April Newsletter
by Kara Lawler
"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything."
-William Shakespeare
Dear Grier families,
A spirit of youth is certainly alive and well here on Grier's campus. The warmer weather has our girls sitting outside, swinging on swings, and taking walks around our campus. After a long winter, everyone is so happy to be outside, and the excitement is infectious.
Spring has definitely shown itself on campus: chirping birds, budding trees, and blue skies. April is a month of possibility--the promise of new life and new beginnings. We welcome it all, and as we breathe in the air of freshly cut grass, we look forward to all of the celebrations of the coming months.
One of our biggest celebrations is our traditional graduation festivities in just seven weeks. More information is found below for our senior families, but please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly should you have any additional questions.
As we move through the coming weeks, I look forward to celebrating our girls at a horse show, our dance performance, or our Spring Musical. The spirit of youth will be on full display.
Fondly,
Kara Lawler
Please note, especially as we move through a transition into a new travel coordinator later this month, that plans submitted after Wednesday end of day, may be denied.
The handbook specifies this deadline, and it is not reasonable to expect staff to be on call 24/7 regarding travel plans (except on large travel weekends and/or for weather/airline related changes).
For example, any plans for this weekend (April 10th-12th) must be submitted before end of day on April 8th or risk non-approval. Any changes to travel plans (with the exception of out-of-control shifts) must be submitted before end of the day Fridays. Failure to align with these regulations can impact scholarship and reenrollment status, per the contract and handbook.
Please send travel plans and questions to travel@grier.org from this point forward. Gina Dunklebarger’s account has been deactivated and as such, it will be important that plans are sent to an open active account to ensure accuracy and reception.
Finally, end of the year travel plans must be submitted by April 17th for Seniors on this Move Out Form. Travel plans for underclass students must be submitted by April 30th in order to select dorms for the following year.
Students will also have to enter a return date:
Student leaders must return between 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on September 2nd (Wednesday).
Returning students must return between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on September 3rd (Thursday). Returning Day Students will have some activities this day as well.
New students must arrive on September 4th between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on September 4th (Friday). New Day Students will have some activities this day as well.
Due to REACH’s system requirements, even if a student is not returning, when entering leave for the end of the year, a return date will need to be selected. Please note if the student is not returning in the notes section.
Additionally, please include attachments of any tickets that students are using, whether it is a flight, bus, train, etc. These ensure our ability to monitor the status of unaccompanied minors as well as any travel delays or changes.
Parents/Guardians, please note that all travel needs to be submitted through REACH and/or travel@grier.org.
Any plans sent to gdunklebarger@grier.org may not be received. The travel phone is also only active during large travel weekends.
Tickets
Please provide all ticket information in REACH and when communicating travel plans. This ensures if a flight is cancelled or delayed that we can adjust travel accommodations in a timely manner.
Unaccompanied Minors
Please note that Unaccompanied Minors are minors whose parents are paying the airline for an additional supervisory service. The airline will require parents/guardians to complete additional paperwork identifying who is permitted to drop off and pick up a student. This paperwork must be completed in advance of the student’s flight, and a copy should be emailed to travel@grier.org.
Please do not mark students as unaccompanied minors unless you are using this service.
Plans submitted on REACH will be given priority processing as we transition to a new travel coordinator.
Upcoming Travel Dates:
Easter Weekend – No classes on Friday, April 3rd – Leave Requests should be submitted by March 27th
Seniors - End-of-Year Departure Leave Requests must be submitted by April 17th via form
All other Students – End-of-Year Departure Leave Requests must be submitted by April 24th
No Travel ”Blackout” Weekend – May 15th – May 17th
End-Of-Year Departure -Students (except Seniors) may depart beginning May 20th at 3:15 p.m. and must depart by noon on May 21st
*Exceptions for servers and performers in Music and Dance performances
By Kathryn Barr, Dean of Academics
Phenomenal Woman
By Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Academic Updates
Marking period four ends on April 10th. Grades will be published on April 17th. Directions on how to find student grades are included below.
Course Registration 2026-2027
Course registration for the 2026-2027 school year will begin on April 6th. Students must have their enrollment contracts in to the business office before they are allowed to register for classes. Only students in grades 6-11 will participate in registration. Parents will be able to join registration meetings via Zoom when the schedules are created. The course selection worksheets and course description guide are linked in this section of the newsletter.
Updates to Course Registrations:
The state of Pennsylvania is requiring all schools to add a mandatory Personal Finance class to their curriculum starting in the fall of 2026. Grier will be making this a semester course requirement for junior year in addition to a semester long health class to continue the development of our Health & Wellness programming. Please know that students will still be required to take a yearlong math class as well.
Additionally, Grier School will be shifting the world languages curriculum to one level only. This will better serve our students in providing a singular and cohesive curriculum.
Summer Work
Students who register for honors and AP classes for next year may have summer work to complete. This information will be provided prior to student departure in May.
There will be required summer reading for all honors English courses in grades 9-12.
Grades:
To access grades via the website:
1. Login to Grier’s instance of PlusPortals
2. Select E-Locker
3. Select E-Portfolio and the Grade Report will appear as a PDF
To access grades via the app:
1. Login to the app.
2. Select more along the bottom toolbar
3. Select E-locker
4. Select E-Portfolio and the Grade Report will appear as a PDF
All School Read 2025-2026
The Grier community is excited to announce that our all school read for the 2025-2026 school year will be: The Wonder of Small Things
This is the third anthology of poems we will read as a school by James Crews. The poems in this collection come from a wide range of voices and cultures, offering the reader a chance to explore the beauty of the world around them and explore calmness and small wonders.
by Erin Guydish Buchholz, Dean of Student Life & Belonging
This month, we have many exciting events and celebrations coming up.
All-School Trip
We will take our all-school trip this month to bond and make fun memories as we look towards the end of the year. Various grades will go to different locations as follows:
5th-7th grade will visit the Corning Glass Museum to explore and create glass art work
8th-9th grade will venture to the Baltimore Aquarium
10th grade will travel to Gettysburg and explore a local US history hotspot
11th grade will be introduced to the art of college tours at Franklin & Marshall
12th grade will get to spend the day enjoying the company of their friends at Tyson’s Corner
Students should be in their class meeting spaces by 7:45 a.m. Return times will vary, a bit due to traffic and distance, but will range between 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Students will be asked to call/text their parents when we are approximately 20 minutes from arrival.
Students will either bring lunches or be provided lunch money. All students will also be provided dinner money as well. There will be a per person price point of $15 for lunch and $20 for dinner, so if your student enjoys snacking or has more expensive taste, she may want to bring some extra money…or if she would like some souvenirs!
Earth Day
On Earth Day, students will travel to various locations as well to perform community service. Students on these days should wear clothes and shoes that may get a bit dirty. It is also a good idea for day students to bring a change of clothes this day.
In the afternoon, students will be able to choose from a variety of activities such as attending a final Senior Symposium session, participating in more Earth Day activities, or other club/class related opportunities.
Sisters in Stewardship Speaker
On April 17th, there is a Sisters in Stewardship event that student leaders must attend.
Upcoming Events & Special Days
April 1st - 9th
Passover
April 3rd
No Classes
April 5th
Easter
April 6th
Late Start
April 7th
ACT
April 10th
End of MP 4
Spring Dance Performance at 7:00 p.m.
April 13th
Senior Symposium at 8:30 a.m.
April 14th
Athletic Banquet at 5:00 p.m.
April 15th
Purple Up Day
April 17th
Leadership Speaker Series
April 18th
AP Art Show at 7:00 p.m.
April 20th
All School Trip
April 22nd
Earth Day
April 23rd - 25th
Harvard Women in Computer Science’s AI Startup Sprint & Innovation Program
April 25th
Spring Fling at 7:00 p.m.
April 26th - 29th
Marine Bio Trip
Weekend Trips & Costs
Wednesday, 4/1
7:30pm Passover Seder Free
Friday 4/3
No Classes-Easter Weekend
2:30 p.m. Mass at St. Matthews Free
12:00 p.m. Senior Symposium Event Free
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free Riding Free
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Movie in 1853 Free
6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross Free
Saturday 4/4
Water for Elephants $100
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. State College (9-12) $25
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Logan Town Center $25
Sunday 4/5
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Easter Mass Free
11:30 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt Free
4:30 p.m. Easter Dinner Free
Friday, 4/10
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Recycling Free
4:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Clubs Free
7:00 p.m. Spring Dance performance Free
Saturday, 4/11
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Turkey Hill Experience TBD
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Thrifting $10
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 7/8th grade State College trip $15
3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. TJ Maxx $20
Sunday, 4/12
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Church Free
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Target/Wegman’s $25
Tuesday, 4/14
TBD Athletic Banquet *See Invitations
Friday. 4/17
3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Recycling Free
4:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Clubs Free
7:00 p.m. Sisters in Stewardship Speaker Free
Saturday, 4/18
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. NAHS Art Activity TBD
7:00 p.m. AP Art Show Free
10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Spin Class $25
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Rain Garden $10
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ulta/Trader Joe’s/Moe’s/Old Navy $25
Sunday, 4/19
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Church Free
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. State College 9-12 $25
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Burket Tulip Farm/Sinking Valley Equine $15
Friday, 4/24
Sleepover
2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Dorm Wars Free
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Recycling Free
4:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Clubs Free
9:30 p.m. Stargazing Free
Saturday, 4/25
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ross Park Mall $65
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Peterman’s Floral $35
7:00 p.m. Spring Fling TBD
Sunday, 4/26
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 p.m. Church Free
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Logan Town Center $25
11:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. Meditation/Yoga Free
End of Year Events
May 1st-2nd
Musical at 7:00 p.m. *please be flexible with club attendance regarding students in the musical & tech crew*
May 2nd
Kentucky Derby
May 3rd
Roommate Selection
May 4th - 8th
AP Exams
May 5th
Cinco de Mayo
Underclassmen Awards at Extra Help
May 11th - 15th
AP Exams
May 14th
End of MP 5
Ringing of the Bell
Wear your college gear & dress like a senior
May 15th
Review Day
End of Year Music Recital
May 16th
Prom
Senior Week
May 17th-18th
Bedford Springs
Senior Sunset *Senior Class Determines*
May 17th - 19th
PAIS
Packing Schedule
May 16=Closet Empty except Graduation, Dance, and/or Riding related items
May 17=All Drawers Empty; Cabinets and Shared Fridges empty
May 18=All Surfaces Cleared (Desks, shelves, etc.)
May 19=Personal Fridges unplugged, cleaned, and emptied
May 20=All boxes are packed, labeled, shipped, and/or neatly arranged in your room; Only items left out must fit on desk and be able to be packed within 5 minutes
Senior Week Schedule
May 18 Movie on Lodge Lawn
May 19 Greek Food Truck Night
May 20 Bonfire Seniors (behind HC)
May 21 Smores, Music, &friendship bracelets (Senior-Servers behind HC)
Finals
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
May 17th - Period 1
May 18th - Periods 2/3
May 19th - Periods 4/5
May 20th - Periods 6/7
All underclass(wo)men must depart by May 21st at noon
Electives & Study Halls will still have students report during final periods
*7th period Study Halls may stay in their rooms to pack; Day Students should still report to their Study Hall.
AP Classes will meet (senior only classes do not meet)
Teachers should always report to exams even if your classes do not take exams.
May 22nd - 23rd
Senior Dinner, Music & Dane Performance, Candlelight, & Graduation
*Performances in Dance Building*
Community Service Requirement
This is just a reminder that students are required to complete a total of 10 hours for 7th and 8th grade students and 12.5 hours for 9th-12th grade students of community service through the year. At least half of a student’s hours must be earned through Grier sponsored events. Students who enter the year mid-year are only required to complete half of their grade’s required time.
Deposit/Contract Requirements
In order for students to choose roommates, apply for prefect positions, and/or schedule classes, deposits and contracts must be submitted to the business office. Scheduling begins April 6th and Roommate Selection is May 3rd.
Packing & Shipping
More guidelines will be available in next month’s newsletter. However, as we move towards the end of the year, some important questions are arising.
Returning students are permitted to store 6 boxes. Students may count their fridge as one of their boxes. Students may also use 3 compartment bins as one of their boxes. However, those bins may not contain any liquids, must be taped, and appropriately labelled. Neither Walk’s nor the Grier School is responsible for damages that may occur during the storage and moving process of those containers. Stickers for labels will be distributed by Resident Advisors. Boxes for storage may be purchased in the bookstore. Boxes for shipping are different dimensions and may also be purchased at the bookstore.
Students who are not returning or need to ship items will have the opportunity to use a shipping company during the last two weeks of sessions. Students will need to either pay this company with a credit card or cash.
By Anthony Lang, Dean of Faculty
Grier campus is blooming, showing its true colors with green everywhere and some golden blooms accentuating the arrival of spring. The faculty at Grier are hard at work working through content as the year quickly moves forward and toward AP exams and the end of the year. Along with the hard work in the classroom, Grier faculty continue to find extra opportunities for their students to experience, apply knowledge, and get off the campus to see their subjects in the real world. Language classes have had the chance to visit culture and language fairs, like the one to which Ms. Stricek took her Spanish students. Mr. Lang will do his annual survival day with 9th graders, who are reading Lord of the Flies, as they try to build shelters, start a fire, and burn their homework so they do not have to complete it. Some teachers are taking their College in High School classes to do lab work and assess at the University of Pittsburgh campus. Dr. Burke is also taking her annual Marine Biology trip to Chincoteague Island, where the students gain hands-on experience in the field for multiple days. The opportunities at Grier are great, and if anyone can dream the idea, it can often come true. Together, the faculty and students at Grier continue to strive for greatness.
Please follow the link below to view photos from our talented group of Photography Students and Photography Instructor, Mrs. Christine Fernandes!
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Thinking of Summer Vacation already?
Summer camp offers girls ages 7 - 17 a chance to experience Grier featuring our signature programs of Art, Dance, Horseback Riding, Music, and Tennis in a fun-filled camp environment! Help us get the word out about the fun that is Grier Summer!
General Camp Activities include: Archery, Art, Creative Writing, Dance, Horseback Riding, Musical Theatre, Photography, Science, Swimming, Videography
Intensive Activities include: Art, Dance, Horseback Riding, Music, and Tennis
We will be offering three one-week sessions for both day campers (ages 7-17) and boarders (ages 9-17). Campers are welcome to attend up to all three!
- July 5-11
- July 12-18
- July 19-25
For more information, follow this link: Grier Summer
Greetings Fox Fans!
We are excited to welcome the spring season and all the energy that comes with getting outside again. With warmer weather, our recreational soccer and tennis will be kicking off soon, this is always a great opportunity for athletes of all levels to get involved and stay active.
We are also thrilled to introduce a new running club, coached by Dr. Findley. This is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to build endurance, stay fit and be part of a supportive team environment.
April also brings one of our favorite traditions, the Annual Varsity Sports Banquet. It is always a wonderful event when we come together to celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievements of our student athletes.
By Dr. Nancy Burke, Director of STEM Education and Science Dept. Chair
Despite missing two weeks in March for our spring break we still managed to pack in some great STEM events for our students. This weekend, 11 of our students traveled to the main campus of Pennsylvania State University in State College to participate in Envision, an event to encourage the participation of young women in STEM fields. The event kicked off with two keynote speakers, each of which were young women majoring in STEM fields at Penn State. They shared the struggles and the successes they had encountered in their own journeys as women in STEM.
The students then participated in a series of workshops primarily led by Ph.D. candidate students. Their first workshop highlighted the use of mathematics in activities such as scaling up solutions and engineering structures. Next, our students were treated to a tour of the experimental nuclear reactor facility housed in The Center for Radiation Science and Engineering. Our tour was followed by two additional hands-on workshops. In the first, students designed model gliders and then used mathematics to estimate the distance that their glider would travel given a specific starting ramp. The goal of this activity was to give the students more insight into the engineering design process while practicing creativity, teamwork, and problem solving. Finally, by mixing different ratios of of substances, students were able to learn about the process that material scientists go through in order to refine a substance in order to enhance specific qualities.
Our middle School is also actively pursuing their STEM interests. The rainbow trout eggs that are being raised by our 7th grade Life Science class are now nine weeks old and graduating from the fry stage to the fingerlings. Students have learned about trout species taxonomy, their life cycle, and how nature provides for their basic needs. On a broader scale, the students have learned about the rainbow trout’s place in the ecosystem as an indicator species. Our annual Trout Release Day is scheduled for Earth Day, April 22. Students in 5th-8th grade will release the young fish into Vanscoyoc Run. Members of the Little Juniata River Association will be on hand to teach fly fishing and Pennsylvania State Game Warden, Kaitlyn Corle, will be building bluebird houses with our young stewards. Look for photos and updates of this special event in next month’s newsletter letter. Until then, remember that at Grier School “Girls belong in STEM."
“I am among those who think that science has great beauty.”
―Marie Curie
Our riders had a great March with trips to the World Equestrian Center in Ohio, IEA Zones, and numerous IEA Western shows!
Congratulations to the following riders at WEC in Ohio!
Alex B. and Snowcloud, owned by Grier School, were Champion in 3'3Junior Hunters and 3rd in the USHJA National Derby
Ariana F. was Reserve Champion with Blue Tide, owned by Grier School, in the Regular Large Ponies. The pair also won the Pony Hunter Classic!
Langston E. & Play the Blues, owned by the Grier School, were the class winners in the Low Child Hunters
Emerson P. and McHenry, owned by the Grier School, were Champion in the Low Children's Hunters and finished 2nd in the Low Child/Adult Classic.
Hazel P. and Jimena F.'s, Fidelina Z, were Reserve Champion in the Children's Equitation.
Anleigh Alhert 25' - finished 2nd and 3rd in the Future Prix aboard Mademoiselle A and Crack D'la Rousserie, both owned by the Grier School.
Izzy M. and Cartoon Tame, owned by Grier School, were Champion in the 1.10 Junior Jumpers.
Natalie T. and her own, Exclusive, rode to top ribbons in the 3'3 JR Hunters. Natalie aboard Grier School's, Mademoiselle, were class winners in the 1.00 Open Jumpers.
Daria B. aboard her own, Ice, finished 2nd in HJAM Child/Adult Medal.
Olivia R. riding her own, Qopaline, finished 10th in the National Hunter Derby.
Reina K. riding Quiet Time, owned by Grier School, had great rounds in the Limit Hunters and WEC medal.
Emily G. and Grier School's, Baron De Ley, won great ribbons in the 3'3 Junior Hunters including finishing 2nd in the Handy!
Aurelia A. and Wentworth, owned by the Grier School, had great ribbons including a 1st place finish in the Limit Hunters.
At IEA Hunt Seat Zones, our High School Team qualified to compete at IEA Nationals!
Congratulations to the IEA Western Team as they traveled to Wilson College. Grier School dominated as they earned High Point team for both Saturday and Sunday's shows in High school and Middle School! Samantha W. earned Reserve High Point rider on Saturday and High Point Rider on Sunday.
Our riders will travel to IEA Nationals in St. Louis, Missouri where our Hunt Seat and Dressage riders will compete! The following riders have qualified for nationals:
Aurelia A.
Alex B.
Ella D.
Maria E.
Ariana F.
Cali G.
Violet G.
Piper H.
Meagan K.
Ana K.
Olivia L.
Daniella M.
Izzy M.
Quinn M.
Stassi N.
Emerson P.
Claire P.
Hazel P.
Finnley S.
Lyla S.
Natalie S.
Samantha W.
Avery W.
Great job to our riding program this past month and good luck!
THE DANCE DEPARTMENT
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN APRIL?
· April 10th at 7:00 p.m. - Spring Show (ALL dancers)
· April 11th-14th- Peridance Showcase and master classes at various NYC studios (Pre Pro dancers)
· April 15th at 5:00 p.m. - Sports Banquet (Pre Pro dancers)
· April 13th-30th- Musical rehearsals (Pre Pro & Intermediate dancers)
LOOKING AHEAD
Events are subject to change
May
· May 1st & 2nd at 7:00 p.m. - Grier School Musical performances
· May 22nd- Grad Show (Graduating Seniors, Pre Professional, & Intermediate dancers)
Seniors are in the home stretch of college decisions and should be having conversations with their families regarding their final choice. Please reach out to Mr. Shelton and Ms. Barr if you have any final questions. As students make their final decisions and commitments to universities, we ask that they please get a sweatshirt or t-shirt from their college for a photo that will be taken on May 1st, which is National Decision Day.
This week, the juniors are sending emails to faculty members asking for letters of recommendation. After course registration, juniors will start their final one on one meetings for the year to review initial college lists and discuss essay topics. Junior parents were invited to set up a zoom meeting with Mr. Shelton and Ms. Barr to discuss college counseling for their student. Please reach out to Mr. Shelton and Ms. Barr to set up a meeting if you have not done so.
College Visits
Over the summer, it will be very important for juniors to start visiting colleges they are thinking of applying to. This will help students discover their likes and dislikes regarding campuses and provide an opportunity to speak with admissions officers. It is very important that students begin the visit process during this time. When students return in the fall, they should have a more focused list of schools to apply to.
College Counseling Reading Corner
This month, we would like to recommend an oldy, but a goody for college reading. Colleges that Change Lives was first published in 1996 and has been revised several times since. This text looks at 40 schools spanning the United States in hopes of offering a view of different types and
styles of schools beyond the hyped-up lists of mainstream media. The juniors recently visited Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA, which is one of the schools outlined in the text. In the May newsletter, we hope to offer some additional summer reading for students and families to consider.
By Olivia Hallahan, Testing Coordinator
Important Testing Information
Testing Accommodations for College Board (PSAT/NMSQT, SAT School Day, Weekend, AP Exams) and ACT (District Testing, Weekend) :
CLICK HERE to access information about “Testing Accommodation Requests for Testing Companies.”
Important Information: AP Exams, SAT & ACT (Weekend and School Day) Administrations (2025-2026)
- For more information, view the UPDATED PDF (03/30/26) attached below or linked HERE.
- Document contains pertinent information about deadlines, dates, and registration details.
AP Exams
Week 1: Monday, May 4, 2026 – Friday, May 8, 2026
Week 2: Monday, May 11, 2026 – Friday, May 15, 2026
Late Testing: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 & Friday, May 22, 2026
*More details found in the link above.
*Students will have access to printed schedules posted outside of Testing Center by the middle of April.
SAT WEEKEND Dates 2025-2026 (Digital)
How to Register?
Step 1
- Register through “My SAT” College Board account.
Step 2
- Boarding students MUST register for Altoona Area High School when school is in-session.
- Transportation will ONLY be provided to Altoona Area High School (Zip Code: 16602).
- SAT Test Center Code: 39116
Step 3
- MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM in order to provide their Breakfast/Transportation request—without it, no transportation will be schedule nor breakfast available.
- MUST submit by the deadline listed below.
Step 4
- The week of each exam, student MUST complete the readiness check on their testing device by the end of extra help (1:11pm) each Thursday.
- This is how they gain access to their Admission Ticket.
- (2) copies will be printed—one for student and one for the driver to have as backup.
To learn more about weekend testing, CLICK HERE.
Community Service Event
Easter for Eli (EFE) Basket Built Event
A sincere THANK YOU to the families and staff that donated items for the Easter for Eli basket build event that took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
And a special thank you to the 12 students who helped with the basket build event!
With everyone’s donations, Grier School was successfully able to fill 35 girl and 35 boy drawstring “baskets” for children. As in the words of Eli’s father, Martin Garrett, “Thank you for helping spread Eli’s Joy.”
Stay in Touch!
Want to be "in the know?"
Want to be connected DAILY to Grier School?
There are multiple ways to follow along with the daily happenings here at Grier! Follow these steps to stay connected to your daughter and our Grier School extended family!
- Follow us on Instagram @grier_school
- Follow us on Facebook @ Grier School | Tyrone PA | Facebook
- Log onto our website: www.grier.org
Important Mail and Delivery Information!
WE HAVE CHANGED OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS. PLEASE SEE BELOW!
Shipping and Postal Mail Updated Address is NEW:
ALL packages from UPS, FEDEX, DHL, AMAZON, and USPS should be sent to:
Name
Grier School
4100 Juniata St
Tyrone PA 16686
ALL POSTAL MAIL (letters, cards, etc.) should be sent to:
Name
Grier School
2522 Grier School Rd
PO Box 308
Tyrone, PA 16686
Please note: Students are not permitted to order from InstaCart, UberEats, or any food delivery services. This is a safety concern. They are allowed to order from Domino's only on Friday and Saturday evenings for a 6-10 p.m. delivery to 4100 Juniata Street. With our amazing new food service and the extended hours of 1853, there are many options here on campus!
Geoffrey Grier, Director
Kara Lawler, Head of School
~ klawler@grier.org, ext. 7006
Katt Barr, Dean of Academics
~ kbarr@grier.org, ext. 7057
Erin Guydish-Bucholz, Dean of Student
~ eguydish@grier.org, ext. 7056
Anthony Lang, Dean of Faculty
Gina Dunklebarger, Travel Coordinator
Jena Burkett, Facts Administrator
~ jburkett@grier.org, ext. 7019
Grier Health Center
