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 Facts (2026)
Top Rankings
Grier School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 107 schools) for:
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Year Founded
1853
1909
Campus Size
320 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
235 students
300 students
% Students of Color
11%
25%
% International Students
15%
20%
% Students Boarding
85%
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
23
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
70%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$37 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$59,900
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$28,500
(International students may not be day students.)
(International students may not be day students.)
$33,500
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
Admissions
Application Deadline
Feb. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
50%
58%
Director of Admissions
Kara Lawler
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
23
17
Courses
Art HistoryBiology
Calculus ABCalculus BC
ChemistryComputer Science Principles
English LiteratureEnglish Literature
Environmental ScienceEuropean History
French LanguageMacroeconomics
MicroeconomicsMusic Theory
Physics 1Physics 2
PsychologySpanish Language and Culture
StatisticsStudio Art: 2-D Design
US HistoryWorld History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
15
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
30
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpha OmegaAnti-Bullying Club
Bridge Club (Women's Rights and Advocacy)Environmental Club
Excursion ClubGarden Club
Grier School AmbassadorsJournalism Club
KaleidoscopeKnitting Club
National Honor SocietyProm Committee
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
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 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.
- 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: Sana Mens In Corpore Sano (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body)
- School Mascot: Foxy
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Grier School cost?
Grier School's tuition is approximately $59,900 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 58%.
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 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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