St. Nicholas School is an independent Episcopal day school for children, grades preschool through five and enrolls students from a variety of racial, religious, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
We began as a neighborhood preschool program at Grace Episcopal Church.
Our programs expanded significantly in the early 1970s with the establishment of the Early Learning Center and with the addition of elementary grades.
The first class of sixth graders graduated in 1978, and the school became separately incorporated in 1981.
The campus is located on 24 picturesque acres in the East Brainerd area of Chattanooga.
Facilities include classroom cottages, a gymnasium, a dining facility and a chapel/fine arts center.
Buildings also feature shelter rooms for storms and other emergencies.
Students enjoy walking trails, an extensive garden program, a swimming pool and multiple playgrounds.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 162 students
- Yearly Tuition: $18,281
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. May 23, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
162 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
15 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
No uniforms - we do have a dress code
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$18,281
Tuition Notes
PK3$10,367.00 due February 9, 2024
Total: $10,367.00Early Learning Center (Level 1)$12,911.00 due February 9, 2024
Total: $12,911.00Kindergarten & Primary Divisions (Level 2-7)$18,281.00 due February 9, 2024
Total: $18,281.00
% on Financial Aid
35%
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Chris Gooden
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Coin Club
Arts and Music Programs:
After School Art, Art History, Fine Arts Class, Music class, Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
After School Enrichment Program, Cross Country Running, Soccer, Soccer Shots
Coin Club
Arts and Music Programs:
After School Art, Art History, Fine Arts Class, Music class, Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
After School Enrichment Program, Cross Country Running, Soccer, Soccer Shots
School Notes
- School Motto: Where the love of learning takes root.
- MISSION STATEMENT - St. Nicholas School nurtures each individual`s intellectual, social, and spiritual growth in order to develop independence, a love of learning, and a commitment to service.
- CORE VALUESEPISCOPAL IDENTITY St. Nicholas School nurtures each individual`s intellectual, social, and spiritual growth in order to develop independence, a love of learning, and a commitment to service.- An Episcopal school is founded on love, trust, and inclusion. It values reason as a way to true understanding and fosters a concern for the well-being of society.
- EXCELLENCE - St. Nicholas fosters a desire for excellence through the development of intrinsic motivation and personal responsibility.
- INTEGRITY - St. Nicholas school reinforces and guides the development of ethical principles and sound moral character.
- CREATIVITY - St. Nicholas nurtures imagination, intellectual curiosity, originality and inventiveness.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Jon Meacham '81 - Jon Ellis Meacham is an American writer, reviewer, historian and presidential biographer who is serving as the current Canon Historian of the Washington National Cathedral since November 7, 2021.
- Ben Curtis '93 - Benjamin Bowmar Curtis is an American actor who became known as the Dell Dude in a series of commercials for Dell Computers between 2000 and 2003. Since then, he has acted on stage and on screen.
- Marcie Ulin '92 - Producer | Writer | Additional Crew. Marcie Ulin is known for The Flight Attendant (2020), Nashville (2012) and Charlie's Angels (2011).
- Maithilee Kunda '96 - Maithilee Kunda is assistant professor of computer science and computer engineering at Vanderbilt University. Her work in artificial intelligence, in the area of cognitive systems, looks at how visual thinking contributes to learning and intelligent behavior, with a focus on applications for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Nicholas School cost?
St. Nicholas School's tuition is approximately $18,281 for private students and $185 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Nicholas School?
The acceptance rate of St. Nicholas School is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 83%.
Who are famous alumni from St. Nicholas School?
St. Nicholas School famous alumni include: Jon Meacham '81, Ben Curtis '93, Marcie Ulin '92 and Maithilee Kunda '96.
What sports does St. Nicholas School offer?
St. Nicholas School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for St. Nicholas School?
The application deadline for St. Nicholas School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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The nearest high school to St. Nicholas School is Grace Baptist Academy (0.7 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Annoor Academy Of Chattanooga (0.4 miles away)
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