The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine is an esteemed independent day school, welcoming students of all genders and all faiths, from kindergarten to 8th grade, in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood. Now in its 123rd year, the School’s consistent commitment to innovation and dedication to equity, justice, and social change have allowed it to grow into the dynamic educational institution it is today. 

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, The Cathedral School is pleased to offer a tuition discount to its Morningside Heights neighbor–Columbia University. Columbia employees will now receive a special tuition discount, in addition to Columbia’s Primary Tuition Scholarship and Cathedral’s standard need-based financial aid programs. The School is excited to share the excellence of its K through 8th grade program with Columbia families at a reception at 5:30 p.m. prior to its Open House on Thursday, November 14. Interested parties can RSVP here. More information is available via Cathedral’s Admissions website or by contacting Delvida Sène, Director of Admissions. 

All others who are interested in learning more about the program, please consider joining Cathedral’s Open House on Thursday, November 14, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to learn more about the School’s Core Values, curriculum, campus, and the power of a K-8 education. Visit the School’s Admissions website to register.

Filled with greenery and gardens, and just a short walk from Columbia University, The Cathedral School’s spacious 11-acre campus is an oasis amongst the looming buildings of Manhattan, creating an experience that is unique to Cathedral. The campus features two playgrounds, a green for students to play and explore, and ample space for the School’s 18 athletic programs to practice. It is the perfect environment to support a vigorous academic program that cultivates both play and a lifelong passion for learning in its students.

The School comprises two divisions—Lower School from K-4; Upper School from 5-8—and its 5:1 student to teacher ratio ensures each child is able to take full advantage of all the resources it has to offer. At every level, Cathedral’s dedicated faculty build a foundation of academic excellence, critical thinking, and community-building, brought to life in a diverse range of classes, electives, clubs, affinity groups, and character education.

The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual’s sense of identity and broaden respect for others. As such, Cathedral is a leader and model for independent schools in one of the most diverse cities in the nation. Students are empowered by the School’s Core Values—Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility—and come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do.