The Putney School is an independent day and boarding high school on a working dairy farm in Putney, Vt.
Founded in 1935, we are at the forefront of the progressive school movement, believing students learn best by doing.
Through experiential and project-based learning, a unique work program, robust arts offerings and plentiful clubs, sports and extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to think for themselves, invent, design, experiment, compose, write, build and chase down new ideas.
With a mission to create active, critical thinkers and members of a democratic society, Putney`s goal is not to merely convey information but to engage students in the learning process so they become makers of their own education.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 232 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $74,500
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $45,500
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Putney School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 99 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Secondary Immersion Language
Spanish
n/a
Year Founded
1935
1906
Campus Size
500 acres
128 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
232 students
319 students
% Students of Color
13%
25%
% International Students
17%
20%
% Students Boarding
81%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Less than once a month
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
7:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
70%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$28.1 million
$27 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$74,500
$65,563
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$45,500
$35,900
Summer Program Cost
$8,750
(Cost is for applications received before January 15)
(Cost is for applications received before January 15)
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$23,000
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
60%
60%
Director of Admissions
John Barrengos, Ed. D.
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
19
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
8
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Literary, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber, International Theater Company, Pocket Players
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding, Horseback Riding, Kundalini Yoga
Literary, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber, International Theater Company, Pocket Players
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding, Horseback Riding, Kundalini Yoga
College Matriculation
Year: 2007 - 2011
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
School Notes
- We are a progressive school, in that we value the idea that education is something to be actively pursued rather than passively received. When students learn by doing rather than being told, they develop confidence, deeper understanding, and resolve. Our continued commitment to Ms. Hinton's fundamental beliefs, and our deliberate choices for our community and curriculum have put Putney at the leading edge of education in America.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Putney School cost?
The Putney School's tuition is approximately $74,500 for boarding students and $45,500 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Putney School?
The acceptance rate of The Putney School is 60%, which is equal to the boarding school average of 60%.
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 19 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Dance, Equestrian, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, 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
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. . .
The unique thing about Putney is that there is a fully working dairy farm on campus. There is a big work program than instills work ethic and responsibility in the students and this includes working. . .
Unique is a term that is often used to describe Putney. As it is located on a gorgeous working dairy farm with sustainable gardens, all students learn agricultural skills on top of advanced academics, sports. . .
Show more reviews (11 reviews)
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The nearest boarding school to The Putney School is The Greenwood School (0.8 miles away)
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