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
Progressive High School Education for a Sustainable Future
For more than 75 years, The Putney School has been at the forefront of the progressive school movement. With a mission to create active, critical thinkers and members of a democratic society, our goal is not to merely convey information but to engage our students in the learning process so they become the makers of their own education.
Our teachers encourage students to pursue essential pieces of knowledge by researching and analyzing the information around them and presenting their findings and original ideas in engaging ways.
The Putney School takes a holistic approach to education. To achieve this, our students partake in a variety of leadership and decision-making roles, work on our 500-acre farm, participate in sports, apprentice with local artisans, and express themselves through the performing arts. With sustainability, community building, and diversity woven into the fabric of our life here at Putney, students develop a well-rounded view of the world and the skills needed to thrive in it—and shape it. Come join us to learn, play, build and create community together here in beautiful Vermont.
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
Noa
Freshman
Maine
There’s value placed on work, and it feels connected to the essential aspects of living.
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.
Larry
Junior
California
At Putney, there are people from so many different places. And they all come together to be such a tight-knit community, which was something I didn't really feel, or not as much at least, in prior schools. It really impressed me.
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.
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
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.
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.
Patrick
Junior
Vermont
Everybody, as a part of the community, is working toward similar goals, which unifies us in a way.
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.
David
Sophomore
Vermont
Putney really underscores that you shouldn’t be static, that you should be progressing at all times.