At Putney you will learn to be bold and innovative, to work and to lead, to consider yourself and others, to live at home and out in the world, and to build sustainability into all of your efforts. You are going to be learning all of the time – inside and outside, with teachers and fellow students, through your jobs and leadership roles, in independent study, at campfires, and in classrooms. It is the fabric of our community.
The Putney Core
We approach education holistically, focusing on traditional subject-centered learning such as math, English and science; developing necessary skills and habits such as collaboration, media literacy, research and analysis; and learning through experiences such as physical activity, outdoor recreation, community engagement, and creative arts.
Differentiated Scheduling
At Putney, students don’t just follow a schedule—they help shape it. Each year, students choose from a wide range of academic and artistic electives, giving them real agency to design an educational journey that reflects their interests, challenges, and goals. On top of core requirements that provide a strong foundation, students have multiple opportunities to make meaningful choices—often starting with two electives in their first year and expanding to as many as eight by senior year. That freedom to choose fuels deeper engagement and ownership of learning.
Independent Learning Program
At Putney, students learn the art of self-motivation and thinking for themselves. Twice a year, students design and carry out lengthy self-designed independent projects through Project Weeks. Independent studies and courses, senior exhibitions, and the opportunity for an off-campus work term require students to dig deeply into an area of interest, and create new questions and connections.
Assessment for Growth
We believe that students should learn to work for the love of knowledge and the joy of using their minds effectively. We use detailed written evaluations to provide a thorough understanding of each student’s development, strengths, and areas in need of improvement. Our assessments are purposeful and designed to aid the learning of each individual.
Design for Innovation & Creativity
Through our robust arts program, students are immersed in the creative world of theater, dance, music, and visual and literary arts. We offer academic arts courses, as well as an evening arts program. Our wide range of offerings provides students with the unique opportunity to pursue in-depth studies and serious practices in an artistic field, or to simply further explore or discover an artistic outlet.
Keep Exploring
Student Leadership
At Putney you will practice leadership and learn through experience. Students apply for and are elected to over 50 leadership positions all of which lead vital work at the school.
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Sustainability
Putney stands for a way of life, and we realize that this life must be an environmentally sustainable one. Throughout our history, the land use program has been a key
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Integrated Curricula
9th Grade Integrated Course Ninth grade students are required to take Humans in the Natural World, which integrates English, Social Science, and Natural Science. This is a three-trimester course. 11th
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