The Tatnall School

The Tatnall School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school situated on a pastoral 110-acre campus in Greenville, Delaware, near Wilmington.
Tatnall is composed of four academic divisions that enroll students from age 2 through Grade 12.
Tatnall provides students with an excellent college preparatory education within a family atmosphere.
We are committed to maintaining a learning environment in which each student feels supported, challenged and recognized.
Tatnall's Mission Statement: Tatnall inspires the joyful pursuit of excellence.We value curiosity, we foster perseverance, and we cultivate citizenship - all to engage the world with commitment and integrity.
Our liberal arts tradition ensures development of mind, body and spirit through a balanced program of academics, athletics and the arts.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked DE School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 486 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $33,650
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Tatnall School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning Services for students with IEP's
Year Founded
1930
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
486 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 28%
Students by Grade
The Tatnall School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
20 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP AB Calculus, AP Art (3D), AP Art 2D, AP BC & Multivariable Calculus, AP Biology, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP French Language, AP Latin, AP Physics: Mechanics, AP Psychology, Ap Spanish Language, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP U.S. History, Honors Advanced Chemistry, Honors Advanced Latin Literature, Honors Algebra 2, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors English, Honors French 4, Honors Latin 4, Honors Physics, Honors Precalc and Trig, Honors Spanish 4
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
No jeans/t-shirts.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$15,500 - $33,650 tuition varies by grade level
% on Financial Aid
50%
Admissions Director
Alissa McGrisken
Admissions Associate
Shannon Curtis

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
beekeeping, Black Student Union, Environmental Club, Jefferson Awards Club, Mock Trial Team, Student Council, Yearbook Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Playbill

School Notes

The Tatnall School comprises four divisions from age 2 through grade 12:

  • PRESCHOOL-The Tatnall Preschool combines all of the elements necessary, including an experienced, fully credentialed faculty, to engage the curiosity and imaginations of our youngest learners. Our award-winning facility was designed with this group-ages three through kindergarten-specifically in mind. Inside, children find learning centers and areas that facilitate imaginative and cooperative play, quiet time for reading books, group time and manipulative activities. Outside our students explore a play area designed by one of the country's foremost landscape architects. This stimulating area includes state-of-the-art equipment, an amphitheater/outdoor classroom, an archeological "dig" site, water play areas, tricycle paths and a Schoolyard Habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation. With great care and creativity, Tatnall Preschool teachers guide children through early explorations of mathematics, language and literacy, science, social studies, art, Spanish, music, technology and developmental gym. The student-faculty ratio of 9:1 allows teachers and students to form close, trusting relationships. Our head teachers also enjoy the support of assistants, professional educational consultants, Upper School student volunteers and, of course, parents.
  • LOWER SCHOOL-A Tatnall Lower School student joins a community of learners. Our homeroom teachers and specialized faculty work together to create a unique experience for each child based on a common Lower School mission: To inspire self-discovery, moral courage and academic excellence in fellowship. Tatnall students learn how to learn and how to confidently speak with adults in order to gather support, seek counsel and generate ideas. Our faculty builds relationships that cultivate a safe environment where children can take risks and apply their learning. By encouraging inquiry, our students learn how to learn, actively participate in their education and become comfortable and confident interacting with adults. Incorporating our Daisy Values into our daily language reminds faculty and students who we are and how we behave. Citizenship, integrity, perseverance, compassion, honesty, respect and responsibility are not just words to live by, but traits that are modeled, acted upon visibly and frequently, expected and celebrated. In addition to core subjects that include instruction by specialists in their fields, we also emphasize art, music, gym, technology and Spanish instruction. Combined with an active and consistent community service commitment, a Lower School student is prepared to meet the challenges of Middle School.
  • MIDDLE SCHOOL-In Middle School, grades 6-8, every child experiences dramatic growth and change. At Tatnall, Middle Schoolers find the support, challenge and structure to meet their rapidly evolving intellectual and personal needs. Our faculty guide the development of each child during these critical years through the use of a curriculum, activities and a schedule that are matched to this unique age group. The Middle School academic program emphasizes higher order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, problem solving and evaluation. Middle School teaching teams take an interdisciplinaryapproach to learning and pay particular attention to developing organization, writing, study skills, inquiry, research, critical thinking and personal responsibility. Our team approach gives students and faculty a strong sense of identity. Eight teachers comprise both the fifth/sixth grade and seventh/eighth grade teams, in addition to specialists in the arts, physical education and foreign language. In a typical day, a Middle School student receives instruction in math, science, language arts, social studies, physical education, technology, the arts and foreign language. Character development, physical development and social development concerns are addressed in Life Skills seminars.
  • UPPER SCHOOL-Tatnall Upper School students engage in all aspects of a rigorous college preparatory program.Close relationships between teachers and students are the hallmark of the Upper School community.Students stretch themselves as they learn to take risks and to accept challenges.The Upper School program inspires curiosity and encourages students to become involved in a variety of activities both inside and outside of the classroom as they prepare for college and beyond. Upper School students schedule classes in an academic program that provides foundation courses as well as a large selection of Honors and Advanced Placement selections. They have the opportunity to participate in three drama productions each year, create art in one of our two art studios, travel to our European sister schools and perform in our chorus, band or strings ensembles.Each sports season, students move to the fields and the gyms to become members of teams that compete successfully at the local, state, regional and national levels. Our students grow in their confidence and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of a changing world.They learn how to solve problems, create and to become individuals of character and integrity. Upper School students are guided though our program by teachers, counselors and individual advisers who join in partnership with families to prepare our graduates for the future.The Upper School is a wonderful, welcoming place for students to find their passion and a love of learning.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Tatnall School cost?
The Tatnall School's tuition is approximately $33,650 for private students.
Does The Tatnall School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Tatnall School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Tatnall School offer?
The Tatnall School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. The Tatnall School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for most sports offered.
What is The Tatnall School's ranking?
The Tatnall School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Tatnall School?
The application deadline for The Tatnall School is Dec. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (9 reviews)
5  
Tatnall isn't just a home for my student, it's a place for me as a parent. Coming to Tatnall in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, I didn't know how we would adjust. Tatnall has an amazing network of parents and embedded student support. I often wish I was attending Tatnall when I hear about the amazing experience and academics my daughter is receiving. I recommend Tatnall to everyone and anyone I talk to. It's a must for you to check out.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter has attended Tatnall since Kindergarten and is currently in Middle School. Our family has enjoyed watching her grow and experience the private school life. The teachers are compassionate and work closely with each child. She has made friends and is a school ambassador, she learns and explores new opportunities such as sports and music. We are very pleased with our choice to be at the Tatnall School.
- Posted by
5  
Our daughter is entering Kindergarten in September and she is literally counting down the days until school starts. She has attended Tatnall since she was 3 years old and is absolutely thriving. We are amazed by her love of school and the amount that she has learned already. The teachers and administration are nothing short of spectacular. I participated last year as a homeroom parent, and the home & school association is SUPER involved in all levels at Tatnall. They put together wonderful activities and work really hard to recognize the amazing staff at the school. I am incredibly impressed by the age-appropriate academic offerings in the Early Childhood curriculum (Art/Music/Science/Spanish)! Their outdoor classroom is unparalleled.
- Posted by
5  
I have seen so much growth in my son since enrolling him in Tatnall's Early Childhood Program. My son LOVES going to school. He absolutely adores his teachers and is building meaningful friendships. Every day when I pick him up, he is so excited to share what he learned at school, tell me about the cool places on campus that he visited (like Melody meadow, the frog habitat, or the outdoor classrooms), and share trivia facts with me (like DID YOU KNOW PUMPKINS GROW ON VINES?!?!). It is so fun for me to see him flourishing, developing a love for learning, and having a blast. Our family has also gotten such a warm welcome from the Tatnall community. We have had other families reach out and welcome us, and the communication from the school's new Head of School and administration has been terrific - especially during the Pandemic.
- Posted by
5  
We absolutely love Tatnall! These kids are getting a well-rounded education. There are so many courses for them to choose from. The math and science departments are top-notch. The art department is widely heralded, and the choral department is led by a Grammy-winning artist. There are also a large variety of clubs to choose from, something for everybody. Zero tolerance for bullying. Tatnall has safety drills and a campus that is near major thoroughfares, yet off the beaten path reassuring me that my child is safe. This is a fantastic K-12 school. I had two kids here and the faculty and staff are truly amazing across the board and a couple that are truly spectacular. The school community is very nurturing, and students live by an impressive code. Amazing what a fantastic legacy they have been able to create in Wilmington, Delaware.
- Posted by
5  
Love this progressive, family school that embraces academics, arts, and athletics in equal measure. Tatnall fosters independence & responsibility, and challenges my child academically with rigorous courses and unique electives. Arts & music are phenomenal, Lifelong learning to happen here!
- Posted by
5  
This is my daughter's first year at Tatnall and it has been nothing short of exceptional. The small class sizes and amazing academic programming has her coming home with story upon story about what she learns each and every day. Even beyond the normal school hours, her day is filled with extracurricular programs like the escape room, book club, geocaching, ceramics and chorus.
- Posted by
5  
Tatnall offers a thoughtful curriculum, basic and solid core values and - best of all - nurturing teachers who are completely invested in the academic and social, emotional development of the students. These factors are instilling confidence, kindness and a love of learning in our children. When we joined Tatnall eight years ago, we found a welcoming and warm community. In our view, Tatnall is firmly committed to educating well-rounded leaders through a rigorous and thorough academic curriculum, strong arts and science programs as well as solid athletic opportunities.
- Posted by
5  
We have been at Tatnall since 2003, when our daughter began in the Early Childhood division. Tatnall has instilled in our child the confidence to be a curious and adventurous learner. One who does not fear mistakes, but recognizes them as opportunities for growth. The families we have met are amazing and have become lifelong friends. The community is very close knit and lends itself to a feeling of connection and security. I would highly recommend Tatnall for families looking for an excellent education in a very nurturing environment.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked DE School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 486 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $33,650
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Wilmington, DE is $16,885 for elementary schools and $20,575 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Wilmington, DE is 88% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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