The Putney School (Top Ranked Private School for 2024-25)

5.00 (1 review)

418 Houghton Brook Rd
Putney, VT 05346

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Tel: (802) 387-6200

www.putneyschool.org

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The Putney School Photo #1 - Putney is a co-educational boarding and day school for grades 9-12 founded in 1935 by Carmelita Hinton. We are a progressive school, in that we value the idea that education is something to be actively pursued rather than passively received. Our commitment to Ms. Hinton's fundamental beliefs have put Putney at the leading edge of education in America.

The Putney School Photo #2 - The Putney School is located on a working dairy farm. We value the dignity and relevance of physical work, which shows through our Work Program. Students carry out daily chores, collaborate in teams, learn skills, and sometimes lead crews in various areas: barn, kitchen, land-use, dining & maintenance.

The Putney School Photo #3 - We are not a 'prep' school. While many of our students head off to the top colleges in the country, their experiences at Putney are about engaging material, expanding interests, and gaining tools, not 'preparing' to be somewhere else.

The Putney School Photo #4 - Art is a part of every student's daily life. We take the arts seriously while supporting a spirit of discovery. We offer 20 art forms, including blacksmithing, ceramics, chorus, creative writing, dance, drama, fiber arts, jazz, jewelry, orchestra, Latin dance, photography, sculpture, stained glass & woodworking.

The Putney School Photo #5 - Sustainability is at the center of a Putney education. It is embedded in our campus, our community, and our curriculum. We are located on a 500-acre working dairy farm in southeastern Vermont, this serves as a laboratory and partner for studying the world around us and applying the lessons we learn about ecology, forestry, energy and agriculture.

The Putney School Photo #6 - The community at Putney is warm, open, mutually respectful and rousing. We come together as a whole school three times per week. Every Thursday is All School Sing (pictured here), a tradition dating back to Putney's founding in the '30's, which spans a fun and eclectic assortment of styles.

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.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

Top Ranked VT School
School Type: Alternative School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 225 students
Yearly Tuition: $59,400
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Putney School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for:

School Overview

School Type

Alternative School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Other special emphasis association(s)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Year Founded

1935

Student Body

Total Students

225 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

37%

State avg.: 13%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

35 teachers

Student : Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

73%

Average Class Size

12 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$59,400

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Day students: $35,300

% on Financial Aid

43%

Admissions Director

John Barrengos

Sports

Total Sports Offered

8 sports

Sports

Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Fencing, Soccer, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

8 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:
Literary Magazine, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Orchestra, Madrigals, Orchestra

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding, Horseback riding, Mountain Biking

School Notes

The Putney School is designed for independent, motivated, and capable students seeking intellectual freedom, responsibility and opportunities for competence in a variety of fields. The school's 500-acre campus is situated on a working Vermont dairy farm that supports a rich curriculum in sustainability. As a progressive school, we think of our curriculum as everything we do. This includescourse work,student-driven projects, ourWork Program,Afternoons,Evening Arts,independent studies, and off-campus learning opportunities.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Putney School cost?

The Putney School's tuition is approximately $59,400 for private students.

What schools are The Putney School often compared to?

The Putney School is often viewed alongside schools like Vermont Academy by visitors of our site.

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 8 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Fencing, Soccer, Track and Field and Ultimate Frisbee.

What is The Putney School's ranking?

The Putney School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for The Putney School?

The application deadline for The Putney School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Calendar

View the The Putney School yearly calendar below.

School Reviews

5 12/7/2015

Putney is a wonderful and nurturing school with a fantastic arts program. It's been more than 10 years since I graduated and every passing year increases my understanding of what a special place Putney is and how blessed I was to attend. I received so much personal, academic, and creative support. I was given space and fantastic resources to discover myself as a person and an artist. I met lifelong friends and mentors. I was taught the value of hard work and time management. They met the superficial 'prep school' goal of helping me get into a top college. Going to Putney altered the course of my life in a wonderful way. I am forever in their debt.

- Posted by Student/Alumni - junk

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