Dorm Living at Purnell is a vital extension of the school's mission to create a family atmosphere which supports and nurtures each girl's growth and individuality. There is as much meaningful learning that occurs in the dorms as anywhere else on campus. Dormitory life, as are all other aspects of life at Purnell, is based on the school's guidelines of common sense, truthful relationships, and consideration of others. All dormitory rules are derived from those three simple guidelines.
In the dorms, a foundation of trust and responsibility is built, and the values of mutual honesty and respect for individual differences and privacy are promoted. Time management and organizational skills are reinforced through required study hours for ninth and tenth graders and mandatory bedtimes for ninth through eleventh graders, with greater self-determination made by seniors.