At a Glance
A tiny, values-driven elementary school where Socratic seminars and Latin roots shape articulate, caring citizens.
Best suited for
Families seeking a small, values-oriented elementary education with classical humanities touches, individualized attention, and the resources to invest in premium NYC private tuition.
What stands out
- An extraordinarily low 2.8-to-1 student-teacher ratio, the kind of staffing more typical of a much smaller school, allowing for deeply individualized instruction.
- A humanities-centered curriculum anchored by Socratic seminars, with Spanish beginning in Kindergarten and Latin introduced in 6th grade.
- A values-driven culture made tangible through a specific, named list of seven character virtues rather than a generic character-education program.
- A Calvinist religious heritage that is uncommon among NYC private schools, paired with accreditation through the National Association of Episcopal Schools.
- Robust arts programming in visual art and drama alongside a rigorous academic core.
Things to consider
- Tuition is $67,059 for 2026-27, a single published figure that places Cathedral firmly in the top tier of NYC private elementary tuition.
- Some parents in online reviews raise concerns about the depth of learning support resources for students who need additional academic help.
- The Calvinist framing is distinctive but niche — families should expect a culture shaped by this theological tradition while being open about how it shows up in daily school life.
- The December 1 application deadline falls in line with most competitive NYC private elementary timelines, so families should plan tours early.
- As a PK-5 elementary, Cathedral does not extend through high school — families will eventually face another transition.
Identity
Cathedral School is a coed elementary program serving PK through 5th grade, rooted in the Calvinist tradition and accredited by the National Association of Episcopal Schools. Its program is built around Seven Core Values — courage, cooperation, integrity, kindness, passion for learning, responsibility, and respect — with a stated mission of educating both mind and heart to produce articulate, confident, responsible citizens of the world.
Community
With only 277 students, Cathedral is intentionally small, and the community reflects Morningside Heights' mix of university-affiliated and professional families. Demographically, students are a White plurality with substantial multiracial and Black representation; Asian and Hispanic families make up smaller but meaningful shares. The school's diversity index of 0.77 reflects real variety across groups, even with the White majority.
Neighborhood
Morningside Heights is a highly educated neighborhood — over 70% of adults hold a bachelor's degree — with a median household income around $97,000 and a poverty rate near 23%, reflecting the mix of university-affiliated professionals, graduate students, and longtime working-class residents. The school's Amsterdam Avenue address places it close to the Columbia University area and the cultural institutions that orbit the campus.
Three subway options sit within a roughly 6-to-7-minute walk: the 1 train at 116 St-Columbia University, the 1 at Cathedral Pkwy (110 St), and the C and B trains at Cathedral Pkwy (110 St).
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Generally positive - parents praise small class sizes, exceptional teachers, nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community. Multiple reviews mention children thrive and love attending. Some concerns about upper school administration and learning support resources.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is CATHEDRAL SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for CATHEDRAL SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Morningside Heights.
- What grades does CATHEDRAL SCHOOL serve?
- CATHEDRAL SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into CATHEDRAL SCHOOL?
- CATHEDRAL SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is CATHEDRAL SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- CATHEDRAL SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is CATHEDRAL SCHOOL in?
- CATHEDRAL SCHOOL is in Morningside Heights, Manhattan.