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 530 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 mild language-based 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.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Grades: (Boarding) 8-12
- Enrollment: 530 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $69,000
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $48,600
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Pennington School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Selectivity
Offering Breadth
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
8-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Mild Language-Based Learning Differences
n/a
Year Founded
1838
1906
Campus Size
55 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
530 students
314 students
% Students of Color
37%
25%
% International Students
14%
20%
% Students Boarding
33%
70%
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1140 - 1600
-
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
42
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$47.5 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$69,000
(Middle School Boarding - $64,300 (Starting in Grade 8))
(Middle School Boarding - $64,300 (Starting in Grade 8))
$63,120
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$48,600
(Middle School Day Tuition - $43,100)
(Middle School Day Tuition - $43,100)
$35,700
Tuition international students
$72,400
$54,500
% Students on Financial Aid
33%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$32,000
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Feb. 1
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
25%
60%
Director of Admissions
Sharon Jarboe
Lynn M. Zahn - Middle School
Lynn M. Zahn - Middle School
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
18
16
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
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
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: Mild 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"
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Pennington School cost?
The Pennington School's tuition is approximately $69,000 for boarding students and $48,600 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Pennington School?
The acceptance rate of The Pennington School is 25%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%. The Pennington School's acceptance rate is ranked as one of the top boarding schools with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from The Pennington School?
The Pennington School famous alumni include: Dontae Johnson '10 and Michael Lee Brown '11.
What sports does The Pennington School offer?
The Pennington School offers 18 interscholastic 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 and Winter Track.
Does The Pennington School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Pennington School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is The Pennington School's ranking?
The Pennington School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Low acceptance rates and High # of AP/advanced courses offered.
When is the application deadline for The Pennington School?
The application deadline for The Pennington School is Feb. 1.
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The nearest boarding school to The Pennington School is Lawrenceville School (4.0 miles away)
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Location
Miles
Grades
Students
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(609) 921-7600
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(609) 921-7600
5.8
9-12, PG
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680
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4
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815
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325
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(215) 579-6547
10.7
9-12
540
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