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 Matters to Families Here
A quick look at the values and day-to-day choices that shape the St. Nicholas experience.
Learning Begins With Being Known
In the elementary years, relationships are not a nice extra. They’re the foundation. When teachers genuinely know a child, they can teach them as an individual and help them grow into a confident, independent learner.
- Individualized support shaped around how a child learns
- Students learn to advocate for what they need
- Confidence built through trust, challenge, and care
Elementary, By Intention
Elementary is where confidence takes root, learning habits form, and children begin to understand who they are. These years deserve a school built around them.
- PK3–5 learning sequenced with purpose
- Habits that help children manage their own learning
- Challenge that supports readiness, not pressure
A School Day With Room to Breathe
Learning is active and engaged. Students are encouraged to ask good questions, explain their thinking, and try again when something is difficult. Over time, they build depth of understanding that helps them apply concepts, not just memorize steps.
- Strong academics taught with care
- Arts, music, and enrichment woven into the week
- Chapel and community life that form character
- Outdoor discovery that keeps learning moving
Rooted in Episcopal Values
As an Episcopal school, we are grounded in love, dignity, and the belief that each child is a person of deep worth. Chapel is part of our shared rhythm, and Episcopal formation infuses how we teach, how we handle conflict, and how we celebrate growth.
Families of many backgrounds are part of our community. We don’t expect every family to believe the same things. We do expect respect, kindness, and care.
What Families Say About St. Nicholas
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
A+ Niche Rating for 2026
Based on parent reviews and academic data from Niche.
SEE WHAT FAMILIES SAY ON NICHESt. 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.