What Phillips Exeter Academy is and who attends

Phillips Exeter Academy is a private boarding and day school in Exeter, New Hampshire, founded in 1781. It enrolls students in grades 9 through 12 (roughly ages 14 to 18) and serves approximately 1,000 students. The school is one of the oldest and most selective boarding schools in the United States, and it is coeducational — it admits both boys and girls.

The student body comes from across the United States and from more than 40 countries. Most boarding students live on campus during the school year, though some students commute from nearby towns and live at home. The school operates on a traditional academic calendar with a fall term, winter term, spring term, and summer session.

Phillips Exeter is part of a small group of highly selective boarding schools often called the "New England boarding school circuit." It competes academically with schools like Andover, Choate, and Deerfield. Admission is competitive, and the school uses standardized test scores, grades, essays, and interviews to make decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • Phillips Exeter admits roughly 15 to 20 percent of applicants, making it one of the most selective boarding schools in the country.
  • Tuition, room, and board together cost approximately $60,000 per year, though the school meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students who request aid.
  • The school uses the Harkness table teaching method, a discussion-based classroom format where students and a teacher sit around a single table rather than in rows.
  • Most students live on campus in dormitories, and boarding students are required to live in school housing unless they live within commuting distance of Exeter, New Hampshire.
  • The process process includes submission of transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), essays, teacher recommendations, and an in-person or virtual interview.

Admission requirements and the process timeline

Phillips Exeter uses a rolling admission process, but most applications arrive between October and January. The school reviews applications and notifies students of decisions in March. If you are explore for the fall term, you should submit your process by early January to be considered in the main round.

The process requires your transcript from your current school, scores from the SAT or ACT, a school report form filled out by your current school's counselor, teacher recommendations (usually two or three), a personal essay, and a parent statement. You will also need to complete an interview, which can be conducted in person at the school, at a local interview location, or via video call.

The school does not set a minimum test score or GPA, but admitted students typically have strong academic records. Most admitted students score in the top percentiles on standardized tests. The school also considers extracurricular activities, leadership, character, and how well you would contribute to the school community.

There is an process fee (the amount varies year to year; check the school's website for the current fee). The school waives this fee for students whose families cannot afford it.

Cost and financial aid

The total cost of attendance at Phillips Exeter is approximately $60,000 per year for boarding students. This includes tuition, room, board, and fees. Day students (those who live at home and commute) pay tuition only, which is lower than the full boarding cost. The exact amount changes each year.

Phillips Exeter meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student who requests aid. This means that if you are admitted and your family cannot afford the full cost, the school will provide a financial aid package to bridge the gap. The school uses the CSS Profile and your family's tax returns to determine how much aid you receive.

Financial aid is a combination of grants (money you do not repay) and, in some cases, loans or work-study opportunities. The school does not require students to take out loans, but some families choose to. International students are also considered for financial aid, though the amount available may be more limited.

To request financial aid, you must complete the CSS Profile and submit it along with your process. The school will then calculate your family's expected contribution and determine your aid package.

The Harkness table and teaching method

Phillips Exeter is known for its use of the Harkness table, a distinctive teaching approach. Instead of sitting in rows facing a teacher at the front of the room, students and a teacher sit around a single oval table. This setup encourages discussion and debate rather than lecture.

In a Harkness class, students are expected to prepare their work before class and then discuss it together. The teacher acts as a guide and asks questions rather than delivering information. This method is used across most subjects, including English, history, mathematics, and sciences. The goal is to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to defend your ideas.

This teaching style requires active participation from students. If you are considering Phillips Exeter, you should be prepared to speak up in class, listen to your peers, and engage in intellectual discussion. Students who prefer to sit quietly and take notes may find this approach challenging at first, though many adapt quickly.

Residential life and dormitory housing

Most Phillips Exeter students live in dormitories on campus. The school assigns students to dorms based on grade level and other factors. Dormitories are supervised by faculty members called dorm heads, who live in the dorm with their families. Each dorm also has student leaders called proctors who help enforce rules and support younger students.

Boarding students are required to live on campus unless they live within commuting distance of Exeter, New Hampshire. The school provides meals in the dining hall, and students eat together as a community. There are also rules about when students must be in their dorms, what guests are permitted, and other aspects of residential life.

The dormitory experience is a major part of Phillips Exeter. Students form close friendships with their dorm mates, participate in dorm activities and competitions, and develop independence. The school also organizes weekend activities, trips, and social events for boarding students.

Academic programs and course offerings

Phillips Exeter offers a broad curriculum across English, mathematics, science, history, foreign languages, and the arts. The school does not use a traditional letter-grade system; instead, teachers write narrative evaluations of student work. This approach is meant to encourage learning for its own sake rather than for grades.

Students are required to take courses in core subjects, but they have flexibility in choosing electives and advanced courses. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in many subjects, as well as honors-level courses. There are also specialized programs, such as the school's exchange program with schools in other countries.

The school emphasizes both breadth and depth. Students are expected to develop skills across multiple disciplines, but they also have the opportunity to pursue subjects in depth if they choose. Class sizes are typically small, which allows for the Harkness discussion format.

Extracurricular activities and athletics

Phillips Exeter offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities outside the classroom. These include debate, Model United Nations, publications (newspaper, literary magazine, yearbook), performing arts groups, and hobby clubs. The school encourages students to pursue their interests and develop leadership skills.

Athletics are also a significant part of student life. The school competes in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) and offers varsity, junior varsity, and club sports. Common sports include football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, rowing, and cross-country. Students are not required to play a sport, but most participate in some form of athletic activity.

The school also has a strong arts program, including visual arts, music, and theater. Students can take classes, join ensembles, or participate in productions.

Location and campus facilities

Phillips Exeter is located in Exeter, New Hampshire, a small town in the southeastern part of the state. The campus is about an hour's drive north of Boston. The town of Exeter has shops, restaurants, and other amenities, and students are permitted to visit town during free time.

The campus includes academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, a library, dining hall, and arts buildings. The school has invested in modernizing its facilities over the years. The library is a central hub for student life, and the athletic complex includes a gymnasium, swimming pool, and outdoor fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a boarding student, or can I be a day student?

You can be either. Day students live at home and commute to school. However, most students are boarders, and if you live more than a reasonable commuting distance from Exeter, New Hampshire, you will be required to board. The school determines commuting distance on a case-by-case basis.

What happens if I don't get in on my first try?

Some students explore again in a later year. The school does not penalize students for explore multiple times. If you are waitlisted, you can submit additional information to strengthen your case, but admission is not may provide. Many students also choose to attend other excellent boarding schools if Phillips Exeter does not work out.

Is Phillips Exeter only for wealthy families?

No. The school meets full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Many students receive substantial aid packages that make attendance affordable. You should not avoid explore because of cost; instead, complete the financial aid forms and let the school determine what aid you would receive.

What is the dress code?

Phillips Exeter does not have a strict uniform, but the school has a dress code that requires students to dress neatly and appropriately. The exact rules are outlined in the student handbook. Generally, students wear casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts, but certain items (such as pajamas or athletic wear) are not permitted in academic buildings during the school day.

Can international students attend?

Yes. Phillips Exeter enrolls international students from many countries. International students go through the same process process as domestic students. The school provides support for international students, including English language support if needed and information with visa and immigration matters.