What is The Putney School? We are both creative and grounded, visionary and practical. We are a community of people who think for themselves, invent, design, experiment, compose, write, build and chase down new ideas.
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Emily Jones, Head of School
News and Events
The College Process from a Progressive Standpoint
Emily's Notes
A Mid-Fall Pause
Emily's Notes
And Off They Go on Long Fall
Emily's Notes
Seeing More, Seeing Differently
Emily's Notes
Think / Do
At Putney we believe people learn best by doing, rather than being told. Our students flourish with the freedom they have here.
Joy / Meaning
We see the joy that comes from meaningful inquiry and meaningful work. It’s happening all over campus. It can happen for you.
Lead / Work
We value collaboration more than competition. Everyone plays an active role in running the community. Learn more about the the leadership opportunities available to our students
Self / Others
At Putney you will learn the art and skill of self-motivation and self-direction while working with others in an inclusive environment.
Student Profiles
Sophia
Junior
Colorado
Sophia is insatiably curious. Whether exploring computer coding, translating German poetry, or investigating new techniques for photography, Sophia lives on the edge of what she doesn’t yet understand or know how to do.
Nathan Zweig, English Teacher
William
Freshman
China
At Putney, everyone is so friendly and open that I have become more open, too. It’s been such an easy community to join.
Nayderson
Sophomore
Massachusetts
Because of the strong trust Putney has in its students, and the emphasis on students being leaders, it’s helped me realize that I have the power to start something.
Max
Sophomore
Massachusetts
I don’t think of it as a failure, because I learned from the experience. I have a deeper understanding of the processes involved and if I were to try again, I would know how to do it better.
Triana
Freshman
Mexico
I’m friends now with people from all over the world—China, Japan, Madagascar, and all over the U.S.—so we’re able to talk about cultural contrasts and have interesting discussions.
Patrick
Junior
Vermont
Everybody, as a part of the community, is working toward similar goals, which unifies us in a way.
Anna
Junior
California
That’s one cool thing I’ve learned here: even if Putney doesn’t start with what you want, you can find a way to make it happen.
Piper
Sophomore
Vermont
Having new and different experiences makes you more adaptable for sure, which is very important when going out on your own for the first time.
David
Sophomore
Vermont
Putney really underscores that you shouldn’t be static, that you should be progressing at all times.
Noa
Freshman
Maine
There’s value placed on work, and it feels connected to the essential aspects of living.