What Phillips Academy Andover Is

Phillips Academy Andover is a private boarding and day school in Andover, Massachusetts, founded in 1778. It serves students in grades 9 through 12 and a postgraduate year. The school is one of the oldest and most selective boarding schools in the United States, with a coeducational student body drawn from across the country and internationally.

The school operates on a traditional academic calendar with a fall semester and a spring semester. Students live on campus in residential dormitories, though some local students attend as day students. The school is independent and not affiliated with any religious organization, though it has a long history and maintains certain traditions rooted in its founding era.

Key Takeaways

  • Phillips Academy Andover is a highly selective independent boarding school for grades 9–12 and postgraduate students located in Massachusetts.
  • Admission is competitive and requires standardized test scores, school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and an interview with the admissions office.
  • Tuition and fees are substantial, and the school meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students through its financial aid program.
  • The residential experience includes dormitory living, mandatory meal plans, and participation in the school's community life and activities.
  • The curriculum emphasizes liberal arts education with requirements in English, mathematics, science, history, and foreign languages, plus electives across many disciplines.

Admission Requirements and Process

Admission to Phillips Academy Andover requires submission of several documents and completion of an interview. Prospective students must provide official transcripts from their current school, scores from either the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), and written recommendations from at least two teachers—typically in English and mathematics.

The school uses the Common process for boarding schools, which allows students to explore to multiple schools using a single form. Applicants must also submit a school report form completed by their current school's counselor or administrator. After the school receives the process materials, the admissions office schedules an interview, which can take place on campus, online, or at one of the school's regional visit days held in various cities.

The admissions timeline typically opens in the fall, with applications due in January. The school notifies admitted students in March. Admission is need-blind for domestic students, meaning the admissions office makes decisions without considering a family's financial situation.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Tuition and boarding fees at Phillips Academy Andover are among the highest of any U.S. boarding school. The total cost of attendance—which includes tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees—varies by year. Families should contact the admissions office directly for current figures, as costs change annually.

The school meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student through its financial aid program. This means that if a family's financial situation qualifies them for aid, the school will cover the difference between what the family can pay and the total cost of attendance. Financial aid is awarded based on the CSS Profile and the FAFSA, which families must submit to be considered.

The school does not offer merit scholarships based on academic or athletic achievement. All aid is need-based. Families should budget for additional expenses beyond tuition and fees, including books, supplies, personal spending money, and travel to and from campus.

The Academic Program

Phillips Academy Andover operates on a curriculum that requires students to take courses across multiple disciplines. All students must complete coursework in English, mathematics, science, history, and foreign languages. The school offers courses at multiple levels, including honors and advanced placement options, allowing students to work at a pace suited to their abilities.

The school offers electives in the arts, including visual arts, music, theater, and dance. Science offerings include biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, along with more specialized courses. History and social studies courses cover American history, world history, economics, and government. Foreign language options typically include Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Latin, and Arabic.

Class sizes are small, with an average of 12 to 15 students per class. The school maintains a student-to-faculty ratio designed to support individual attention and mentorship. Teachers hold regular office hours, and the school provides academic support services including tutoring and writing centers.

Residential Life and Community

Students live in dormitories organized by grade and gender, with residential faculty members—called dorm heads and resident counselors—living in each building. Dormitory life is central to the Phillips Academy experience, and students are expected to participate in community activities, attend mandatory meals in the dining hall, and follow the school's residential policies.

The school has a formal dress code that applies to classes and certain school events. Students are required to attend chapel or community gathering events on a regular basis. The residential community includes study hours, social events, and traditions that mark the school year, such as homecoming, winter formal, and graduation ceremonies.

Boarding students may return home for Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, and summer. Some students are permitted to stay on campus during shorter breaks, depending on school policy and family circumstances. Day students participate in many of the same community activities but return home each evening.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

Phillips Academy Andover offers a wide range of athletic programs, including varsity, junior varsity, and club sports. The school competes in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) and other athletic leagues. Sports offerings typically include football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, squash, rowing, and track and field, among others.

Beyond athletics, the school supports numerous clubs and organizations run by students, including debate, model United Nations, publications (newspaper, literary magazine, yearbook), music ensembles, theatrical productions, and subject-specific clubs. Many students participate in community service projects both on and off campus. The school encourages students to pursue interests outside the classroom and to develop leadership skills through these activities.

Campus Location and Facilities

Phillips Academy Andover is located in Andover, Massachusetts, approximately 25 miles north of Boston. The campus spans several hundred acres and includes academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, a library, dining hall, arts centers, and recreational spaces. The school has invested in modern facilities including science laboratories, computer centers, and performance spaces.

The location provides access to Boston's cultural and educational resources while maintaining a residential campus environment. Students can travel to Boston by train or car for weekend activities, cultural events, and visits to nearby colleges and universities. The town of Andover itself offers shops, restaurants, and services accessible to students with appropriate permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Phillips Academy Andover?

The school's acceptance rate is highly selective and changes year to year. Prospective families should contact the admissions office or visit the school's website for the most recent figures. Admitted students typically have strong academic records and standardized test scores.

Can day students attend Phillips Academy Andover?

Yes, the school admits both boarding and day students. Day students follow the same academic curriculum and participate in many school activities, but return home each evening rather than living in dormitories. The admissions process is the same for both boarding and day applicants.

What happens if a family's financial situation changes after admission?

Families should contact the financial aid office to report significant changes in income or circumstances. The school reviews financial aid awards annually and may adjust aid based on updated financial information. The goal is to may support that aid continues to meet demonstrated need.

Are there scholarships for international students?

Phillips Academy Andover admits international students and meets their full demonstrated financial need through the same financial aid program available to domestic students. International students must submit the same process materials, including standardized test scores and teacher recommendations.

What is the postgraduate year, and who can attend?

The postgraduate year is an optional fifth year of high school available to students who have completed grade 12. It is designed for students who wish to strengthen their academic record, mature before college, or prepare for college entrance. Postgraduate students follow a similar curriculum and residential experience as other students and must also go through the admissions process.