ABOUT
Forming Learners Who Lead with Heart.
Childhood is a journey of becoming. At St. Nicholas, we walk alongside each child as they grow in knowledge, confidence, and compassion. Through small classes, thoughtful guidance, and daily experiences that nurture both intellect and character, students learn to think creatively, act with integrity, and lead with empathy. The result is not just academic success, but the formation of centered, engaged, and compassionate people ready to make a difference in the world.
Set on 24 wooded acres in Chattanooga’s East Brainerd neighborhood, St. Nicholas School is an independent Episcopal school for children in preschool through fifth grade. Since our beginnings as a neighborhood preschool at Grace Episcopal Church, we’ve grown into a vibrant learning community rooted in faith, curiosity, and joy.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that every child learns uniquely. Teachers act as guides, helping students make meaningful connections across subjects and within themselves. Classrooms are designed for collaboration and exploration, where each child’s voice is heard and every question matters. Through integrated academics, outdoor learning, and hands-on discovery, students develop the confidence to explore new ideas and the courage to think independently.
Faith and belonging shape daily life at St. Nicholas. Morning chapel offers a time for reflection and gratitude, helping students see God in themselves and in others. Service, empathy, and inclusivity are woven into every part of our community, inviting children to grow not only as learners but as people of character and compassion.
At St. Nicholas, education is more than preparation for the next step. It is the shaping of a life. Students leave with a deep sense of purpose, ready to engage the world with confidence, creativity, and heart.
What St. Nicholas School Offers
Individualized Learning
Individualized learning adapts to each student’s unique abilities and progress, allowing them to move forward at a pace and path that fit their needs.
Small Class Sizes
Personalized attention allows every child to be truly seen and supported. That's why we have an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio in Levels 3 to 7.
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Our campus features trails, gardens, a pool, and multiple playgrounds that extend learning beyond the walls on our 24-acre campus.
Chapel Every Morning
Rooted in our Episcopal identity, each day begins with a short, inclusive chapel service that centers students in love, reflection, and a shared sense of community.
Who Our Students Become
Ready to Lead with Heart
A St. Nicholas Graduate interacts with the world with confidence, courage, and consideration 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 utilizes creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity by:
- Expressing themselves thoughtfully and assuredly
- Adapting and applying skills they have learned to contribute as a compassionate and engaged citizen
- Enjoying challenges, and exploring creative solutions
Living with Purpose and Presence
A St. Nicholas Graduate recognizes that they are part of a community and engages by:
- Appreciating different ideas, cultures, and faiths while practicing inclusivity
- Serving with humility, integrity, and kindness
- Seeing God in themselves and others
Why Chattanooga Families Love St. Nicholas School
"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 1st 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
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St. Nicholas School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid and other school-administered programs.