The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is one of New York City's oldest independent schools, offering students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 A Different Kind of Manhattan Childhood.
For 125 years, Cathedral has provided an exceptional K through 8 education grounded in strong academics, character development, and community. On an extraordinary 11-acre campus in Morningside Heights, students have the space to think deeply, explore boldly, create, play, and grow.
Cathedral's rigorous academic program integrates the humanities, STEAM, world languages, arts, athletics, technology, and leadership.
As an intentionally K through 8 school, Cathedral creates a close-knit community where students are truly known, challenged, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to lead.
For families searching for an independent or private K through 8 school in New York City, Cathedral offers something increasingly rare: academic rigor without sacrificing childhood, character development with purpose, and a deeply connected community.
The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine. A Different Kind of Manhattan Childhood..
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked NY School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 251 students
- Yearly Tuition: $67,059
- Application Deadline: Dec. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1901
Colors
White, Blue, Gold
School Calendar
Campus Size
11 acres
Student Body
Total Students
251 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
53%
State avg.: 39%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$67,059
Tuition Notes
Tuition quoted is approximate; tuition is set by the Board of Trustees each year.
% on Financial Aid
45%
Admissions Director
Delvida Sene
Admissions Associate
Terri Decker
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Debate Team
Arts and Music Programs:
Arts and Music Programs
School Notes
- School Motto: Articulate, Confident, Responsible Citizens of the World
- School Mascot: Cougar
- The Cathedral School is one of New York City's oldest independent schools, offering students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 A Different Kind of Manhattan Childhood.For 125 years, Cathedral has provided an exceptional K through 8 education grounded in three defining pillars: strong academics, character development, and community. Located in Morningside Heights on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Cathedral combines the intellectual energy and cultural richness of New York City with an extraordinary 11-acre campus that gives children room to learn, explore, create, play, and grow. Cathedral's rigorous academic program challenges students to think critically, communicate confidently, ask meaningful questions, and develop a genuine passion for learning. A rich curriculum integrates the humanities, STEAM, world languages, the arts, athletics, technology, leadership, and experiential learning. Because Cathedral is intentionally K through 8, our teachers understand the academic, social, and emotional development of children ages 5 through 14 and can meet students at each important stage of childhood. Academic achievement is only part of a Cathedral education. Character development is woven throughout the student experience. Guided by the core values of cooperation, courage, integrity, kindness, passion for learning, respect, and responsibility, students learn to advocate for themselves and others, consider different perspectives, take intellectual risks, and grow into thoughtful and confident young people. Just as distinctive is Cathedral's close-knit community. Students are truly known by their teachers and supported as individuals, while families are valued as active partners in their children's intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth. Older students grow into meaningful leadership roles and serve as models and mentors for younger students, creating the sense of connection that is uniquely possible in a K through 8 school. Rooted in the Episcopal tradition and welcoming students of all faiths, Cathedral has a longstanding commitment to dignity, inquiry, inclusion, and respect for the experiences and identities of others. Students learn not simply to succeed in a diverse world, but to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with it. For families searching for an independent or private K through 8 school in New York City, Cathedral offers something increasingly rare: academic rigor without sacrificing childhood, character development with purpose, and a deeply connected community, all in an extraordinary Manhattan setting. For 125 years, Cathedral has prepared children not simply for what comes next, but for who they will become. The Cathedral School. A Different Kind of Manhattan Childhood.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine cost?
The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine's tuition is approximately $67,059 for private students.
What schools are The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine often compared to?
The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine is often viewed alongside schools like Dalton School, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School by visitors of our site.
What sports does The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine offer?
The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine offers 8 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine's ranking?
The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine?
The application deadline for The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine is Dec. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 8/1/2025
My upper schooler has been attending Cathedral since kindergarten. From the moment our child steps onto campus, the joy and sense of community are palpable. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, nurturing a genuine love for learning. The teachers are not only dedicated and skilled but also adept at adapting their methods to meet the individual needs of each student. They have been exceptional partners in our child's growth and development. The school offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, ensuring there's something for every interest. Parental involvement is strongly encouraged, which we find invaluable. There are countless opportunities to volunteer, participate in events, and engage with both teachers and administrators. The classrooms are bright and inviting, creating a welcoming environment for learning. Overall, Cathedral has provided a strong foundation for our child's education and personal growth, and we are grateful to be part of this wonderful community.
5 7/11/2025
We're parents of a 1st grader and are thrilled with Cathedral's values, blend of tradition and innovation, its diversity and joyful vibe. We love their philosophy of developing the whole self, how the community cares and supports one another, and how these vibes are everywhere. As an example, inspirational quotes in the hallways are reinforced by a morning school-wide announcement discussing acceptance, being non-judgmental, and celebrating Diwali. The values are reinforced at lunch with thoughtful assigned seating (across grades) and responsibilities for students (serving and cleaning). It's reinforced in the opportunities for parent involvement, from daily drop-off schmoozing to attending the weekly lower-school assembly. And this complements and enhances a stellar curriculum taught by enthusiastic teachers. Every month there are schoolwide events in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine called Evensongs, which are majestic, in our humble opinion. I'd describe their approach to religion as global, inclusive spiritual literacy. It's a special school that knows your child.
5 6/27/2025
I couldn't be happier with the experience my child has had at this school. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and truly cared for. The teachers are not only highly skilled but genuinely passionate about each child's development, making learning exciting and meaningful. My child has blossomed here, gaining confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning. The sense of community and support is amazing - the friendships cultivated are like family. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent looking for a nurturing, inspiring, and top-quality education in NYC!
5 6/27/2025
Very close community with active involvement in the school. Great academics with detailed attention to each child's needs. All of us, including our child, have loved Cathedral!
5 6/27/2025
We love the Cathedral School at Saint John the Divine. Our child is in a nurturing, enriching, and nature-filled environment. We started at the school in kindergarten and our child is now entering the 3rd grade this fall. We find the academics, the art and music program and the school community to be very strong. The school finds a great balance of rigor, creativity and child-centered teaching and learning. The teachers, staff and administrators are warm, communicative and invested in the children and families that attend. The many partnerships the school has with after-school vendors, local businesses and, of course, the Cathedral greatly enhance the educational experience. We highly recommend it.
5 6/27/2025
This school is wonderful in their ability to provide each individual students with the attention and learning enrichment they require at various stages of their life. The school is really focused on the social emotional aspect of teaching and learning. Each Friday, lower school kids have assembly and they get to see what others are doing and also get a chance to be socially involved with the rest of the students in different grades. School offers a variety of creative classroom activities, such as art, music and science lab. Teaching style is focused on positive encouragements without prescribing rigid expectations. Parents at the school are really involved when it comes to school events such as spring fair and bake sale. School grounds are well maintained and secured, and being next to a great cathedral brings a sense of peace and serenity each morning.
5 6/27/2025
Each time we walk through the beautiful campus and share evening conversations over dinner with our son, who thoughtfully (though sometimes reluctantly!) recounts his day at Cathedral, we are reminded of the incredible choice we made in having him attend this wonderful school. It's an honor to be apart of such a warm and welcoming community.
5 6/20/2025
The Cathedral School is an absolute gem: a place where children receive a world-class education and a vibrant and loving community to develop them into model citizens of the world. We had high expectations for Cathedral and have been blown away by the actual experience, which has far exceeded what we believed possible. A+
5 11/9/2017
Academically rigorous K-8 co-ed school, located on a beautiful 13-acre campus in the heart of the Upper West Side. Inspiring and dedicated teachers. Great sports program with strong participation. Fun loving community. Peacocks! We have been very happy.
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