The Putney School - Review #4

Putney is, to summarize, a very unique school. It is extremely progressive, and fosters independence quite well. The classes are mostly discussion based, with not a lot of busy work, and the teachers are competent and willing to work with student needs. There is also a one of a kind work program (you will always have some sort of job on campus, from working on the dairy farm, to cleaning dishes, to working the library).

I was introduced to concepts and ideals at Putney that I don't think I would have otherwise. My eyes were opened to varying political views, sustainability efforts/causes, and my love for the arts was fostered. I learned a lot and gained independence.

The only advice I can give is that this is probably not the right school for you if you have medical or mental health needs outside of the norm. Unfortunately, Putney is not good at helping/accommodating students with differing needs. I as well as many people I knew had this same experience. It is the school's one downfall.

The arts programs, the faculty/teaching styles, the dorms.

Ask an upperclassmen how to get to the channel master :)

I enjoyed the fact that there was not a lot of busy work, and I could identify why I was being taught most of what I was learning. Teachers were respectful and competent, and fostered learning for the sake of learning, instead of learning to take tests. Most classes are discussion based or hands on.

The school is definitely lacking in this area. They do not have many popular sports that other schools have (no football or baseball) and the teams are taught by faculty with *some* experience in sports, but definitely not formal training or degrees. Not the school to go to if you value sports. Facilities are also limited, although the new field is decent.

Good music and arts programs. You can take these courses as actual classes, or extra activities at any time. They also employ outside voice and instrument teachers to come in after school hours for students who want to pay for private lessons. There is a dance studio, multiple art studios (jewelry, sculpture, metal/wood working, individual art studios for seniors, practice rooms with pianos). The arts programs are top notch and accessible to all students.

There are several great extra curricular activities to get involved with, including sustainability committee and student leadership positions. You can also get involved with farming, carpentry & maintenance and more.

Dorm life is probably comparable to other boarding schools. Dorms are divided by gender and visiting hours are strictly enforced. Dorm heads are carefully chosen faculty, who live in apartments attached to the dorms. There are student dorm heads as well. You can put dorm preferences at the end of each year for the following year, although you're not guaranteed to get what you want.

The dining hall is large and accommodating. Many people did not like the food, but I found it to be fine, and there are always vegetarian/vegan options available. There is no assigned seating except on special occasions.

The town of Putney is quite small and there's not much to do there, but trips into town on Wednesdays & Weekends were still fun. The Putney Co Op was a hot spot for student. Brattleboro is a 15-20 minute drive away and they offered weekend trips there.

Cliques are minimal (still present, but much less than I would expect at either a public high school or a more preppy, traditional boarding school). There is plenty of time for socializing.