Purnell School transforms the lives of young women with learning differences.

Purnell is an all-girls boarding and day school for grades 9-12 and post-graduate year located one hour from NYC and two hours from Philadelphia.

For girls with dyslexia, ADHD, and other language and attention-based learning differences, we are a haven. For girls with school and home-based learning challenges who thrive in a small learning environment or for whom English might not be their first language, we are their match.

Here, we enable you to be yourself—to explore your passions, discover your strengths, and find confidence to succeed in the world.

Why we love Purnell: Students answer your questions

Individualized Learning

For girls with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia, we provide specialized instruction and learning support to bolster your reading, writing and math skills, including Orton-Gillingham language training.

For girls with ADHD and other attention-based learning differences, or Executive Functioning struggles, we can coach you through the planning, prioritizing and time management process.

Girls with school and home-based learning challenges who thrive in a small learning environment will appreciate our small classroom size and one-on-one advisor program.

And for girls for whom English might not be their first language, we can help you with your English immersion while also supporting you in your courses.

Safe Living & Learning Environment

Learn more about clubs, activities and sports at Purnell

Purnell is located amid the rolling meadows and gentle hills of Pottersville, New Jersey. It's an idyllic school setting -- secure and peaceful, surrounded by horses and historic villages, with easy access to the vibrancy of two major metropolitan areas, just an hour from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia.

Purnell provides a small, caring environment where you can pursue a highly individualized education, and grow into the student and the woman you have the potential to be.

Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Purnell School strongly believes that the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion aligns with our founding principles: Truthfulness in All Relations, Consideration of Others, and Use of Common Sense. Furthermore, we believe that cultural competency is critical as we seek to educate and prepare our students for a dynamic and global world. Purnell School strives to create a community environment that is affirming and inclusive, where each member feels safe and valued. To that end, Purnell School strives to embrace difference. Purnell School recognizes and defines diversity broadly, including (but not limited to) age, ethnicity, family structure, learning differences, gender identity, national origin, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. It is the school’s expectation that all members of the Purnell Community will commit to this diversity philosophy. Purnell School believes that it is crucial to promote a culturally rich, intellectually diverse living and learning community in which we provide a curriculum that reflects multiple cultures and connectedness. 

Every year, Purnell School’s Board of Trustees recommits to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) principles of equity and justice. Our school works to expand and support the diversity of its students, faculty, staff, administrators, and Board of Trustees in order to promote the broader education of all our constituencies, as well as the values of acceptance, inclusion, and respect.