purnell school
why choose purnell?
we’ll tell you why.
because
your success matters to all of us Purnell welcomes each girl into our community and gives her the gift of discovering what she is truly great at doing. We believe every student has a true talent to share with the world. At Purnell, girls discover their talents and learn to solve problems creatively. Here, everyone experiences success and the confidence that comes with it.
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because
because
we are a national model of excellence
you can be yourself here
The Affinities Program
Our founders, Lytt and Sis Gould, opened Purnell on the
With its award-winning Affinities Program®, Purnell is the world’s first explicitly strengths-based high school. The Affinities Program® stems from the belief that the best way for a person to grow into who she was meant to be is by building on her unique strengths. This program focuses on integrating the ninth grade students into the strengths-based community at Purnell, and offers continuous
premise that a small community where everyone is known and valued is the best way to educate young women. At Purnell, we celebrate the individual and accept difference. Girls are able to take risks and grow. Each girl will have a place of importance in the school, receive extra help and encouragement when needed, and develop a unique understanding of what allows her to thrive.
follow-up for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students
Purnell serves a wide range of students. Some come to us
in order to guide them during their high school careers
seeking the extra attention provided by a small school setting,
and lead them to successful paths in college.
some are attracted to the structure and programs we offer to help girls succeed, and some have felt underserved in
All Kinds of Minds
larger schools. We welcome motivated students with mild
Our mission is to discover the different learning style of
learning differences. Here they find the strategies and
each student so that she can reach her full potential. Purnell
confidence to move beyond labels and toward learning
School combines innovative programs and state-of-the-art
success. Whatever the reason, we both challenge and
resources to promote an optimal learning experience for each
support each student in order for her to attain her goals.
®
student. Our teachers utilize the Schools Attuned Program® of discovering student strengths, challenges and passions,
Purnell students come from 22 states and 6 countries,
and Kansas University’s Strategic Instruction Model. Purnell
which adds to the richness of diversity on our campus.
has created a model of teaching and discovery that incor-
They are girls with positive character traits and engaging
porates leading-edge theory and best practice teaching
personalities who enjoy group activities and treasure
methods, integrating student advocacy, self-knowledge,
school traditions. Friendships formed here last a lifetime.
and self-reliance into the learning experience. As part of the All Kinds of Minds program, Purnell students take part in the demystification process in order to learn about themselves and take an active role in their education.
Advising Each student at Purnell has an advisor with whom she meets weekly one on one. Discussions range from classes and time management to dorms and friendships and result in strong student-teacher relationships. The advisor is the student’s advocate, mentor, point-person and touchstone during her years at Purnell. The advisor also supports her as she pursues her affinities. All advisors meet as a group weekly to discuss and plan for the needs of each student.
feel on a daily basis that “Iwhat I do in the classrooms, on the fields, and in the dorms is making a difference in the lives of so many young women here.
”
Dan Kramer, History Teacher
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because
because
you won’t fall through the cracks
there are no back rows
Adapting our teaching methods to student needs is only
You won’t find desks in rows at Purnell. Our average
part of the story. We focus our attention on each student
class size is twelve. Our classroom methods support and
in a myriad of ways to understand her learning style.
challenge students in a way that is geared to what works
We then tailor a comprehensive program to help her
best for girls. Our courses maintain a strong commitment
achieve. Along the way, we continue to adapt and change
to project-based learning, where students work in teams
this program to assure each student is on the right path.
to explore real-world problems and create presentations to share what they have learned. Our teachers consistently
Counseling and Nursing Our health center has nurses on staff and manages appointments for students who seek counseling off campus. We support girls through all the normal transitions of adolescent life.
adapt teaching techniques and structure course work to help each student learn in her own way. The curriculum is college preparatory and designed to challenge students to think and problem solve in creative ways as well as
English as a Second Language An immersion language program is offered for students for whom English is a second language. There is also an opportunity to participate in our Literacy Skills class as well as other activities to help students improve their English. Extra Help Structured time is available each day when teachers invite students to meet with them for one-on-one assistance or review of class material. Learning and Enrichment Center (LEC) The Learning and Enrichment Center assists students to reach their full potential. The LEC works with the students’ Individual Goal Coordinator to gain academic independence and strong advocacy skills. Seminars Each student has a seminar period that rotates through her schedule. Some seminars offered are diversity, wellness, affinities, and college counseling and transitions; some days this period may be used as a study hall. Students may also choose a seventh academic class instead of a seminar period. Supervised Study Hall Students attend a monitored study session each evening.
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express themselves clearly.
because
because
you can express yourself through the arts
athletics help to build self-esteem
The arts are an integral part of our education. Research has
Our athletic program encourages every girl to discover
proven that students who are involved in the arts are more
herself as an athlete. With competitive team sports each
motivated, more engaged, more sensitive, more focused,
season and a variety of non-competitive sports, girls have
more creative, and more responsible. With that in mind,
many opportunities to challenge themselves individually
our program offers a deep and broad experience in both the
as well as to be a member of a team. The Moran Athletic
studio and performing arts. Our faculty, many of whom are
Center is a state of the art facility with a large gymnasium,
professional artists themselves, have a talent for bringing
exercise and work out rooms, and dance studio.
out each student’s creative potential. Our well-equipped arts facilities, The Johnson Art Center and The Carney Center for the Performing Arts, are lively focal points of student life during the school day, evening, and weekends throughout the year.
Sports help girls to develop self-esteem and an appreciation for fitness. More than 50% of our students choose to play on interscholastic teams, which compete with nearby independent schools.
All students participate in a two and a half week intensive study, Project Exploration. One of the major offerings is
Athletics Offered
Production, in which students combine their talents in acting,
Varies from year to year
dancing, singing, technical crew, and costume design to launch
COMPETITIVE
NON-COMPETITIVE
a major musical performance. Other offerings during Project
Soccer
Yoga
Exploration include: an art offering, maritime studies, culinary
Volleyball
Jogging
arts, interior design and even opportunities to travel—both
Basketball
Personal Fitness
Softball
Equestrian (offered off-campus)
Lacrosse
Circuit Training
Dance
Tennis
domestically and abroad. These offerings vary year to year. Throughout the year, professional artists, from jazz musicians to classical pianists to storytellers, perform in the Carney Center for the Performing Arts. It is performances, however, by our own student groups—Purnell Ringers handbell choir, Shoots and Strawberries singing group, Dance Synthesis, and Adlibbers acting troupe—that earn the warmest applause.
A Sampling of Arts Courses Varies from year to year
STUDIO ART
PERFORMING ART
Painting I/II
Introduction to Acting
Drawing I/II
Creative Movement
Ceramics
History of Modern Dance
Photography
Creative Theater
Fashion Design
Music History
Art History
Filmmaking
Sculpture
World Drama
Jewelry Design
Instrumental Voice
“I never knew I would love lacrosse so much. Purnell gave me the confidence to go out there and try a new sport.
”
Heather, Class of 2012
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because
because
we prepare everyone for college
you will build lasting friendships
Preparation for life after Purnell begins the moment a student
Dorm Life
arrives. Our total approach to education contributes to the development of self-directed learners and thinkers, good writers and public speakers, and ultimately, confident young women fully prepared for life’s challenges. As the student learns about her affinities, the college
We believe the residential program may be the most effective educational experience in the transformation of an adolescent girl into a healthy, confident woman. Friendships made on campus are friendships made for life. Three guidelines are the basis of conduct at our school:
counselor helps her discover schools that are a good match
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Use of Common Sense
based on these strengths. In the junior year, each student
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Truthfulness in All Relations
takes a class focusing on the college admission process.
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Consideration of Others
The college counselor meets with the student and her family
As the standard for student life in the dormitories,
to discuss options, crystallize ideas, and construct a list
these principles guide students to participate in a positive
of prospective colleges.
and respectful community. Our air-conditioned dorms are secured by a Keyscan® security system and each dorm room is wired for internet access and telephone service.
Weekends Weekends at Purnell are full of a wide variety of activities both on and off campus. These activities are a continuation of the learning and growth that occurs both in the classroom and in the residence halls. Some examples of weekend activities are:
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A Broadway show in New York City
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A dance at a boys’ school
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Craft-making on campus
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Ski trip in the Poconos
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Football game at Rutgers University
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Hoboken Arts and Musical Festival
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Shopping in the quaint village of Chester
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New York Yankees game
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Museums and shopping in Philadelphia and New York City
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Prom
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Movies, Starbucks and mall trips
Our Campus ● Main: Admissions Office, Administration ● Dorms: Boynton, Custis and Gould ● Baker Dining Hall ● Moran Athletic Center ● Carney Center for the Performing Arts ● Gardner Classroom Building ● Stringfellow Library ● Johnson Arts Center
because
because
this is a place to call home
we offer the best of both worlds
A variety of special traditions bring meaning and ritual
Purnell School is situated on 83 acres amid the rolling
to the community. These, coupled with the large number
meadows and gentle hills of the Pottersville Valley in
of faculty, their children and pets that live on campus,
New Jersey. We feel fortunate to live in such a secure
make Purnell feel just like home!
and peaceful environment and still be less than an hour from New York City, and less that two from Philadelphia. Class trips and weekend excursions to these cities and other destinations enrich our cultural and historical perspectives.
“The best thing about Purnell is that we have a terrific campus and access to everything
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the city has to offer.
Brianna, Class of 2011
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come, take a look. At Purnell, our three guidelines: Use of Common Sense, Truthfulness in All Relations, and Consideration of Others, added to three basic directives: sustained effort, commitment to honest relationships, and high expectations for all students equal three outcomes: a future where each student understands what she can do best, an ability to take that knowledge and find success, and the character to build a meaningful life.
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Purnell School 78
New York
Harrisburg 76 76
Trenton
Philadelphia 95
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Baltimore
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Getting Here
For More Information
We encourage you to visit and see for yourself. Below is a
See us on the Web:
list of approximate travel times from cities and airports in
www.purnell.org
our area. For driving instructions, please visit our website.
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Newark Airport
40 minutes
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New York City
60 minutes
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LaGuardia Airport 90 minutes
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Kennedy Airport
2 hours
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Philadelphia
90 minutes
Arrange a visit and tour:
Office of Admissions
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(908) 439-2154
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info@purnell.org
Send mail:
PO Box 500
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51 Pottersville Road
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Pottersville, NJ 07979
PURNELL SCHOOL
51 Pottersville Road P.O. Box 500 Pottersville, NJ 07979 (908) 439-2154 www.purnell.org