A young woman in a white sweater and jeans smiles while pointing at a projection screen, holding papers in her other hand. Another student sits in the background, watching her presentation.

A young woman with long brown hair and a white tank top looks at another person with curly hair, both sitting indoors in a bright room.

Two students work side by side on laptops at a classroom table, surrounded by classmates, with bookshelves and windows in the background.

A young person in a gray hoodie speaks into a microphone at a podium, with a laptop in front of them and a projection screen with a fish image in the background.

Two young women smile as they work together on a science experiment in a classroom, using pipettes and petri dishes on a lab table.

Academics

Miss Porter’s School educates young women to become informed, bold, resourceful and ethical global citizens.

Grounded in research and innovation, the Porter’s academic model helps you grow—not only as a student but also as a confident thinker and future leader.

What Makes Learning Different at Porter’s?

The short answer? A lot. A rigorous, interdisciplinary academic approach centered on genuine growth, global perspective and real-world experience. A welcoming campus that supports focus, collaboration and joy. Student schedules that facilitate deep, lasting learning while prioritizing balance and wellness. Dedicated and passionate faculty who truly know and champion their students. And a community of deeply curious, innovative and ambitious young women, all living, learning and growing together.

Three people sit on blue armchairs in a bright room with large windows, reading or using laptops. Bookshelves and more chairs are visible in the background. — It’s a one-of-a-kind education designed to help students pursue their passions and tap into their power. Here, students graduate ready to make an impact in an ever-changing world.

Our Learning Beliefs

Learning at Porter’s is structured around five core beliefs:

Everyone is a learner.
Learning happens anywhere and at any time.
Learning is collaborative and experiential.
Learning is a process.
Learning happens in a safe and healthy environment.

Learning thrives in a community rooted in constant discovery, reflection and support. And the most powerful learning happens when everyone is engaged. Our students, teachers, coaches, administrators and staff come to campus ready to ask bold questions. Ready to encounter and engage with different perspectives. And ready to learn from one another.

EXPLORING TIMELESS QUESTIONS AND PRESSING PROBLEMS

At Porter’s, you’ll engage deeply with the fundamental and complex questions and pressing problems that shape our world.

Four students sit at pottery wheels in a brightly lit classroom, shaping clay, while an instructor in a green dress gives guidance. Shelves with art supplies and pottery are visible in the background.

What does it mean to be human? 

You’ll investigate universal human experiences through classes in science, humanities and the arts. In examining this question, you prepare to address pressing problems like identity-based discrimination, self-doubt and loneliness.

A group of students sit outdoors on the ground, working together with notebooks and papers. Two girls in the foreground discuss notes, while others write or read in the background.

How do we communicate and interpret information, ideas and stories? 

Explore how to present and share information effectively through foundational courses and express and harness different ideas through unique Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminars. Exploring this question allows you to tackle problems like distrust, disinformation and media literacy.

A group of students sit on a stage floor in a theater, facing two seated people who appear to be leading a discussion or workshop. The background shows rows of empty seats.

How can we ensure the well-being of future generations?

Collaborate with peers and faculty to confront today’s greatest challenges and examine how innovation and sustainability can drive solutions. This prepares us to take on pressing challenges like climate change, housing insecurity and economic inequality.

Two women sit at a table working on laptops in a brightly lit room, focusing on their screens. The background includes a whiteboard and windows letting in natural light.

How do systems and institutions guide and affect our lives? 

Use the tools of the social sciences and humanities to analyze how institutions sustain existing structures—or drive meaningful change. This will prepare you to examine pressing issues like threats to democratic institutions, structural racism and class discrimination.

Five people stand on a beach at sunset, facing the ocean. The sky is partly cloudy with orange and blue hues reflected on the wet sand. The group appears to be watching the horizon peacefully.

How do we interact with the world around  us and beyond? 

Engaging with diverse perspectives, ideas and cultures—all while considering your role and impact as a global citizen—will prepare you to address issues like isolationism and partisanship.

“Classes here always push me past memorizing. In my capstone, I worked with faculty mentors to research climate justice, and it showed me how my voice can matter in solving big problems.”

A group of people stand on a glass walkway overlooking ancient ruins in a dimly lit museum or archaeological site.

SIGNATURE Experiences

Porter’s students engage in our signature experiences, which distinguishes them from their peers. These include our ninth-grade program, our unique sequence of foundational courses, Advanced Interdisciplinary Seminars, global travel and professional immersion classes.

Learn More About Our Signature Experiences →

Every class at Porter’s is an invitation to grow, imagine and lead. Our curriculum pairs coursework that sparks curiosity and builds confidence with relevant experiential learning.

A group of students sit at desks in a classroom. One student with long red hair, wearing a white shirt, sits in focus and smiles at the camera. Others are blurred in the background.

Two students sit at a table, focused on a laptop. One, wearing glasses and a green shirt, looks at the screen intently while the other, in a Chicago t-shirt, types. School supplies are scattered nearby.

Two young women sit at a table in a classroom. One, wearing glasses and a white shirt, smiles while facing someone off-camera. A laptop covered in stickers sits in front of her; papers and folders are on the table.

A woman with long braided hair and glasses, wearing a maroon sweater and black top, speaks while holding up a book in her right hand against a plain white background.

Four young women in a science classroom sit at a lab table, working with pipettes and small containers. Other students and lab equipment are visible in the background.

A group of young people sits at a table with laptops and drinks, engaged in discussion. One girl in an orange top is speaking, while others listen attentively.

Learn More About Our Curriculum & Departments →

Visiting Artists, Writers and Speakers

Artists, writers and speakers visit campus to share their creative process and perspective. Throughout the year, professionals bring their work on campus, take part in a schoolwide talk and attend classes with students.