At a Glance
A century-old Harlem Catholic school where heritage and affordability meet at the doors of a historically Black institution.
Best suited for
Families who want an affordable, faith-based elementary education rooted in a historic Harlem community, and who value character formation and small-school warmth over a wide menu of athletics and electives.
What stands out
- Founded in 1912 by St. Katharine Drexel as the first Catholic school for African-American students in New York City — a founding mission that still defines the school's character.
- At $4,450, tuition is a fraction of what most Manhattan private schools charge, making Catholic education genuinely accessible.
- Parents consistently describe a family-like atmosphere where teachers are personally invested in their students' growth.
- An Extended Day program provides after-school coverage for working parents.
- Middle States Association accreditation signals ongoing accountability to external academic standards.
Things to consider
- The school tops out at fifth grade, so families will face a middle-school transition — worth asking how graduates fare at their next schools.
- With only one sport and nine extracurricular activities, options are slimmer than at larger Catholic academies.
- Rolling admissions mean there's no single deadline pressure, but also no guaranteed cohort entry — apply when ready.
- Faith formation is central; families who aren't seeking a Catholic environment should look elsewhere.
Identity
A Catholic elementary school rooted in the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel and the historic mission of educating African-American children in New York City. The school emphasizes faith, values, and character development within a nurturing PK–5 setting.
Community
Parents consistently speak of a tight-knit, family-oriented community where teachers are deeply invested in individual students. As a historically Black Catholic school continuing its founding mission, it draws families seeking both faith formation and cultural continuity.
Neighborhood
The school sits in North Harlem, a neighborhood where the median household income hovers around $54,700 and a quarter of residents live below the poverty line — context that helps explain why the school's tuition remains accessible by Manhattan private-school standards. The surrounding blocks are walkable and residential, with subway access close at hand.
Subway commuters have it easy: the 135 St station (2 3 trains) is about a 4-minute walk, with the 145 St (3) and Harlem-148 St (3) stations also within a 7- to 12-minute stroll.
Notable Programs
What Parents Are Saying
Generally positive reviews rated 4.5 out of 5 stars across 2 reviews and 4.4 out of 5 stars across 15 reviews. Parents describe it as a family-oriented school with amazing teachers who promote values and develop character. Students mention supportive classmates and strong high school preparation.
Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Harlem (North).
- What grades does ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL serve?
- ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL?
- ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
- Is ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL public, charter, or private?
- ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL is a private school.
- What neighborhood is ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL in?
- ST MARK THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL is in Harlem (North), Manhattan.