Choosing to send a daughter to boarding school is always a difficult decision. While all parents want to see their daughters mature and become more independent, self-confident young women, they must intrinsically put a lot of trust and confidence into the academic institution and surrogate home. While our administration and faculty can assure prospective parents of the amazing benefits of Purnell School, sometimes it's helpful to hear from other parents whose daughters chose Purnell and who continue to see the rewards of this unique education.

In interviews with parents from a variety of geographic locations and daughters in different years at Purnell, the overwhelming response was that their daughters have benefited greatly from Purnell's small size, the emphasis on single-sex education, and most importantly from the dedicated faculty's commitment to teaching every student in the way that she learns best. Interviewed parents unanimously agreed that the Affinities Program and Project Exploration, both unique to Purnell School, were primary examples of the kinds of innovation that helped their daughters not only to love learning again, but to become self-advocates poised for a successful future. But don't take our word for it!

Maraja DiFazio, mother of Deirdre '11

Purnell is playing a key role in preparing our daughter for life beyond high school. Their programs, both academic and residential life, promote personal responsibility. This emphasis fosters other skills such as: self-reliance, self-advocacy, self-confidence, initiative and respect for others. . . . Purnell has obvious attributes which make it a good fit for our daughter. Among these are the small size, low student to faculty ratio and the fact that it is an all girls environment. However, what impressed us most is more subtle. . . . When we visited Purnell for the first time we came away with the sense that Purnell wanted to provide a great experience for our daughter. At other schools we felt the equation was completely one-sided with the onus being on our daughter to show what she could bring to the school. . . Because Purnell is true to its mission, they are by design offering an excellent educational experience. It is an experience that helps their students discover what they can contribute to the school community rather than expecting the students to articulate their strengths at the outset...; At our local public high school, our daughter was feeling "like a number." She has blossomed in the intimate, nurturing environment at Purnell. She senses fairness and consistency in the rules of the community. This system gives her clear boundaries allowing her to proceed in her endeavors with confidence. . . The faculty and staff are committed genuinely to helping each girl recognize and realize her potential. Emphasis is placed on the notion that the high school years are meant for growing and maturing. The students are encouraged to try new activities and subjects, sometimes beyond their comfort zones. Each girl's attempts are respected by the community regardless of the outcomes. This philosophy in itself builds confidence in the students. . . I would like to add that I have been extremely impressed with the culture of integrity at Purnell. I have had the pleasure of working with teachers and administrators who have, without exception, followed through on any and all promises made. The level of confidence this has instilled in us as parents is immeasurable!

Jonathan and Jan Pryor, parents of Aleona '11

Purnell is providing Aleona the confidence that she needs to engage in personal relationships, especially learning to better handle communication, both written and oral. Purnell has helped Aleona to understand her interests, and to focus on and enhance those interests. . .  Aleona has really matured while at Purnell. Aleona handles stress much better now, she plans well, she is more organized, and she is more focused. On a personal note, she treats everyone with respect at home, and now acts as a leader in the home. . . Purnell adapts to the student's needs, focuses on the student's gaps, and invests in the improvement of each student, every day.   At Purnell, you are not just another number. Your teachers are truly invested in your success.  Also, outside of school, the teachers and advisors are encouraging to the students.

Sharon Kinney, mother of Caroline '12

We have watched our daughter grow in so many wonderful ways since she has been at Purnell - she is engaged and excited about learning, she has broadened her interests and has developed new confidence in her academic and social skills.  While much of that is the natural result of maturation and experience, Purnell has provided her with an environment in which she has been encouraged to take risks and where she has seen that hard work has a positive payback.  She has learned how to advocate for herself and seek help when she needs it.  Caroline has enjoyed dorm life and has become more resilient and more thoughtful of others as she has experienced the ups and the downs that sleeping, eating, studying and socializing with a small group of girls inevitably presents. . .  The Arts program at Purnell is outstanding . . . As a result of the survey class in studio and performing arts required of freshman, Caroline became very interested in studio arts and dance. As a result, she attended a month-long studio arts program for high school students at Wesleyan University last summer, and this year she is taking courses at Purnell in photography and filmmaking. . . When Caroline was preparing for high school, we looked at, researched and visited many schools.  We noticed that the Purnell students with whom we interacted were a bit more self-assured and poised than students in other programs.  While many schools offer nice facilities, good teachers and wholesome values, we found that none focus on each student's abilities in the explicit and consistent way that Purnell does.  At Purnell, the faculty works with each girl to help her recognize and leverage her abilities to make her the best student, the best friend, the best artist, - the best person - that she can be.

Anita Barrera, mother of Monica '12

Purnell has developed Monica's can-do attitude. For example, she was one of the few 16 year olds we knew of in our community who went out and got a full-time summer job last summer.  This was no small feat with the difficult economy.  Purnell helped develop her tenacity and ability to go after something she wants. . . I liked Purnell's emphasis on identifying the way each student learns, and then teaching to that style.  Purnell's focus on finding out the strengths of each student is terrific.  Also, the small student body, the all-girl focus, the attention to the creative side of learning and emphasis on the arts all make Purnell unique. . . She has become more of a leader and is a floor leader this year.  She has developed confidence in her ability to learn and now enjoys school, where she used to avoid school.  She has developed a strong desire for college, and has an idea of what she wants to study in college, where before she just wanted to get through school.  She has become more confident in her interactions with peers, and she has become more independent and mature. . .  I ask Monica every year if she wants to return to Purnell for the next year.  It's always a yes.  Purnell has been a great fit for Monica and has brought out the best in her.  There is just no way that Monica would have been exposed to so many things that encouraged her learning if she had not attended Purnell.

David Southers, father of Arianna '13

Purnell is helping my daughter to develop that all-important love of learning. The structure of the Purnell curriculum and the close mentoring provided by the faculty and staff has also helped my daughter to improve her decision making skills and to accept responsibility for her actions. . .  Purnell understands that each student has a unique learning profile. Students receive a tailored education that teaches to their abilities and strengths. . .  After years of self doubt and little direction in other schools, the Purnell experience has taught our daughter that her future opportunities are limitless if she applies herself. . . She still has a few years before she graduates, but the benefits of a Purnell education are clearly evident. It's an amazing experience to see your daughter develop into a remarkable young woman.