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Purnell School's viewbook.
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p u r n e l l s c h o o l
why choose purnell?
1
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.
b e c a u s e
2
we are a nationalmodel of excellenceThe Affinities ProgramPurnell’s award-winning Affinities Program® stems from
the belief that building on a student’s unique strengths is
the best way to help her grow into the person she was
meant to become. 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. The program incorporates real
life career education through summer internships, our
Career Speakers series, and Diversity and Wellness seminars
with the belief that “You don’t go to school to be better at
school; you go to school to be better at life.”
21st Century LearningOur mission is to discover the different learning styles of
each student so that she can reach her full potential. Purnell
School combines innovative programs with state-of-the-art
resources to promote an optimal learning experience in the
classroom. Each student has an individual goal plan to
provide academic support as well as enrichment, tailored to
her particular needs. Teachers are skilled in the integration of
student strengths, technology, and engaging content to foster
creativity and critical thinking across the curriculum. With
access to tools like interactive whiteboards, iPods and iPads,
and a variety of multimedia software, students and teachers
are able to experience hands-on what learning means in the
21st Century.
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 differences.
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 an array of states and
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.”William Warlick, Director of Athletics and History Teacher
b e c a u s e b e c a u s e
5
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 combine innovative programs and state-of-
the-art resources in order to promote an optimal learning experi-
ence for each student.
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 study hall.
Supervised Study Hall
Students attend a monitored study session each evening.
b e c a u s e b e c a u s e
6
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 act-
ing, dancing, singing, technical crew, and costume design to
launch a major musical performance. Other offerings dur-
ing Project Exploration include: an art offering, early child-
hood teaching, animal behavior, 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 the performances, how-
ever, by our own student groups – 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
Basketball
Softball
Dance
b e c a u s e b e c a u s e
you can expressyourself through the arts
“I never knew I would love
basketball so much. Purnell
gave me the confidence
to go out there and try a
new sport.”Tammy, Class of 2012
PERFORMING ART
Acting I/II
Creative Theater
Intermediate Ballet
Filmmaking
Sounds of Music
Dance Sampler
All That Jazz and Tap
Children’s Theater
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
Cross Country
Personal Fitness
Horseback Riding
Circuit Training
Tennis
High/Low Ropes Course
9
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 their 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:
b e c a u s e b e c a u s e
� Use of Common Sense
� Truthfulness in All Relations
� Consideration of Others
� A Broadway show in New York City
� A dance at a boys’ school
� Crafts and games on campus
� Ski and snowboarding trip in the Poconos
� Football game at Rutgers University
� Hoboken Arts and Musical Festival
� New York Yankees game
� Museums and shopping in Philadelphia and New York City
� Prom
� Movies, Starbucks and mall trips
� Amusement park trips
10
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.”Charlotte, Class of 2014
b e c a u s e b e c a u s e
11
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 � [email protected]
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
NJ
NY
CTPA
VAWV
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RI
MA
ProvidenceHartford
Baltimore
Harrisburg
Trenton
Philadelphia
New York
Purnell School78
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PURNELL SCHOOL
51 Pottersville RoadP.O. Box 500Pottersville, NJ 07979
(908) 439-2154www.purnell.org