Conventional education is not enough. For you, for us, or for the world.
We are an independent 912 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.
Quick Facts (2025)
- 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
Top Rankings
The Putney School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 278 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
1907
Campus Size
600 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
220 students
315 students
% Students of Color
25%
27%
% International Students
13%
21%
% Students Boarding
81%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Monthly
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
7:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
73%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$33 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$80,200
$68,353
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$50,100
$37,000
Summer Program Cost
$9,950
(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
Admissions
Application Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
60%
64%
Director of Admissions
Donnie Smith
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
7
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber OrchestraMainstage Theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpine Skiing & SnowboardingHorseback Riding
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
School Notes
- Conventional education is not enough. For you, for us, or for the world. We are an independent 912 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.
- The Putney School accreditations: The Association of Boarding Schools
- 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
- School Motto: Progressive Education for a Sustainable Future
- School Mascot: Elm Tree
Source: Verified school update
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, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Cycling, 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
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. . .
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. . .
Show more reviews (12 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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