Understanding Grier School Tuition and Affordability

Grier School, also known as The Grier School for Girls, is an independent all-girls college-preparatory boarding school situated on 320 mountainside acres in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Nationally and internationally recognized, Grier caters to girls in grades 7-12 as boarding students and local girls in grades 5-12 as day students. The school prides itself on creating an all-girl environment that fosters sisterhood, engagement, authenticity, and confidence. Grier is dedicated to providing every student the opportunity to unlock her individual potential and pursue her unique passions. The school emphasizes the development of critical thinking abilities and 21st-century skills, inspiring both its pedagogy and curriculum. With a diverse student body, Grier hosts international students from more than 30 different countries each year, making up about half of the student body with students from more than 15 countries.

The Cost of Education at Grier

Investing in a top-quality education is a significant financial commitment. For the 2022-2023 academic year, Grier School's yearly tuition for boarding students was $69,900, while the yearly tuition for day students was $28,500. This tuition covers a well-rounded education in academics, the arts, and athletics.

Financial Aid and Affordability Options

Grier School understands that some families may need assistance to pay the full tuition. To assist families in meeting the cost of Grier’s tuition, the school offers need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and payment plans. Financial aid is available based on need and is awarded on a "first come, first served" basis.

Need-Based Grants

Need-based financial aid represents the difference between the cost of tuition and the expected contribution from parents and extended family. Clarity, a financial aid provider, processes the financial aid applications and reports to Grier a Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS), which is used as a guideline to determine a family’s contribution towards the investment of a Grier education.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Grier School offers merit-based scholarships to recognize and reward students with outstanding academic or other achievements.

Payment Plans

Grier School provides payment plans to allow families to spread tuition payments over a period of time, making it more manageable.

Application Process and Key Dates

Prospective students can apply to Grier School by completing a student biographic profile, student and parent questionnaires, and submitting two teacher recommendations, test scores, and a school report with academic transcripts. It is highly recommended that applicants to Grier take the SSAT test. Grier School’s code is 3586. The application deadline for Grier School is Feb. 15 / rolling, and applications received after March 10 will continue to be considered as long as space is available.

International Students

In addition to the standard application requirements, international students need to complete the international student supplement which consists of a copy of the photo page of the student’s passport, a signed financial sponsorship form, and a bank statement or employer’s letter verifying funds available to cover the first year’s tuition and fees. Students from China who are applying to 10th or 11th grades are required to submit their TOEFL score with their application.

Grier School is SEVP-certified and authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.

Health Insurance and Medical Requirements

Out of concern for the health and welfare of all students, Grier School requires that every international student enroll in a comprehensive injury and sickness plan. This plan meets the high cost of medical services and is accepted by local providers and practitioners. This plan was designed especially for private secondary schools and meets the mandated requirements of Pennsylvania law. All new students, with their healthcare providers, must complete the required health forms and provide an immunization record.

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Campus Visits and Interviews

Visiting Grier is an important component of the admissions process. The informal visit provides authentic opportunities for both the student and the school community to learn about one another throughout the day. The Grier School admissions team travels to many areas in Asia, Europe, and Central America.

Visits can be scheduled Monday through Friday throughout the year; however, it is highly recommended visiting Grier while classes are in session.

Grier School values getting to know our applicants personally. Therefore, they encourage students to be relaxed and be themselves so the school can get to know students and learn more about their interests. Though it is important to be prepared for the interview, it is not helpful to read prepared, written responses to their questions. If possible, plug your computer directly in to your router so there are no issues with a poor connection.

Some questions that may be asked include:

Why did you decide to apply to Grier School?
What do you enjoy most about school? Do you have favorite subjects? What subjects are most challenging for you?
What do you like to do with your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
Tell us about your family.
Describe your ideal school. What qualities are you looking for in your next school?
When you think about your boarding school experience, what excites you the most? What makes you nervous?
Why do you think you are ready for boarding school?
What are your plans for after high school?

As a part of the admissions process, families are asked to submit the documents required for the I-20.

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Supporting International Students

Grier School recognizes the importance of a diverse student body and seeks to enroll students from around the world who will become emboldened, engaged, and poised for the future during their time at Grier. Grier has many resources on campus to support international students including a student transportation coordinator, on-site TOEFL® testing, and ESL instruction. Grier offers ESL support classes during the school year.

Life at Grier

Grier School is a boarding school for girls in grades 7-12 and a day school for girls in grades 5-12. At Grier, the educational experience incorporates the academics, athletics and the arts in a way that permits you to explore your passions and discover new interests. Students live in dormitories housed in the main complex of buildings and in dormitories called "Cottages." Two girls share one bedroom and a bathroom with the two students down the hall. A pair of housemothers supervise each dorm, taking care of the girls in the dorm. Grier kitchen staff provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. School and college counselors help students adjust to life at school and prepare for college.

Grier requires students to participate in seasonal sports and offers a wide variety each term. Grier has an equestrian team as well as volleyball, basketball, Rock Climbing, soccer, dance, fencing and tennis teams. Grier has a dance program housed in a Performing Arts Center. Non-varsity sports include alpine skiing, yoga, body sculpting, archery, fencing, pickleball, and table tennis. Grier's equestrian program hosts over 40 horses in facilities that include two indoor rings and two outdoor rings. Grier offers riding lessons at all levels of ability.

On the weekends, there are many activities offered, both on campus and off. Grier girls and Kiski boys enjoy a dance together at an annual prom.

Additional Programs

Grier School also hosts summer camps during the summer months, a "sleep away" camp that also offers day camper programs. The summer camps attract students who enjoy horseback riding, dance, creative arts, and theater.

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