Motley
Private schoolP
PrivatePrivate

CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

1047 AMSTERDAM AVENUE

At a Glance

An intimate Calvinist elementary school where 100 teachers serve 277 students

Best suited for

Families seeking a small, intimate Calvinist elementary school with extraordinary adult attention, in a walkable academic neighborhood near Manhattan's west side parks

What stands out
  • 2.8:1 student-teacher ratio — nearly one teacher per student
  • Calvinist religious affiliation — relatively rare in NYC private schools
  • PreK-5th grade span in one small community
  • High diversity index for a private school
  • Morningside Heights location near two major parks
Things to consider
  • Very small school may not offer extensive extracurricular programming
  • Calvinist identity may feel specific to some families
  • 277 total enrollment means small class sizes but potentially limited peer variety
  • 100 teachers suggests significant staff (possibly including specialists, aides, part-time) — worth clarifying actual classroom teacher count
  • Tuition and specific programs not disclosed in available data
IdentityThe School Operates From Calvinist Christian Principles, Creating A Faith-Based Learning Environment For Young Children Through 5th Grade. With Nearly 100 Teachers For Fewer Than 300 Students, The Approach Is Deeply Personal — Each Child Gets Substantial Individual Attention.

A small Calvinist school with an unusually high teacher-to-student ratio

CommunityHigh — 0.77 Diversity Index On A 0-1 Scale

The student body is predominantly white (56%) with significant multiracial representation (19%), followed by Black (11%), Asian (8%), and Hispanic (6%) students. This creates a moderately diverse community for a private school.

NeighborhoodMorningside Heights

Morningside Heights is a collegiate neighborhood home to Columbia University, Barnard College, and the Manhattan School of Music. It's known for its tree-lined blocks, access to Riverside Park and Central Park, and a strong academic feel. Families here tend to be educated and relatively affluent.

Very walkable — Amsterdam Avenue is well-served by transit, and the neighborhood is flat and family-friendly for young children.

Notable Programs

Socratic seminarsSpanish starting in KindergartenLatin starting in 6th gradevisual artsdrama

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

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.
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