What The Putney School does

The Putney School is a private, non-profit progressive boarding and day school founded in 1935 by Carmelita Hinton, located on a 600-acre campus in Putney, Vermont. It enrolls approximately 320 students across grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year, drawing roughly 20% of its body from more than 30 countries. The school markets itself against conventional college-prep models: there are no letter grades or AP courses; evaluation is written, and the curriculum centers on the school's nine Fundamental Beliefs, a mandatory Work Program, project-based and independent learning (Project Weeks, Independent Studies, Senior Exhibitions), a strong arts program, and a Study Away program. Supporting infrastructure includes a working dairy farm (Elm Lea Farm), a net-zero LEED Platinum Field House, solar-powered cabins, equestrian facilities, and 40+ km of trails.

The institution is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates as a single-campus residential educational product rather than a multi-site chain. Tuition for 2026-27 is set at $82,600 for boarding students and $51,600 for day students, with the ESOL program adding $6,000; auxiliary fees cover private music, horseback riding, downhill skiing, and sports. The school distributes its services through direct admissions via the Veracross portal and Standard Application Online (SAO), supported by counselor travel domestically and internationally, virtual tours, and campus visits. Direct revenue is supplemented by philanthropic giving: an Annual Fund (FY26 goal $1.3M) and the comprehensive 'Sing it Forward' campaign, which has secured over $39 million toward student/faculty housing, a performing arts expansion, financial aid endowment, and the annual fund. Financial aid totals roughly $4 million annually and reaches 37% of students (62% of day students, 38% of boarders), with international aid capped at 50% of total cost. Technology is positioned as enabling infrastructure rather than a product: Veracross handles enrollment, Clarity processes financial-aid applications with IRS verification, Google Apps for Education supports classroom delivery, and study-abroad partnerships with School Year Abroad (SYA), CIEE, Bedales School (UK), and a 20-school Network of Complementary Schools consortium facilitate exchange programming.

Name

The Putney School

Legal name

The Putney School

Website

https://putneyschool.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1935

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Putney School is a private, non-profit progressive boarding and day school in Putney, Vermont, founded in 1935 and serving approximately 320 students in grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year, drawing roughly 20% of enrollment from more than 30 countries and operating on a 600-acre campus with a working farm.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Instructional Delivery & Pedagogy (School-Led) (EDAJAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA)

Keywords

• Progressive secondary education
• Private boarding school
• College preparatory programs
• Independent learning curriculum
• Arts integrated academics

Headquarters

HQ city

Putney

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Boarding Tuition: The primary revenue stream is tuition from boarding students who live on campus. This includes academic instruction, meals, and residence.
2. Day Tuition: Revenue from day students who attend classes but do not board. Lower tuition rate than boarding.
3. Additional Program Fees: Optional fees for ESOL program ($6,000), private music lessons ($70/hour), horseback riding ($500-$2,500/trimester), downhill skiing, sports/activity fees, and CTL tutorials.
4. Annual Fund and Campaign Donations: The Sing it Forward campaign and Annual Fund (goal $1.3 million for FY26) provide charitable donations from alumni, families, and supporters. Over $39 million committed to the campaign.
5. Summer Arts Program: Revenue from summer arts programs for rising 8th-12th graders, offered as 1-4 week experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Putney School is a private, co-educational boarding and day school in Putney, Vermont providing progressive secondary education for grades 9-12 and a postgraduate year. Its academic product combines project-based learning, arts, athletics, and a mandatory work program on a 600-acre working dairy farm campus. The school also operates a summer arts program and offers international student support including ESOL instruction.

Product overview

The Putney School is a progressive private boarding and day school in Vermont offering grades 9-12 and a postgraduate program. The institution operates as a unified educational product combining academic instruction, arts programs, athletics, and a mandatory work program. Key program components include the Academic Program (9-12), Postgraduate Program, International Student Program with ESOL support, Work Program, Independent Learning Program (featuring Project Weeks, Independent Studies, and Senior Exhibitions), Study Away Program, Athletics and Recreation, and The Arts Program (Academic Arts, Evening Arts, and Putney Summer Arts). The school also conducts the Sing it Forward comprehensive fundraising campaign supporting facilities and student/faculty support. With over 30 nations represented and a focus on progressive education, the school serves approximately 80 new students annually with 100+ course offerings and 50+ student leadership positions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Elm Lea Farm: A working dairy farm on campus where students participate in farm work as part of the work program.
• Sing it Forward Campaign

Products and services

• Academic Program (Grades 9-12) A progressive co-educational private boarding and day school offering grades 9-12, with a curriculum emphasizing project-based learning, independent work, and student-centered classrooms. The program integrates academics, arts, athletics, and work program into a unified educational experience for approximately 320 students.
• Postgraduate Program A one-year bridge program for high school graduates providing personalized academic guidance, college counseling, and independent project opportunities. Students design their own curriculum combining advanced coursework, hands-on experiences, and interdisciplinary approaches to prepare for college.
• International Student Program A comprehensive support program for international students including ESOL courses (intermediate and advanced levels), visa assistance, cultural integration support, International Ambassadors mentorship, and orientation programs. The school represents students from more than 30 nations with approximately 20% of the student body being international.
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Two-level English language program (intermediate and advanced) supporting students in developing advanced English skills for academic success in the United States. Includes language training, content education, study skills, and cross-cultural orientation. Limited to 8-10 new students per year with a $6,000 additional annual fee.
• Work Program A mandatory community work program where every student contributes to the school through various jobs including lunch service, dinner waiting, dish crew, barn crew, and general substitute work. The program instills leadership, resilience, teamwork, and practical life skills.
• Study Away Program Various international exchange options including direct exchanges with partner schools like Bedales School (England), Network of Complementary Schools consortium exchanges, full-term study abroad partnerships with School Year Abroad and CIEE, and faculty-led trips to destinations including India, Peru, Mexico, and Kazakhstan.
• Independent Learning Program A scaffolded independent work program including Project Weeks (twice-yearly independent projects), Independent Topics, Independent Studies (student-designed courses), Work Terms (off-campus apprenticeships), and Senior Exhibitions as the capstone.
• Athletics and Recreation Afternoon activities program including competitive sports (soccer, basketball, rowing, cross-country running, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, nordic skiing) in the River Valley Athletic League and Lakes Region League, plus recreational activities (dance, mountain biking, fencing, skiing, climbing).
• The Arts Program Comprehensive arts program including Academic Arts (theater, music, dance, visual and literary arts), Evening Arts (non-graded arts classes after dinner), and Putney Summer Arts. The arts are considered integral to the Putney experience with creative expression given prestige in the community.
• Putney Summer Arts A summer program welcoming rising 8th-12th graders for 1-4 week experiences focused on arts-intensive workshops. The program provides a nurturing environment for students passionate about arts to explore their creative passions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of graduates go on to earn a four-year degree
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bedales SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirect exchange partnership with Bedales School in Petersfield, England. Students travel abroad as part of organized groups for 2-3 weeks while hosting partner school students at Putney. School is actively exploring additional partnerships with other schools.
• School Year Abroad (SYA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for full-term study abroad programs. Putney works with SYA to create programs meeting student needs and Putney graduation requirements. Students can spend a full trimester abroad to improve language skills or experience longer-term cultural immersion.
• Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for study abroad programs offering students access to CIEE's global network of programs. Work closely with study abroad coordinator and Academic Office to integrate abroad experience into Putney program.
• Network of Complementary SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium of approximately 20 schools throughout the U.S. Member schools send and receive students on exchanges. Putney students can attend partner schools for 2-3 weeks to experience different learning environments and cultures.
• ClaritycoreTechnology or IntegrationFinancial aid application platform used to determine family financial need. Streamlined 20-minute application process with automatic IRS verification. Allows sharing application with multiple schools at no additional cost.
• River Valley Athletic League (RVAL)minorOthersAthletic conference for competitive sports including Ultimate Frisbee and soccer. Putney competes against other schools in the league with no cuts - everyone welcome.
• Lakes Region LeagueminorOthersAthletic conference for cross-country running and skiing. Putney competes in weekly Wednesday races throughout the season.
• Brattleboro Memorial HospitalminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNearest hospital to campus, approximately 20 minutes away. Students requiring medical care beyond school health office capabilities are referred there.
• Fall Mountain PharmacyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal pharmacy in Bellows Falls, VT serving Putney students. Pharmacy managers Jeff and Marc coordinate prescription services for the school community.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Groton School: Massachusetts boarding school with similar small residential community feel, comparable tuition, and overlapping recruiting territory with Putney among elite Northeast boarding families.
• Tabor Academy: Massachusetts coastal boarding school with active experiential/marine learning programs — a useful analog for Putney's hands-on, place-based approach (working farm, outdoor experiences). Comparable boarding tuition structure.
• The Hotchkiss School: Top-tier Connecticut boarding school competing with Putney for the same college-prep boarding student, with overlapping financial aid practices and similar four-year college placement rates.
• Proctor Academy: New Hampshire boarding school with similar size (smaller than elite prep schools but larger than Putney), progressive program emphasis, and mountain/campus-based learning model akin to Putney's Vermont setting.
• The Lawrenceville School: New Jersey boarding school with similar progressive pedagogy elements (Harkness discussions) and competing for the same applicant pool of college-bound boarding students.
• Phillips Exeter Academy: Elite New England boarding school (grades 9-12 + PG) with a progressive Harkness teaching methodology, similar tuition profile, and overlapping feeder market to Putney. Comparable boarding-school business model and college-preparatory outcome focus.
• Choate Rosemary Hall: Connecticut boarding school (grades 9-12 + PG) offering similar day and boarding structures, comparable tuition levels, and competing for Northeast boarding school applicants.
• Deerfield Academy: Massachusetts-based boarding school (grades 9-12 + PG) with strong athletic and academic programs. Same customer segment (affluent Northeast families) and similar boarding tuition economics.
• St. Paul's School: New Hampshire boarding school with similar elite college-prep positioning, comparable residential program economics, and shared feeder geography in the Northeast boarding market.

Regional players

• Burr and Burton Academy: Independent Vermont secondary school serving Southern Vermont day and boarding students. Competitor for the same local Vermont day-student pool, though it is a larger, more traditional institution without Putney's progressive model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/putneyschool

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Putney School