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
125 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 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø
85%
67%
Average SAT Score
1340
(Out of 1600)
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1170 - 1430
-
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Average Class Size
9 students
12
* National Avg. »
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
(ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students)
(ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Students)
$69,900
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
(Scholarships and financial aid available)
$68,800
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$28,500
(International students may not be day students.)
(International students may not be day students.)
$37,000
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø)
(5 Day ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø)
$43,000
$49,624
Summer Program Cost
$2,000
(Grier Summer offers 3 weekly sessions. Sessions may be combined to create longer stays. ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø 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. ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø campers ages 9-17 may choose 1, 2, or 3 week stay options. Day campers are ages 7-17.)
% 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%
64%
Director of Admissions
Kara Lawler
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
23
18
Courses
2D Art3D Art
Art HistoryBiology
Calculus ABCalculus BC
ChemistryComputer Science A
Computer Science PrinciplesDesign Drawing
English LiteratureEnvironmental Science
European HistoryFrench Language
Human GeographyMacroeconomics
MicroeconomicsMusic Theory
Physics 1Psychology
Spanish Language and CultureStatistics
US History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
29
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
Recycling Club
Arts and Music Programs:
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 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 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 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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