School and Youth Programs
Guided experiences enhance classroom curricula through a variety of entry points. Cathedral Educators lead programs that support Common Core Learning Standards on a variety of subjects. All programs can be adapted to fit your group’s needs. Explore our offerings below!
We offer both on-site and virtual programs. For information on the Cathedral’s most current COVID-19 policy, please read more here. To register your group for a field trip, please fill out a Guided Group Visit Registration Form or contact us at [email protected] with questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Cathedral or online!
Cathedral Field Trips
Vertical Tour
Grades 7 and upOn this adventurous tour, climb more than 124 feet through spiral staircases to the top of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Explore the stories of the stained-glass windows and sculpture and study the grand architecture of the Cathedral.
Cathedrals in the Middle Ages
Grades 4-12Enter the exciting world of the Middle Ages and appreciate the historic role cathedrals played as centers of culture, worship, trade, and pilgrimage. Explore how the role of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is similar to and different from a medieval cathedral.
Architecture and Geometry
Grades 5-8Investigate the architectural styles used to build the Cathedral and explore the architectural design process and its relationship with geometry.
Shapes and Patterns
Grades Pre-K - 2Explore the geometric shapes and patterns found in the Cathedral. Investigate math in real life as you discover how shapes, numbers, and measurements influence the building of the Cathedral.
World Religions: On Common Ground
Grades 4 - 12Travel the world and explore the themes and practices of different world religions. Investigate the common ground shared between a variety of belief systems’ values, symbols, and history.
Cathedral Community Then and Now
Grades K - 3Get to know the largest building in the neighborhood of Morningside Heights! Explore the Cathedral’s community then and now by looking closely at archival images of the Cathedral’s construction, as well as maps and aerial images from the past and today. Think critically about ideas like community and welcome as you explore this “house of prayer for all people.”
Civics at the Cathedral
Grades 7 - 12Explore the concepts of democracy and civic engagement as you get to know the Cathedral’s history, art, and architecture. Investigate activist art, the historic connections in America between church and state, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
If you are interested in exploring a subject not listed above, please contact our Education Office at [email protected]. We would be happy to discuss personalized options with you!
Virtual Field Trips
All of our programs listed above can be delivered virtually via a variety of digital platforms. Please use our Virtual Field Trip Registration Form to reserve a virtual guided program.
Please explore our Virtual Field Trip FAQs for more information. Questions? Contact our Public Education Office at [email protected].
Arts Workshops
We offer one-hour Arts Workshops in our workshop at the Cathedral! We offer workshops that explore Medieval Arts, Architecture, and Geometry. Workshops can accompany a tour or be reserved individually.
To reserve an Arts Workshop, please contact our Public Education Office at [email protected] or (212) 932-7347.
Scheduling and Policies
The Public Education Office is currently scheduling on-site and virtual guided tours. We look forward to leading your programs!
Scheduling a Program
To schedule an on-site guided program: Guided Group Visit Registration Form.
To schedule a virtual guided program: Virtual Field Trip Registration Form.
You can also email our Public Education Office at [email protected] or call at (212) 932-7347.
Hours
The Cathedral is open for guided on-site programs between the following times:
- Monday-Friday, 10:00am-3:00pm
- Saturday, 10:00am-4:30pm
For virtual programs, please contact us about availability using this form.
Fees
Cathedral Field Trips:
Student (grade K-12): $8
College: $10
Adult: $12
Vertical Tours:
Student (grade 7-12 only): $14
College: $14
Adult: $16
Arts Workshop: $8/student
Tour + Arts Workshop Combo: $16/student
Vertical Tour + Arts Workshop Combo: $20/student
Virtual Field Trips are $125 per class (30 students max.), except for the Virtual Vertical Tours which are $150 per class.
Please contact our Public Education Office ([email protected] or 212-932-7347) for special Title 1 School rates.
Health and Safety
All visitors aged 12 and older are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear face coverings at all times inside the Cathedral and on the grounds. For more information on the Cathedral’s health and safety protocols, please review our COVID-19 Policies page for the latest updates.
If you are uncertain of your group participants’ vaccination statuses, we encourage you to explore the Virtual Field Trip options.
Details
All programs require a reservation at least two weeks in advance. For information and reservations, submit the Guided Group Visit Registration form, the Virtual Field Trip Registration Form, or contact the Public Education Office at [email protected] or (212) 932-7347.
Payment is required at least 72 hours in advance.
See our Virtual Field Trip FAQs for more information.
Cancellations
Groups must give 72 hours' notice, or they will be charged the full program rate.
