p u r n e l l s c h o o l

why choose purnell?

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your successmatters to all of usPurnell 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.

we’ll tell you why.

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we are a nationalmodel of excellenceThe Affinities ProgramWith 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

follow-up for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students

in order to guide them during their high school careers

and lead them to successful paths in college.

All Kinds of Minds®

Our mission is to discover the different learning style of

each student so that she can reach her full potential. Purnell

School combines innovative programs and state-of-the-art

resources to promote an optimal learning experience for each

student. Our teachers utilize the Schools Attuned Program®

of discovering student strengths, challenges and passions,

and Kansas University’s Strategic Instruction Model. Purnell

has created a model of teaching and discovery that incor-

porates leading-edge theory and best practice teaching

methods, integrating student advocacy, self-knowledge,

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.

AdvisingEach 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.

you can beyourself hereOur founders, Lytt and Sis Gould, opened Purnell on the

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.

Purnell serves a wide range of students. Some come to us

seeking the extra attention provided by a small school setting,

some are attracted to the structure and programs we offer

to help girls succeed, and some have felt underserved in

larger schools. We welcome motivated students with mild

learning differences. Here they find the strategies and

confidence to move beyond labels and toward learning

success. Whatever the reason, we both challenge and

support each student in order for her to attain her goals.

Purnell students come from 22 states and 6 countries,

which adds to the richness of diversity on our campus.

They are girls with positive character traits and engaging

personalities who enjoy group activities and treasure

school traditions. Friendships formed here last a lifetime.

“I feel on a daily basis that

what 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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there are noback rowsYou won’t find desks in rows at Purnell. Our average

class size is twelve. Our classroom methods support and

challenge students in a way that is geared to what works

best for girls. Our courses maintain a strong commitment

to project-based learning, where students work in teams

to explore real-world problems and create presentations

to share what they have learned. Our teachers consistently

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

express themselves clearly.

you won’t fallthrough the cracksAdapting our teaching methods to student needs is only

part of the story. We focus our attention on each student

in a myriad of ways to understand her learning style.

We then tailor a comprehensive program to help her

achieve. Along the way, we continue to adapt and change

this program to assure each student is on the right path.

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.

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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you can expressyourself through theThe arts are an integral part of our education. Research has

proven that students who are involved in the arts are more

motivated, more engaged, more sensitive, more focused,

more creative, and more responsible. With that in mind,

our program offers a deep and broad experience in both the

studio and performing arts. Our faculty, many of whom are

professional artists themselves, have a talent for bringing

out each student’s creative potential. Our well-equipped arts

facilities, The Johnson Art Center and The Carney Center for

thePerforming Arts, are lively focal points of student life during

the school day, evening, and weekends throughout the year.

All students participate in a two and a half week intensive

study, Project Exploration. One of the major offerings is

Production, in which students combine their talents in acting,

dancing, singing, technical crew, and costume design to launch

a major musical performance. Other offerings during Project

Exploration include: an art offering, maritime studies, culinary

arts, interior design and even opportunities to travel—both

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.

athletics helpto build self-esteemOur athletic program encourages every girl to discover

herself as an athlete. With competitive team sports each

season and a variety of non-competitive sports, girls have

many opportunities to challenge themselves individually

as well as to be a member of a team. The Moran Athletic

Center is a state of the art facility with a large gymnasium,

exercise and work out rooms, and dance studio.

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.

A Sampling of Arts CoursesVaries from year to year

COMPET IT IVE

Soccer

Volleyball

Basketball

Softball

Lacrosse

Dance

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you can expressyourself through the arts

“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

PERFORMING ART

Introduction to Acting

Creative Movement

History of Modern Dance

Creative Theater

Music History

Filmmaking

World Drama

Instrumental Voice

STUDIO ART

Painting I/II

Drawing I/II

Ceramics

Photography

Fashion Design

Art History

Sculpture

Jewelry Design

Athletics OfferedVaries from year to year

NON-COMPET IT IVE

Yoga

Jogging

Personal Fitness

Equestrian (offered off-campus)

Circuit Training

Tennis

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we prepareeveryone for collegePreparation for life after Purnell begins the moment a student

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

counselor helps her discover schools that are a good match

based on these strengths. In the junior year, each student

takes a class focusing on the college admission process.

The college counselor meets with the student and her family

to discuss options, crystallize ideas, and construct a list

of prospective colleges.

you will buildlasting friendshipsDorm LifeWe 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:

As the standard for student life in the dormitories,

these principles guide students to participate in a positive

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.

WeekendsWeekends 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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� Use of Common Sense

� Truthfulness in All Relations

� Consideration of Others

� A Broadway show in New York City

� A dance at a boys’ school

� Craft-making on campus

� Ski trip in the Poconos

� Football game at Rutgers University

� Hoboken Arts and Musical Festival

� Shopping in the quaint village of Chester

� New York Yankees game

� Museums and shopping in Philadelphia and New York City

� Prom

� Movies, Starbucks and mall trips

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this is a placeto call homeA variety of special traditions bring meaning and ritual

to the community. These, coupled with the large number

of faculty, their children and pets that live on campus,

make Purnell feel just like home!

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

we offer the bestof both worldsPurnell School is situated on 83 acres amid the rolling

meadows and gentle hills of the Pottersville Valley in

New Jersey. We feel fortunate to live in such a secure

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

the city has to offer.”Brianna, Class of 2011

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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.

Getting HereWe encourage you to visit and see for yourself. Below is a

list of approximate travel times from cities and airports in

our area. For driving instructions, please visit our website.

For More InformationSee us on the Web:

www.purnell.org

Arrange a visit and tour:

Office of Admissions � (908) 439-2154 � info@purnell.org

Send mail:

PO Box 500 � 51 Pottersville Road � Pottersville, NJ 07979

come, take a look.

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� Newark Airport 40 minutes

� New York City 60 minutes

� LaGuardia Airport 90 minutes

� Kennedy Airport 2 hours

� Philadelphia 90 minutes

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PURNELL SCHOOL

51 Pottersville RoadP.O. Box 500Pottersville, NJ 07979

(908) 439-2154www.purnell.org