Keep up with important dates, school highlights, and announcements from across campus.
A Joyful Place to Learn
At Pennfield, students are encouraged to work hard, be kind, and have fun every day.
Learning by Doing
Hands-on experiences spark curiosity and deepen understanding.
Curiosity Leads the Way
Our project-focused curriculum empowers students to think critically, collaborate, and create with purpose.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
From campus gardens to coastal exploration, students connect with nature as part of everyday learning.
An independent private day school in Portsmouth, Rhode Island for Preschool (age 3) - Grade 8
Preschool – Grade 8
A continuum of care and challenge, from early childhood through middle school.
EXPLORE OUR PRIMARY PROGRAM >
Campus Size: 19 Acres
Set on a scenic campus that is a living classroom for our sustainability program.
EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS >
Building Bilingual Foundations
From Primary School, children explore Spanish through music and play.
EXPLORE OUR SPANISH PROGRAM >
Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Every child is known, supported, and encouraged to reach their potential.
MEET OUR FACULTY >
Community of Caring Students
Students learn to lead with kindness, responsibility, and awareness.
EXPLORE OUR BUDDY PROGRAM >
Ready for What’s Next
Well-rounded graduates succeed in leading secondary schools.
SEE WHERE THEY ARE >
Integrated Arts & STEAM
Creativity and innovation are woven into everyday learning.
EXPLORE ARTS >
Supportive Learning
Tailored strategies to support each child’s unique needs.
EXPLORE THE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS >
News & Events
Calendar of Events
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Fall Parent Conferences – No Classes
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Veterans Day Holiday – No School
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Middle School Field Trip: Portsmouth Abbey Play
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SSAT Testing at Pennfield
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Picture Retake Day
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K – 1 Field Trip: Mystic Aquarium
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Thanksgiving Break – No School
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Why Pennfield?
“The Pennfield School has brought happiness and joy not only to our daughter, but to our entire family.”
Adrienne BurkeFormer parent
“Pennfield is an amazing place. We couldn't be happier with our decision to send our children here. The faculty and staff are the most loving, caring and talented group of people that we could ask for. We're so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community!”
Chris CoteParent
“Pennfield has exceeded our school expectations in every way. We are a military family and moved mid-year. Pennfield welcomed us with open arms. Our son, along with us, has fallen in love with the school. Even the older kids stop my 4 year old to say hello by name. Every morning we are greeted by the head of school. My son has learned and advanced so much, and most importantly, runs into school with an excited grin every morning. Pennfield is amazing and I can not recommend it enough!”
Lee HicksFormer parent
“Wonderful leadership. Amazing community. Pennfield is a gem!”
Julia Orchard MerkelFormer parent
“I loved my years at Pennfield.”
Charlotta GustavssonAlumna
“Class of 1991 - I cherish the memories from this wonderful school and community. Am still involved with this great place more than 20 years after graduation!!”
Annie Sherman LukeAlumna
“As a former student of The New School, and having 2 children attend Pennfield I can't say enough about the school! The unbelievable faculty, fantastic families and wonderful students you can't ask for anything more!!”
Garnie Stapleton CoryAlumna & Parent
“Through my 9 years at Pennfield I gained a foundation of classroom skills and study habits that served me well in my transition to high school and through my four years at PCD. The close community provided me with an opportunity to express leadership and confidence that have helped me not only in my academic career but also on the sports field, on stage, and with my friends. Pennfield also shaped both my love and ability to write. I'm so grateful for my experience at this school and now that I'm going to Middlebury College in the fall I can proudly say that once a Panther, always a Panther.”
Wendy Walcoff (Pennfield '08, PCD '12, Middlebury '16)Alumna
“Pennfield is the gift of all gifts and each and every child should have the opportunity of a Pennfield education. I feel so lucky that my children were given the gift of a Pennfield experience and lived the mission for 10 years. I know they are who they are today with the help of this amazing community of teachers, administrators and parents.”
Judy HallTeacher & Former Parent
“Pennfield was a fabulous place for our son and family for 11 years. Academically challenging and supportive in every way! Couldn't ask for a better learning environment. The best teachers around!”
Alison KielyFormer parent
“Our experience with Pennfield thus far has exceeded all our expectations. Our son is challenged, motivated, and most importantly, excited about school. This is an absolute testament to Pennfield’s philosophy, approach, and commitment to fostering a top-notch academic and community environment.”
Sara and Bill GerlachParent
“[My son] talks nonstop when I pick him up in the afternoon about how much he loves school & the fun he is having. His comments & excitement always brighten my day...like "Mommy, I had the time of my life today. My school is AMAZING, the coolest school ever."”
Rebecca AldeaFormer Parent
“At Pennfield, our daughter not only gained the values of honesty, integrity, and respect; she also learned to think critically, speak confidently, and work independently. I see a bright future ahead for our daughter, thanks to the solid foundation built at Pennfield.”
Nadine FlowersParent of Alum
“While the seven years I spent at Pennfield were quite awhile ago now, I can say with absolute confidence that I would not be the person I am today without them. Pennfield not only carefully prepared me for a rigorous high school career, but it shaped me into a student who truly cares about learning and is passionate about their studies. I wouldn’t trade my Pennfield career for a second, especially not the memories and everlasting friendships I had the opportunity to create.”
Lily Carlson '14Alumna
“As a Navy family we’ve belonged to many tight-knit commands. We found Pennfield to be the community we were missing while stationed in Newport. From the supportive staff, to the welcoming student body, Pennfield felt like home. Our daughter wasn’t just another student, lost in the shuffle as a new military kid. To our amazement the head of school knew, and greeted, each child and parent by name within the first week of school.
Pennfield offers a unique learning environment and a mission devoted to joy, understanding and respect. The Pennfield community embodies these values from the classroom to the playground. It is not uncommon to see buddies giving high-fives in the hallways, siblings choosing to eat lunch together, and students of mixed grades performing together for Friday Tie.
We are grateful for the kind, empowering experience that Pennfield provided our daughter. We wish there was a Pennfield at every duty station.”
Emily RizzoMilitary Parent
Parent Perspectives
Hear from current and past parents as they reflect on their child’s journey at Pennfield.







