Dorm Living at Purnell is a vital extension of the school's mission to create a family atmosphere which supports and nurtures each girl's growth and individuality. There is as much meaningful learning that occurs in the dorms as there is in the classrooms, on the sports fields, or anywhere else on campus. Dormitory life, as are all other aspects of life at Purnell, is based on the school's guidelines of common sense, truthful relationships, and consideration of others. All dormitory rules are derived from those three simple guidelines.
Some seniors live in singles, but most students have one or two roommates.
In the dorms, a foundation of trust and responsiblity is built, and the values of mutual honesty and respect for individual differences and privacy are promoted. Time management and organizational skills are reinforced through required study hours for ninth and tenth graders and mandatory bedtimes for ninth through eleventh graders, with greater self-determination made by seniors. Community standards are intrinsic components of campus life. Bathroom duty and maintenance of classroom building areas help students learn personal responsiblity as well as understand the necessity of accountability within a group.