Opportunities to Lead & Grow
Interested in voice lessons, soccer, student government, community service projects, or classical Indian dance?
We have something for everyone at Purnell.
We encourage you to discover and pursue your interests outside the classroom and develop leadership skills that will prepare you for the future.
Clubs & Activities
Athletics
Purnell Athletics Philosophy
Sports have long been considered to be positive for boys and girls. Until Title IX, however, girls have not enjoyed the same access as boys. At Purnell, girls can enjoy both team and lifelong sports. Team sports such as soccer, basketball, and softball provide our girls with the opportunity to work together as a team and travel to compete with other schools. Purnell’s LifeSports program focuses on sports that are all-inclusive and can be enjoyed throughout one’s life. Purnell introduces girls to lifelong sports such as hiking, golf, fly-fishing, and skiing. The older students serve as mentors and coach the younger girls as they develop their leadership skills. Purnell understands that teaching 21st century skills does not end at the schoolhouse door and through intentional design sports can be a positive platform for positive development.
High Class Athletic Facilities
Our athletic facilities include five outdoor tennis courts, two sports fields, the Sessions softball field and outdoor batting cage, a ropes course, and an indoor athletic center. The Moran Athletics Center boasts a 1,000 square foot gymnasium, an aerobics studio, a cardio/weight room, and a dedicated dance studio.
Purnell competes in the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools Athletics Association.
| Team Sports | LifeSports |
| Soccer Dance Synthesis Basketball Softball | Weights & Cardio Training Horseback Riding (see below) Ropes Course (see below) Pilates Skiing Tennis Yoga Running |
Dance Synthesis
Dance Synthesis is Purnell’s auditioned dance company. While run through the Performing Arts department, practice takes place during sports time. The goals of the ensemble are to develop and maintain a technical dance foundation, treat their bodies with respect and proper alignment, and explore a wide scope of dance backgrounds including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and hip hop. As performers, the members of Dance Synthesis perform on the Carney Center stage for Family Weekends, Winter Performing Arts Nights, and Spring Performing Arts Nights. In addition, Dance Synthesis participates and performs in dance workshops throughout New York and New Jersey, and Somerset County's Teen Arts Festival every spring.
Riding
Our Riding program occurs off-campus at Redfield Farms, a nearby top show facility. Here qualified instructors teach beginning through advanced hunt seat equitation in indoor and outdoor riding facilities.
Students are able to participate in local horse shows and are allowed to bring their own horse and board it at Redfield Farms. We provide transportation to Redfield Farms four times per week during the sports meeting time in the afternoon. Students who sign up for riding are expected to attend all sessions and must have an ASTM/SEI approved riding hat, simple riding clothes, and shoes or boots made specifically for riding.
Ropes Course
Our Ropes Course is popular with students, and often cited as one of their favorite activities.
The Course consists of a high-ropes course, which offers five elements on a linear course with the additional element of a zip-line, and a multi-use low course, featuring 12 popular elements in a 60’x10’ area. Various additional elements include a free-standing 10’ team wall, a 12’x6’ team balancing platform, and a 30’ climbing tower, all of which are used independently or together as an educational adventure.
The Ropes Course is offered through our Athletics department, Wellness Curriculum, and seminars on team-building and trust.
"Purnell has helped me succeed as a student, and as an individual. I love to ride horses, but I've also found an interest in acting. I'm involved in Adlibbers Acting Troupe and Technical Theater. And I'm also a part of Roots and Shoots, a community service group."
Join the Club
How will you enrich your Purnell experience? You’re a click away from taking the next step.
Meet Alexandra
New Jersey/9th Grade
"I joined the soccer team and became the starting goalie. I never thought I'd have this much fun playing soccer or that I'd improve as much as I have at the sport. Purnell has helped to make me more confident in so many ways."