Introducing The Steeple School
The Steeple School is a microschool rooted in the progressive tradition of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a denomination that prizes the life of the mind, vibrant community, and the full inclusion of people of every background in its councils and pulpits. The Steeple School fosters a learning environment where intellectual curiosity and compassionate citizenship grow side by side. Guided by our Reformed tradition, our faculty invite middle- and high-school learners to wrestle with big ideas, develop rigorous academic skills, and discover their unique callings in a supportive community of peers.
True to the PCUSA’s commitment to justice and shared leadership, The Steeple School is especially attentive to students who have felt sidelined or stereotyped elsewhere. We celebrate each learner’s gifts, cultivate mutual respect, and model collaborative decision-making, equipping young people to lead with wisdom, courage, and grace in church and society alike. In short, we are “a community of learners” where minds are stretched, voices are valued, and every student finds a place at the table.
Admissions
The Steeple School welcomes middle and high school students of all backgrounds who are eager to contribute to a thoughtful, inclusive, and intellectually curious environment. Our admissions process is designed to be warm, personal, and accessible. Prospective families are invited to attend a tour and information session, followed by a conversation with our Director. Applications for Fall 2025 enrollment will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Course Descriptions
Our Friday enrichment program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes interdisciplinary classes in the humanities and sciences, leadership development, ethics, wellness, financial literacy, and creative expression. Sample course offerings include:
- Leadership & Literature
- Bioethics & Society
- Introduction to Bell Choir
- Wellness 101
- Financial Literacy
Courses rotate each semester to reflect student interests and the strengths of our faculty.
"A Day in the Life" at The Steeple School
Fridays at The Steeple School begin in the sanctuary, where students and faculty gather from 9:00 to 9:20 a.m. for Morning Meeting, a time for centering, community-building, and shared reflection.
From there, students head off to their morning classes, which run through 12:00 p.m. and vary in length depending on subject matter and format. A student might begin with a spirited seminar on leadership, transition to a hands-on science lab, and finish the morning with a workshop on mindfulness or financial literacy. Classes are discussion-rich, interdisciplinary, and designed to engage each learner’s intellect, creativity, and voice.
At 12:00 p.m., students break for lunch, eating together from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. either outside on the lawn (weather permitting) or indoors around shared tables. Lunch is a time to relax, connect, and recharge before the final stretch of the day.
Afternoons include two more class periods, often devoted to project-based work, performances, or artistic endeavors. Whether preparing for a student-led forum, developing an ethics case study, or rehearsing for a final presentation, students deepen their learning by doing. The day wraps up around 3:00 p.m., and while students may be ready for the weekend, they leave energized, challenged by big ideas, supported by mentors and friends, and reminded that they belong to a learning community that sees them, believes in them, and calls them to lead.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition for the Fall 2025 semester is $1,000 per student, which includes all course materials and program expenses. Payment may be made in three installments:
- $500 due by September 1, 2025
- $250 due by October 1, 2025
- $250 due by November 1, 2025
Our Teachers
The faculty of The Steeple School are passionate educators and mentors with a deep commitment to cultivating a community of learners. They hold degrees from institutions such as Bryn Mawr College, Butler University, Cornell University, and the University of Michigan, with advanced degrees including doctorates from Duke University and Indiana University. Their expertise spans literature, theology, science, ethics, social work, wellness, and the arts. Just as importantly, our teachers are attuned to the emotional and social needs of adolescents and are dedicated to creating a space where all students feel safe, seen, and intellectually challenged.
Ready to apply?
Statement of Belonging: We celebrate our diversity by embracing both our similarities and our differences, including but not limited to age, ethnicity, gender identity, ability, religion, sexual orientation, family structure, and socioeconomic status.