Progressive Education

Our goal is to teach students how to define good questions, how to research and analyze, and how to present their thinking in coherent and compelling ways. None of this can be measured by standardized tests such as the APs, which are necessarily designed to teach students how to answer finite questions which others have posed. Putney has never had an AP curriculum, and we are now being joined by many of the top schools in the country. It is clear to us that colleges understand our program, because our students do well in today’s competitive college process. You can learn more about this educational movement at the website of the Independent Curriculum Group.

“Are Advanced Placement Courses Diminishing Liberal Arts Education?” by Pal Von Blum in Education Week, Sept. 3, 2008

Putney College Matriculation List

"Some Private High Schools Drop AP Courses" by Anne Marie Chaker in The Wall Street Journal, November 23, 2004

• At Putney
• Why don't we teach to the AP
• Recommended Reading and resources
• "Progressive Goals" article in The Putney Post (PDF)