Read more details about The Putney School on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Putney is, to summarize, a very unique school. It is extremely progressive, and fosters independence quite well. The classes are mostly discussion based, with not a lot of busy work, and the teachers are competent and willing to work with student needs. There is also a one of a kind work program (you will always have some sort of job on campus, from working on the dairy farm, to cleaning dishes, to working the library).
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I was introduced to concepts and ideals at Putney that I don't think I would have otherwise. My eyes were opened to varying political views, sustainability efforts/causes, and my love for the arts was fostered. I learned a lot and gained independence.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
The only advice I can give is that this is probably not the right school for you if you have medical or mental health needs outside of the norm. Unfortunately, Putney is not good at helping/accommodating students with differing needs. I as well as many people I knew had this same experience. It is the school's one downfall.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The arts programs, the faculty/teaching styles, the dorms.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Ask an upperclassmen how to get to the channel master :)
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I enjoyed the fact that there was not a lot of busy work, and I could identify why I was being taught most of what I was learning. Teachers were respectful and competent, and fostered learning for the sake of learning, instead of learning to take tests. Most classes are discussion based or hands on.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The school is definitely lacking in this area. They do not have many popular sports that other schools have (no football or baseball) and the teams are taught by faculty with *some* experience in sports, but definitely not formal training or degrees. Not the school to go to if you value sports. Facilities are also limited, although the new field is decent.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Good music and arts programs. You can take these courses as actual classes, or extra activities at any time. They also employ outside voice and instrument teachers to come in after school hours for students who want to pay for private lessons. There is a dance studio, multiple art studios (jewelry, sculpture, metal/wood working, individual art studios for seniors, practice rooms with pianos). The arts programs are top notch and accessible to all students.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There are several great extra curricular activities to get involved with, including sustainability committee and student leadership positions. You can also get involved with farming, carpentry & maintenance and more.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life is probably comparable to other boarding schools. Dorms are divided by gender and visiting hours are strictly enforced. Dorm heads are carefully chosen faculty, who live in apartments attached to the dorms. There are student dorm heads as well. You can put dorm preferences at the end of each year for the following year, although you're not guaranteed to get what you want.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
The dining hall is large and accommodating. Many people did not like the food, but I found it to be fine, and there are always vegetarian/vegan options available. There is no assigned seating except on special occasions.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
The town of Putney is quite small and there's not much to do there, but trips into town on Wednesdays & Weekends were still fun. The Putney Co Op was a hot spot for student. Brattleboro is a 15-20 minute drive away and they offered weekend trips there.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Cliques are minimal (still present, but much less than I would expect at either a public high school or a more preppy, traditional boarding school). There is plenty of time for socializing.
Read more details about The Putney School on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Putney is a vibrant community where teachers and students are actual friends. It’s conducive to personal growth and a place where I and other students found our passions. Everyone is excited and working on something. . .
The unique thing about Putney is that there is a fully working dairy farm on campus. There is a big work program than instills work ethic and responsibility in the students and this includes working. . .
Unique is a term that is often used to describe Putney. As it is located on a gorgeous working dairy farm with sustainable gardens, all students learn agricultural skills on top of advanced academics, sports. . .
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