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A group of children in formal attire poses on a grassy lawn in front of a church building.
Three smiling girls sit together on a blue slide in the foreground, with a building and grassy area visible in the background.
A man and a boy in red shirts play soccer on a dry, grassy field in the foreground, with cars and a building in the background.
A young girl and a woman walk together in the foreground, while a school bus and other children are visible in the background.
Children in the foreground walk hand-in-hand on a paved path, with more children and a grassy area in the background.
A young boy paddles a makeshift raft in a pool while spectators watch from the background.
Two young girls smile at the camera with their arms around each other in a classroom with desks and shelves in the background.
Three young boys are engaged in a science experiment at a table in a classroom with colorful decorations on the wall.
Three smiling children, two boys and a girl, hold hands in the foreground with a blurred background of grass and a pathway.
A woman plays guitar on a stage in front of a stone wall altar, while children sit on the floor in the foreground.
Two young girls and a boy hold hands in the foreground, while adults gather in the blurred background.
A group of young people stand on a stage in front of a stone wall with a cross, while projected images of other groups are visible in the background.

Where the Love of Learning Takes Root

At St. Nicholas School, every part of the day is thoughtfully designed around the way children grow, from first discoveries to becoming confident, independent learners.

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Independent Episcopal Elementary School • Chattanooga, Tennessee • PK3–5th Grade

How St. Nicholas Helps Children Grow

Elementary school is where children discover the joy of finishing a book they never thought they could read, become the friend others can count on, ask questions that lead to bigger ones, and little by little realize, "I can do this." Here's how those moments take shape every day at St. Nicholas.

Students learning together at St. Nicholas School.
  • Known by the People Who Teach Them Children thrive when they're truly known. Our intentionally small class sizes allow teachers to understand each child as both a learner and a person. Faculty work together across subjects and grade levels, creating a fuller picture of every child and the support they need to keep growing.
  • Teaching That Meets the Child Every child grows differently. Teachers collaborate to understand how each student learns best, knowing when to offer another challenge, when to explain something differently, and when a little encouragement makes all the difference.
  • Room to Explore and Play Children learn by doing. Our 24-acre campus, complete with nature trails and open green spaces, gives students daily opportunities to explore and discover beyond the classroom.
  • A Community That Shapes Character Daily chapel, meaningful traditions, and a shared commitment to the dignity of every person help children become thoughtful friends, compassionate neighbors, and confident members of their community.
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Who St. Nicholas Students Become

The moments that shape childhood don't end with childhood. Day by day, children grow into thoughtful learners, compassionate friends, and young people who are ready for new challenges. We call that our Portrait of a Graduate.

Ready to Lead with Heart

A St. Nicholas graduate approaches the world with confidence, courage, and care by:

  • Acting with empathy and respect
  • Leading with humility and kindness
  • Viewing the world with joy and wonder

Equipped to Think and Create

A St. Nicholas graduate thinks creatively and critically by:

  • Expressing themselves thoughtfully and assuredly
  • Adapting and applying skills as compassionate, engaged citizens
  • Enjoying challenges and exploring creative solutions

Living with Purpose and Presence

A St. Nicholas graduate understands their place in a wider community and lives this out by:

  • Appreciating different ideas, cultures, and faiths while practicing inclusivity
  • Serving with humility, integrity, and kindness
  • Seeing God in themselves and others
Niche 2026 Best Schools A+ Rating

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by families on Niche

Families See the Difference

Parent reviews on Niche point to what families experience every day at St. Nicholas: Young learners who are known deeply, encouraged personally, and excited to come to school.

See What Families Say
“Switching our son from public school to St. Nicholas has been a night-and-day difference. The smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and nurturing environment have helped [our child] thrive both academically and socially. We couldn’t be happier with the positive change!”
STNS Parent
“I just can’t say enough about this school. There is nothing like it anywhere in Chattanooga or the region, and it produces kids who are smart, thoughtful, incredibly prepared for middle school, and more importantly prepared to live life beyond.”
STNS Parent
“St. Nicholas instilled a sense of curiosity, community service and kindness in my daughter from the very first year in PreK through 5th grade. It also gave her the confidence to become an independent learner and gave her the skills both socially and academically to succeed in her transition to middle school.”
STNS Parent

The Journey Starts Here

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