Boarding School Review - Established 2003

The Putney School

5.00 (16 reviews)
418 Houghton Brook Road Putney VT 05346
Tel: (802) 387-5566
www.putneyschool.org
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 220 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $80,200
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $50,100
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
The Putney School Photo #4 - Art is a part of every student's daily life. We take the arts seriously while supporting a spirit of discovery. We offer 20 art forms, including blacksmithing, ceramics, chorus, creative writing, dance, drama, fiber arts, jazz, jewelry, orchestra, Latin dance, photography, sculpture, stained glass & woodworking.
The Putney School Photo #5 - The community at Putney is warm, open, mutually respectful and rousing. We come together as a whole school three times per week. Every Thursday is All School Sing (pictured here), a tradition dating back to Putney's founding in the 30's, which spans a fun and eclectic assortment of styles from early American folk music to sea chanteys to international songs
The Putney School Photo #6 - Putney is a co-educational boarding and day school for Grades 9-12 founded in 1935 by Carmelita Hinton. We are a progressive school, in that we value the idea that education is something to be actively pursued rather than passively received. Our commitment to Ms. Hinton's fundamental beliefs have put Putney at the leading edge of education in America.
The Putney School Photo #7 - You might build a stained glass model of a water molecule for chemistry, embroider a geometric sequence for a math independent, document fieldwork through photography and drawing- or apply a discovery made in sculpting class to work you are doing in History.At Putney, creative work is part of how you learn to observe, interpret, and engage with the world.
The Putney School Photo #8 - Designing your own research strategies and making informed decisions about the quality of resources you use are big parts of your studies at Putney. The library supports you with resources that extend well beyond its on-site collection. Just as importantly, it is an inviting space where students gather to study and learn alongside one another.
The Putney School Photo #9 - With 600 acres, 34 miles of trails, and the first net zero LEED Platinum-certified school building in the country, there are many options for both recreational and competitive athletics
The Putney School Photo #10 - Every fall, we come together to celebrate with food, music, crafts, games and good cheer. The event includes bounce houses, face painting, games, and more. Alumni, parents, the local community and friends of the school are all welcome. This is based on our one of our 9 Fundamental Beliefs - "to steward and protect the land..."
The Putney School Photo #11 - Everything is curriculum and everywhere is a place to learn on our hillside in Vermont.
The Putney School Photo #12 - Music-making happens in all genres and traditions, from informal jam sessions to orchestra performances to original recording and production work. Whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or arriving as an experienced musician, you are given the opportunity to develop your skills, experiment creatively, and perform as part of the community.
The Putney School Photo #13 - Putney visual arts classes offer the opportunity to pursue in-depth study and serious practice in your chosen medium. You will increase your awareness of the visual world, develop skills to creatively translate your ideas into visible form, and gain an understanding of the context and language of each discipline.
The Putney School Photo #14 - The sheep and alpaca provide most of the wool students use in fiber arts. Students help care for these and other small animals as part of daily farm work on campus. And if you are present for a birth, you get to name the offspring!
The Putney School Photo #15 - Each fall and spring, students, faculty, and staff spread out across campus to prepare garden beds, clear trails, repair outdoor furniture, rake leaves, split wood, and paint barns and buildings. Work Day is a chance to care for the campus together while experiencing the satisfaction of shared physical work done in good company.
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About the School

  • At Putney, you are learning all the time: inside and outside, with teachers and fellow students, through your jobs and leadership roles, in independent study, around campfires, and in classrooms.Here, you are encouraged to pursue your creativity and intellect and discover how your ideas can take shape in the world.
  • With hands-on projects at the center of the experience, you explore your interests, challenge yourself, and develop a deeper understanding of how you learn best.Your teachers focus on giving you the tools not just to answer questions, but to ask good ones, pursue the answers independently, and share your work and ideas with others.
  • Along the way, you learn how you thrive and how to apply those strengths in everyday life.
  • Whether in the classroom, on the farm, or in the community, you have the freedom to express yourself in meaningful and individual ways.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 220 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $80,200
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $50,100
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Upcoming Events and News

  • Putney School Receives $2M to establish Norwood Hinkle Faculty Chair in Music - 01/27/2026
    The Putney School has received a transformative $2 million endowment gift from alumna Carol Stein '61 to establish the Norwood Hinkle Faculty Chair in Music, honoring the legendary educator who ...moreshaped the school's music curriculum for more than three decades. hide
  • Putney Post - Alumni News - 11/15/2025
    In our most recent issue, we explore how Putney's unique mission and fundamental beliefs serve as our north star. They are as resonant today as they were at Putney's founding.
    Read ...moremore issues at our website. hide

Top Rankings

The Putney School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 271 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Low student-teacher ratio

School Overview

2026 School Data
The Putney School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Yes
Dual Language Immersion Program
Yes
Yes
Secondary Immersion Language
Spanish
n/a
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1935
1907
Campus Size
600 acres
125 acres
School Motto
Progressive Education for a Sustainable Future

Student Body

Enrollment
220 students
319 students
% Students of Color
25%
27%
% International Students
13%
21%
% Students Boarding
81%
65%
Average SAT Score
1330
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Dress for the job you have that day.
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
73%
72%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Yes
Summer Program Details
View Summer Program Details
Accreditations
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size
$33 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$80,200
$71,420
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$50,100
$40,000
Summer Program Cost
$9,950
(Cost is for applications received before January 15)
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$23,000
$25,000

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Admissions

Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
Yes
No
Acceptance Rate
60%
64%
Director of Admissions
Patrick Noyes
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
17
Sports
Alpine SkiingBallet
BasketballCrew
Cross CountryCross Country Running
DanceEquestrian
Mountain BikingNordic Skiing
Rock ClimbingSkiing
SnowboardingSoccer
Ultimate FrisbeeVolleyball
Colors
Green and White
School Mascot
Elm Tree

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
17
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Dungeons and Dragons ClubInternational Ambassadors
Literary MagazinePrism
Putney Outdoor ProgramPutney Outreach
Student Weekend Activity PlannersSustainability Squad
Yearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber OrchestraJazz Ensemble
Mainstage TheaterMainstage Theatre (Fall Play & Spring Musical
Vocal Ensemble


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpine Skiing & SnowboardingHorseback Riding
Yoga

College Matriculation

College Acceptance Rate
100%
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
Smith College
11
Bard College
6
Barnard College
6
University of Vermont
6
Marlboro College
5
Sarah Lawrence College
5
Carnegie Mellon University
4
Dartmouth College
4
Mount Holyoke College
4
Rhode Island School of Design
4
View Matriculation Data

School Notes

  • Conventional education is not enough. For you, for us, or for the world. We are an independent private boarding and day school situated in southeastern Vermont that has spent 90 years on the forefront of progressive education. We work to set up students for their own success. And the way we work, works.
  • This is a place of constant growth where students find their full selves. Taking control of their education through project and experience-based learning, embracing their creativity on a campus constantly making, leading, and becoming active community members through our work program - Our way of learning can't be found anywhere else.
  • The result of a Putney education is a person who is adaptable, resilient, and prepared. Ready to do right by themselves and the world around them.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Ted Osius - U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam
    • Wally Shawn - Writer, actor, director
    • Jonathan Schell - Author, The Fate of the Earth
    • Errol Morris - Documentary filmmaker
    • Kerry Kennedy Cuomo - Director Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Hum. Rights
    • Tea Leoni - Actress
    • Tim Weiner - Pulitzer Prize winning journalist
    • Tim Daly - Film, television, and theater actor
Source: Verified school update
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Putney School cost?
The Putney School's tuition is approximately $80,200 for boarding students and $50,100 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Putney School?
The acceptance rate of The Putney School is 60%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from The Putney School?
The Putney School famous alumni include: Ted Osius, Wally Shawn, Jonathan Schell, Errol Morris, Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, Tea Leoni, Tim Weiner and Tim Daly.
What sports does The Putney School offer?
The Putney School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Equestrian, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
Does The Putney School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Putney School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is The Putney School's ranking?
The Putney School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Low student-teacher ratio.
When is the application deadline for The Putney School?
The application deadline for The Putney School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 1980
5.00
Brown University
Putney's core curriculum makes it a leader in the field of progressive education. Because most students live at the school, that means they are steeped in this from the time they get up in the. . .

Class of 2024
5.00
Brown University
In addition to a progressive education, two of the most unique aspects of Putney are the work program and arts program. The work program has students working in the kitchen, on the farm, and in. . .

Class of 2016
5.00
Earlham College
Putney is a vibrant community where teachers and students are actual friends. It’s conducive to personal growth and a place where I and other students found our passions. Everyone is excited and working on something. . .
Show more reviews (13 reviews)
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 220 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $80,200
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $50,100
  • Acceptance rate: 60%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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