The Pennington School
The Pennington School is an independent coeducational school for students in grades 6 through 12, in both day and boarding programs, with a current enrollment of 510 students.
The curriculum is college preparatory, with an emphasis on fostering the development of the whole student through academics, athletics, community service, and the creative and performing arts.
Within the curriculum there are also small programs for international students and for students with learning differences.
Founded in 1838, Pennington values both tradition and innovation, applying the values gleaned from centuries of learning, along with the most up-to-date knowledge to a rapidly changing world.
| Definition of Terms | 2021 School Data | The Pennington | Boarding School Avg. |
| School Focus | College Prep | College Preparatory |
| Grades Offered (Boarding) | 8-12 | 9-12 |
| Grades Offered (Day) | 6-12 | 9-12 |
| School Type | Co-ed | Co-ed |
| Supports Learning Differences (LD) | Yes | Yes |
| Religious Affiliation | United Methodist | Non-denominational |
| Year Founded | 1838 | 1907 |
| Campus Size | 54 acres | 125 acres |
Student Body
| Enrollment | 520 students | 300 students |
| % Students of Color | 37% | 25% |
| % International Students | 12% | 20% |
| % Students Boarding | 30% | 70% |
| Average SAT Score | 1220 | * National Avg. »View |
| Average ACT score | 27 | *National Avg. » View |
| Offers Post-Grad Year | No | No |
Academics and Faculty
| Saturday Classes | No | No |
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal (https://www.pennington.org/community/students/dress-code) | Casual |
| Average Class Size | 13 students | 12 *National School Avg. » 20 |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 6:1 | 7:1 |
| # of AP / Advanced Courses Offered | 20 | 18 |
| ESL Courses Offered | Yes | Yes |
| % Faculty with Advanced Degree | 73% | 70% |
| Summer Program Offered | Yes | Yes |
Tuition Cost
| Endowment Size | $41 million | $25 million |
| Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students) | $58,900 | $59,500 |
| Yearly Tuition (Day Students) | n/a | $33,500 |
| Tuition international students | $58,900 | $54,500 |
| % Students on Financial Aid | 30% | 40% |
| Avg. Financial Aid Grant | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Merit Scholarships Offered | Yes | No |
Acceptance Rate
| Application Deadline | Feb. 1 | Jan. 15 |
| Accepts Standardized Application | No | No |
| SSAT Required | Yes | Yes |
| Acceptance Rate | 29% | 58% |
| Director of Admissions | Sharon Jarboe | |
| Associate Director of Admissions | Lynn Zahn | |
Course Listings
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
Sports
| # Interscholastic Sports Offered | 18 | 16 |
| Sports | Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Water Polo, Winter Track | |
Extracurriculars
| Total Extracurricular Organizations | 42 | 23 |
| Extracurriculars | Club or Organization: Academe (literary magazine), African American Awareness Association, All Students in Action Now, Conduct Review Board, Council for Liberals and Democrats, Crew Team, Cult Movies, Junior Proctors, Latin American Council, Literary Arts Magazine - Gallimaufry, Maiden Voyage, Mentoring, Open Art Studio, Peer Leaders, Pennington Sports Network, Prism, School Newspaper - Crane-Clarion, Science/Outing, Scuba, Service Learning Club, Sketch Class, Sports Weekly Magazine - Cranes Illustrated, Student Council, Technology Student Association, United People of Many Colors, Yearbook, Yearkbook Staff, Youth Service Fellowship Arts and Music Programs: Asian Magazine - Quilt Club, Blues Pop Rock Ensemble, Chamber, Computer Team, Dramatic Society, Flight Program, Literary Magazine, Pennington Singers, Presidents Council, Residence Halls Councils, Tae Kwon Do, Vocal Jazz, Womentors Recreational Athletic Programs: Bowling Club | |
College Matriculation
| Year: 2009 - 2013 | 10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled) | |
| Hobart and William Smith Colleges | 10 | |
| Rutgers University | 10 | |
| Syracuse University | 10 | |
| Drexel University | 9 | |
| Boston University | 8 | |
| Lafayette College | 7 | |
| New York University | 7 | |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 6 | |
| Fordham University | 6 | |
| Princeton University | 6 | |
| Link to Matriculation Data | ||
School Notes
- The Pennington School is an independent, coeducational school serving day and boarding students in grades 6 through 12. The Pennington School offers a college preparatory curriculum with honors and AP classes, an ESL program for international students, and the Center for Learning.
- Members of The Pennington School community believe: - Every individual has inherent value. - Each individual has unique potential that can be developed. - Diversity enriches a community. - All life experiences are opportunities to learn. - Learning is an ongoing process. - All people are responsible for and to one another. - Character development is integral to responsible citizenship. - All people should treat each other and each other's religious traditions with respect.
- The Pennington School seeks to enroll students of good character and demonstrated citizenship who enjoy being part of a community that welcomes and encourages the participation of each of its members. Students should have strong academic ability and should be seeking to build a record of personal achievements appropriate for college admission.
- LD types supported: Language-based learning differences .
- The Pennington School accreditations: Middle States, TABS, NAIS, NJAIS
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dontae Johnson '10 - Cornerback in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks
- Michael Lee Brown '11 - Cast member for the Broadway show, "Dear Evan Hansen"
- Submit Review for The Pennington School
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Pennington School also viewed these schools: The Peddie School, The Hun School of Princeton, Blair Academy, Lawrenceville School and Perkiomen School.
- School Location Miles Grades Students
- Grades: 9-12, PG | 535 students 14.7 miles201 South Main Street
Hightstown, NJ 08520
(609) 944-750114.79-12, PG535 - Grades: 9-12, PG| 650 students 5.8 miles176 Edgerstoune Road
6-12, PG (day)
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 921-76005.89-12, PG650
6-12, PG (day) - Grades: 9-12, PG | 469 students 46.4 milesPO Box 600
Blairstown, NJ 07825
(800) 462-524746.49-12, PG469 - Grades: 9-12, PG | 819 students 4 miles2500 Main Street, PO Box 6008
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 895-203049-12, PG819 - Grades: 6-12, PG | 290 students 37.7 miles200 Seminary Street
Pennsburg, PA 18073
(215) 679-951137.76-12, PG290
Recent Articles
Thinking about making a major gift to your school? How about endowing a faculty chair? More here.
American boarding schools have always welcomed international students. Rigorous academic programs, extensive athletic programs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities attract students from all over the world.
Admissions to boarding school is a process with many components. The process can be confusing to parents dealing with boarding school admissions for the first time. We guide you through the process.
Featured Schools
