Purnell School
Tel:
(908) 439-2154
- Purnell School is the premier boarding and day school for girls with learning differences.
- Our mission is to educate young women, who learn differently in grades nine through PG within a creative, reflective, and supportive classroom and boarding community.
- We offer seven- and five-day boarding as well as day programs. Purnell also offers a PG year program that encourages study and exploration.
- Our campus is located on 83 acres in rural, equestrian New Jersey.
- Safe, peaceful yet close to the vibrancy of New York City and Philadelphia.
- Students discover their unique strengths in preparation for college and the world.
Quick Stats (2021)
- Grades: 9-12
- Students: 57 students
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc. | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) New Jersey Association of Independent Schools |
Religious Affiliation | Nonsectarian |
Grades Offered | Grades 9-12 |
Offers Post-Graduate Year | Yes |
ADD/ADHD Support | Yes |
Learning Difference Programs | Yes |
Learning Programs Supported | Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, Executive Function Challenges, Auditory Processing Disorder |
Year Founded | 1963 |
Summer School Offered | Yes |
Student Body
Total Students | 57 students |
Student Body Type | All-girls |
% Students of Color | 22% State avg.: 29% |
Students by Grade |
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Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers | 20 teachers |
Student : Teacher Ratio | 3:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
Average Class Size | 10 students |
Matriculation DataMatric. Data | Link to Matriculation Data |
Classroom Dress Code | Formal (Everyday uniform: dark wash jeans, white button-down or polo and Purnell sweater. Formal uniform includes a blazer and a kilt or khaki pants.) |
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
Admissions Director | Kate Davis |
Admissions Associate | Meghan Coates |
Sports
Total Sports Offered | 7 sports |
Sports | Ballet, Basketball, Dance, Equestrian, Soccer, Softball, TennisBallet, Basketball, Dance, Equestrian, Soccer, Softball, Tennis |
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric. | 14 extracurriculars |
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric. | Adlibbers-Acting Group, Art Club, Big Sisters, Choir, Community Service Club, Dance Synthesis, Environmental Club, Equestrian, Floor Leaders, School Tour Guides, Shoots and Strawberries Singing Group, Student Council, Technical Theater, Yearbook |
School Notes
- Purnell School, established in 1963, is the premier boarding and day school for girls with learning differences. We are at the forefront of education for girls from across the globe with different learning styles. We use a highly individualized approach tailored to the precise learning style of each student. Girls in grades nine through twelve learn within a creative, reflective, and supportive classroom and boarding community and thrive in academics, the arts and athletics. We offer seven and five-day boarding as well as day programs. Purnell also offers a Post Graduate (PG) year of study and exploration. Each year Purnell graduates attend the college of their choice.Purnell is located on 83 acres in rural, equestrian New Jersey. Safe, peaceful yet close to the vibrancy of New York City and Philadelphia. Students discover their unique strengths in preparation for college and the world. Purnell students learn to be ethical, independent, and self-confident working with faculty who act as mentors, teaching to the individual needs of the student.Purnell`s founding beliefs continue to guide the school over 50 years later: Consideration of Others, Truthfulness in All Relations, Use of Common Sense.Purnell successfully serves girls with the following learning differences: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, Executive Functioning Challenges, Auditory Processing Disorders.School accreditations: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
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1129 - Blairstown Grades: 9-12
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n/a
School Reviews
5 Current parent at school. After a period of turnover, the new head, faculty and support staff are a strong and unified team. The learning and wellness focus brings together a complete academic profile of each girl that each teacher has uses to adjust their teaching approach. The girls are at the center of the overall academic and wellness curriculum. My daughter is in her second year at the new school and has increased confidence in learning and in advocating for herself. The new leadership team is having an impact. This school will be on everyone's radar soon. - Posted by Parent - Martha gallo |
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