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 (2025)
- Top Ranked VT School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 225 students
- Yearly Tuition: $59,400
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- 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:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1935
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
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
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$59,400
Tuition Notes
Day students: $35,300
% on Financial Aid
43%
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
John Barrengos
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
8 sports
Sports
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
Literary Magazine, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Orchestra, Madrigals, Orchestra
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding, Horseback riding, Mountain Biking
School Notes
- School Mascot: Elm Tree
- 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
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.
What is the acceptance rate of The Putney School?
The acceptance rate of The Putney School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 69%. The Putney School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Vermont with low acceptance rates.
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: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color and Largest student body.
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).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Putney School vs. Vermont Academy
People that viewed The Putney School also viewed these schools: Vermont Academy, Cushing Academy, Tilton School, Northfield Mount Hermon and Lawrence Academy.
The nearest high school to The Putney School is Oak Meadow School (2.0 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is The Grammar School (1.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 9-12 | 237 students 10.6 miles 10 Long Walk
Saxtons River, VT 05154
(802) 869-6229
Saxtons River, VT 05154
(802) 869-6229
10.6
9-12
237
Grades: 9-12 | 400 students 36.3 miles 39 School Street
Ashburnham, MA 01430
(978) 827-7000
Ashburnham, MA 01430
(978) 827-7000
36.3
9-12
400
Grades: 9-12 | 200 students 58.1 miles 30 School Street
Tilton, NH 03276
(603) 286-1733
Tilton, NH 03276
(603) 286-1733
58.1
9-12
200
Grades: 9-12 | 630 students 25.2 miles One Lamplighter Way
Gill, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
Gill, MA 01354
(413) 498-3227
25.2
9-12
630
Grades: 9-12 | 408 students 56.8 miles 26 Powderhouse Rd
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-1530
56.8
9-12
408
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.
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