why putney?

73 Years of Experience

We’re not new at this. Our exceptional safety record gives parents comfort and reflects decades of institutional knowledge and expertise in risk management, supporting young travelers, fostering meaningful connections, and delivering high-quality programming.

Lasting Benefits

Our programs instill confidence, maturity, and passion for cultures and ideas that are new to students—benefits that extend far beyond summer. These experiences often serve as springboards for students to develop lifelong interests.

Excellent Group Dynamics

Our trained leaders facilitate a positive group dynamic and build a community where everyone is included, celebrated, and invited to participate. Putney students return home with increased maturity, lasting friendships, and broadened perspectives.

Student Ownership

Students learn and grow most when given clear expectations and a chance to take ownership of their experience. While our leaders supervise and direct each program, students actively lead important daily tasks, activities, and discussions, instilling greater confidence and independence.

Innovative Programs

We continually develop and improve our programming in response to world issues. Our students benefit from a global network of friends and partner organizations that has been built over seven decades.

High Expectations

We have clearly communicated expectations of behavior that are designed to keep students safe and bring out the best in them. Our simple rules—no smoking, drinking, or drugs, as well as a few more—promote safety and build trust within the group.

Global Stewardship

We partner with communities around the world through long-term collaborations. Our students benefit from meaningful interactions with local people, with many of our relationships spanning generations. As a result, they learn to value community empowerment, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability.

Fun!

While our programs have ambitious educational goals, our founders believed that you learn best when you’re having fun. Putney has always made learning fun and we can guarantee that’s not going to change in our 73rd summer.