The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an independent K-8 day school, rooted in the Episcopal tradition, for girls and boys of all faiths.
The School is committed to a rigorous academic program that integrates the arts, athletics, leadership, and character development.
Cathedral prides itself in being a diverse community in partnership with families who take an active role in their children's intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth.
The Cathedral School offers a stimulating environment in which each child can become an articulate, confident, and responsible citizen of the world.
The School sits on a sprawling 11-acre campus, the only one of its kind in Manhattan. As educators, we must instruct and empower children to challenge assumptions and ask questions in order to become responsible citizens in a diverse world.
As a K-8 institution, our teachers are experts in the growth and development of students aged 5-14.
At The Cathedral School, we believe that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, and sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 248 students
- Yearly Tuition: $62,000
- Application Deadline: Dec. 2 / 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
School Calendar
Campus Size
11
Student Body
Total Students
248 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 2 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$62,000
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
Sports
School Notes
- School Motto: Articulate, Confident, Responsible Citizens of the World
- School Mascot: Cougar
- The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an independent, Episcopal, K-8 day school for girls and boys of all faiths. The School is committed to a rigorous academic program that integrates the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School prides itself in being a diverse community in partnership with families who take an active role in their children's intellectual, ethical, social, and emotional growth. The Cathedral School offers a stimulating environment in which each child can become an articulate, confident, and responsible citizen of the world. Continuing a century-old relationship, the School draws upon the Cathedral's vast resources and provides its children's choir. As educators, we must instruct and empower children to challenge assumptions and ask questions in order to become responsible citizens in a diverse world. At The Cathedral School, we believe that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, and sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Burgess Meredith - Actor, known for roles in Rocky and The Twilight Zone. -
- Ben Stiller - Actor, director, producer, known for films such as Meet the Parents and Zoolander. -
- Dr. Gordon McNeer - Cancer pioneer. -
- Bethany Donaphin - WNBA star. -
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 $62,000 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.
Who are famous alumni from The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine?
The Cathedral School Of St. John The Divine famous alumni include: Burgess Meredith - Actor, known for roles in Rocky and The Twilight Zone., Ben Stiller - Actor, director, producer, known for films such as Meet the Parents and Zoolander., Dr. Gordon McNeer - Cancer pioneer. and Bethany Donaphin - WNBA star..
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. 2 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 2 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5
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
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
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
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
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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