ISEE School of the Week #1: Pingry

In our School of the Week series, we shine a light on some of the incredible institutions that use the ISEE as part of their admissions package. Our goal? To celebrate the wide range of competitive schools across the US, Canada, and abroad, and to help families discover the schools’ unique strengths and stories.

The first school we drew out of our metaphorical hat is The Pingry School in New Jersey. Let’s take a look!

A Brief History

The Pingry School’s roots trace back to 1861, a pivotal year in American History. As tensions erupted at South Carolina’s Fort Sumter, a forward thinking educator and former minister named Dr. John F. Pingry laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected college preparatory schools in the Northeast. 

Dr. Pingry opened a small schoolhouse in Elizabeth, New Jersey with the aim of providing rigorous academic training for ambitious, college-bound boys. However, over the decades, Pingry evolved into a co-ed day school, now serving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. 

The Middle and Upper Schools’ campus is located in Basking Ridge, a quiet and tranquil community in North Jersey. A second campus in Short Hills serves the Lower School community, and a third campus in Pottersville is dedicated to K-12 Experiential Learning.

In a speech at Pingry’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2011, William Beinecke—a 1931 Pingry alumnus—elegantly summed up Pingry’s history and philosophy, saying, “Much has changed at Pingry since Dr. Pingry’s day; but as long as there is a Pingry, the people and the means to make it better will surely appear, as in our time and in the past.” 

Fast Facts

• Admissions: Pingry is known for its moderately competitive admissions process. Applicants should have strong recommendations and should aim for the 80th percentile or above on the ISEE or SSAT. 
• Athletics and Activities: Over the years, Pingry has invested heavily in its athletic facilities, arts programs, and student leadership initiatives. 
• Campuses: Pingry has a Lower School campus in Short Hills, NJ. Its Middle and Upper Schools are located in the Basking Ridge community. A third campus dedicated to K-12 Experiential Learning is in Pottersville, NJ. 
• College Matriculation: Pingry graduates often move on to prestigious colleges such as Harvard and Princeton. Dr. Pingry was a Dartmouth alum himself.
• Student Body: More than 1000 students are enrolled across grades K-12.

Looking for a school that blends deep academic tradition with forward-thinking innovation? Pingry might be the place for you. Visit Pingry’s official website or check out their school profile to learn more!