It is difficult to convey the essence of The Pennington School in words. Walk onto our campus, however, and you will quickly feel what our students and families feel every day when they come to school: a sense of welcome and acceptance, school pride and spirit, and appreciation and care for each individual student. Whatever your talents and interests, once you are accepted to The Pennington School, we can help you engineer new successes and build on previous accomplishments.

True to our mission of challenging all students to seek excellence academically, socially, physically, artistically, and spiritually, we ask our Upper School students to make purposeful progress not only toward a common set of graduation requirements but also toward a higher level of personal excellence in all areas. To this end, Pennington students learn to push themselves to take a rigorous academic course load in which they can succeed. Students immerse themselves in a broad curriculum that includes honors and AP level courses in all academic disciplines.

Pennington students have opportunities to develop their talents in art, music and drama. Students who demonstrate a gift and passion for the arts can join a jazz ensemble, learn to throw a pot in an advanced ceramics class, or try out for a lead in one of the theatrical productions. Athletics will also provide students of varying abilities and talents to learn the fundamentals of basketball or compete for a state championship on one of our many outstanding and competitive varsity teams. Students work together to help others in service projects, and they learn to think critically about our world and their place in it. After school and on weekends, the Pennington campus is bustling with student and faculty activities.

The Pennington School is a very special place where students feel at home and are actively involved in their learning. United in a common goal of college preparation, Pennington students, teachers, and administrators strive for success and achievement in a supportive community of lifelong learners.

William S. Hawkey, Ph.D.
Assistant Headmaster
Head of the Upper School