Miss Porter’s School

Farmington

Connecticut

United States

Overview

Founded in 1843, Porter’s excels at preparing young women for college, for leadership and for life. A boarding and day school for students in grades nine through 12, Porter’s offers a challenging academic curriculum and a diverse residential community of scholars, athletes, artists and friends. With over 300 students hailing from 27 states and representing 31 countries, Porter’s dynamic approach to education inspires young women to become informed, bold, resourceful and ethical global citizens. Porter’s mission statement sets high expectations: “We expect our graduates to shape a changing world.” Students enthusiastically accept this challenge with the assistance of faculty members who serve as educators, advisers, coaches and mentors. At Porter's, young women develop high levels of achievement in mathematics, foreign languages, science, history, English, and the arts by being challenged to think independently, ask questions, debate theories and share ideas. Porter’s rigorous academic program, collaborative environment and supportive community prepares students for college and beyond. Porter’s believes in maintaining a healthy balance between intellectual activity and physical exercise; each student participates daily on a team, in the dance program, or in a sports class. At the varsity level, athletes experience a professional environment, where they have access to top-notch facilities, coaches, and equipment. At Porter's, our girls are the players, not the audience.

Academics

Department Director Tim Quinn

Student/Teacher Ratio: 7:1

Average Class Size: 12

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 48

Number of AP Courses Offered: 21

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 71%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

Peer Tutoring
Study Skills Assistance
Writing Center

English

Classics
Creative Writing
Literature
Poetry

History

Asian History
European History
United States History
World History

Foreign Languages

Chinese-Mandarin
French
Latin
Spanish

Humanities / Social Sciences

Economics
Psychology

Sciences

Anatomy
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Genetics
Marine Biology
Physics
Forensics

Math

Computer Studies

Computer Applications
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Web Design

Music

Choral Music
Individual Instructions
Music History
Music Theory
Orchestra
Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

Art History
Ceramics
Dance
Drawing
Graphic Design
Painting
Photography
Portfolio
Pottery
Printmaking
Publications
Public Speaking
Studio Art
Theater Arts
Modern Dance

Special Programs

Study Abroad
Community Service
Exchange Programs
Personal Finance
Independent Study
Leadership

Campus Life

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 10

Average Students Per Dorm: 0

Number of Girls Dorms: 10

Number of Boys Dorms: 0

Dorm Amenities

Other Dorm Amenities

Student Life

When the class day ends and the sports teams put away their equipment, the co-curricular opportunities at Miss Porter’s School come alive. With 45 clubs, several performing groups, countless community service opportunities, weekend activities, and revered traditions, there is something for everyone.

Facilities

All-Weather Track
Baseball Field
Basketball Court
Fitness Center
Indoor Basketball Court
Indoor Climbing Wall
Indoor Pool
Volleyball Court
Turf Fields

Other Facilities

Clubs & Organizations

Amnesty International
Animal Rights Club
Asian Club
Community Service
Computer Club
Debate Club
Diversity Club
Dorm Proctors
Environmental Club
Food Council
Foreign Language Clubs
Gardening Club
Habitat for Humanity
Honor Council
Horseback Riding
International Club
Investment Club
Jewish Student Organization
Literary Magazine
Math Club
Mock Trial
Model UN
Newspaper
Outing Club
Peer Counseling
Peer Tutoring
Science Bowl
Sexualities Club
Student Activities
Student Government
Student Publications
Theater Club
Yearbook
Yoga Club
Young Democrats
Young Republicans

Arts & Athletics

Arts Department Director: Grier Torrence

Athletics Department Director: Avi Dubnov

Arts

Art History
Ceramics
Dance
Drawing
Graphic Design
Painting
Photography
Portfolio
Pottery
Printmaking
Publications
Public Speaking
Studio Art
Theater Arts
Modern Dance

Interscholastic Sports

Alpine Skiing
Badminton
Basketball
Crew
Cross Country Running
Diving
Equestrian
Field Hockey
Golf
Horseback Riding
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball

Recreational Sports

Rock Climbing
Yoga

Graduates

Summary: The College Office strives to expand students’ knowledge and horizons in the context of a highly individualized counseling process. The ultimate goal of the office is to foster students’ academic, intellectual and personal growth while empowering them to take ownership of the college process and their futures. The college search and selection process is an integral part of the student experience at Porter's, and college advisors at Porter’s serve multiple roles. First, they are a resource for the information and advice students and their families need to understand and navigate the increasingly complex college admission process. Second, they serve as a link to the college community, working closely with college admission officers to help them interpret our students’ experiences and accomplishments in the context of Porter's rigorous academic program and rich extracurricular life. Finally, and most importantly, they are enthusiastic advocates for students and Porter’s, and aim to provide a constant source of encouragement and support as students prepare for the next exciting phase in their academic career.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile	560	560	580
75th percentile	680	680	680

Notable Alumni

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis

Class of 1947

First Lady of the United States

Lilly Pulitzer

Class of 1947

Lilly Pulitzer Inc.

Laura Rockefeller Chasin

Class of 1954

Founded Public Conservations Project

Agnes Gund

Class of 1956

President emerita of Museum of Modern Art

Liz Blake

Class of 1969

Senior vice president and general counsel Habitat for Humanity

Sarah Blake

Class of 1978

NY Times best selling author The Postmistress

Suzannah Grant Henrickson

Class of 1980

Director and screenwriter Erin Brockovich

Annie Selke

Class of 1981

Annie Selke Companies (Dash and Albert Pine Cone Hill Annie Selke Home)

Erin Tubridy Gates

Class of 1997

Founder of Erin Gates Design Elements of Style

Merit

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 21%

Average Merit Scholarship: 5,555

Current Endowment Amount: $113,000,000

Interested in Miss Porter's School?

Vital Information

Student Body Type: All Girls

Total Boarding: 203

Total Day: 111

Total Enrollment: 314

Boys: 0

Girls: 314

Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12

Day Grades Offered: 9-12

School Type: High School

Dress Code: Other

Applications Accepted: SAO

Application Deadline: January 15th

Tuition & Financial Aid

7-Day Boarding: $58,970

5-Day Boarding: N/A

Day Tuition Fee: $47,485

Need-Based Aid: Offered

Payment Plans: Offered

Students Receiving Aid: 37%

Average Awarded: $31,000

School Finances