Girls learn differently than boys do and that is a researched fact of education. Girls enjoy solving problems collaboratively, they work analytically by discussing ideas rather than just listening, they enjoy narrative descriptions for abstract concepts. Girls want to feel connected to something in order to be able to commit themselves to a project. Girls respond to successes by developing self-confidence. At Purnell, all these concepts are found in the classroom set up for the way a girl thinks and learns.

We believe that a boarding environment best suits the mission of transforming a girl's life. Let's face it, raising healthy, confident girls is a fulltime, round the clock job. We believe that the messages that destroy a girl's confidence are so pervasive and powerful that they compete too vigorously with a traditional day school schedule. We have important work to do; we turn girls into life long learners, self confident, productive women who live with practical and ethical values. To accomplish that goal, it takes a boarding environment.