | Boarding School Avg. |
| School Focus | College Prep | College Preparatory |
| Grades Offered | 7-12, PG | 5-12 |
| School Type | All-girls | Co-ed |
| ADD/ADHD Support | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Learning Differences (LD) | Yes | Yes |
| Religious Affiliation | Non-denominational | Non-denominational |
| Year Founded | 1853 | 1907 |
| Campus Size | 320 acres | 125 acres |
Student Body
| Enrollment | 275 students | 302 students |
| % Students of Color | 11% | 25% |
| % International Students | 35% | 20% |
| % Students Boarding | 90% | 70% |
| Average SAT Score | 1340 | * National Avg. »View |
| SAT range (25th-75th percentile) | 1170 - 1430 | - |
| Average ACT score | 28 | *National Avg. » View |
| Offers Post-Grad Year | Yes | No |
Academics and Faculty
| Saturday Classes | No | No |
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual | Casual |
| Average Class Size | 9 students | 12 *National School Avg. » 20 |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 6:1 | 7:1 |
| # of AP / Advanced Courses Offered | 21 | 18 |
| ESL Courses Offered | Yes | Yes |
| % Faculty with Advanced Degree | 75% | 70% |
| Summer Program Offered | Yes | Yes |
| 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.) | |
| Summer Program Details | Link to Summer Program Details | |
Tuition Cost
| Endowment Size | $27 million | $24 million |
| Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) | $57,900 (Scholarships and financial aid available) | $58,935 |
| Yearly Tuition (Day Students) | n/a | $33,082 |
| % Students on Financial Aid | 40% | 40% |
| Avg. Financial Aid Grant | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Merit Scholarships Offered | Yes | No |
Acceptance Rate
| Application Deadline | Feb. 15 / rolling | Jan. 15 |
| Accepts Standardized Application | Yes | No |
| SSAT Required | No | Yes |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 57% |
| Director of Admissions | Kara Lawler Andrew Grier | |
Course Listings
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
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 |
| Sports | Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf, Riding, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball | |
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 | |
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 | |
| Link to Matriculation Data | ||
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
Profile last updated: 06/24/2021
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