It is not an exaggeration to say that Phillips Andover is renowned as a training ground for future Yale University students, a cradle for prominent politicians like former U.S. President George W. Bush, legendary actor Humphrey Bogart, actor-musician Jack Lemmon, and writer Julia Alvarez…
Founded in 1779 in Andover, Massachusetts, 20 miles from Boston, Phillips Andover is the oldest boarding school in the United States. With hundreds of years of history, the school boasts countless historic buildings and thousands of “fascinating” stories about the school, its teachers, and students across generations.
Interestingly, Phillips Andover was established three years before Phillips Exeter boarding school in New Hampshire. Phillips Andover Academy was built on the idea that education needs to be reformed and accessible to talented and passionate students. The standardized SSAT for high school admission and the Advanced Placement program, both common today, originated at this historic school.
At that time, the academy admitted students based mainly on their achievements, talents, character, and future aspirations. It is also one of the few U.S. boarding schools that admits students without considering their financial ability, a practice known as “need-blind admission.” Approximately 48% of Andover students receive financial aid each year, with about 13% receiving full scholarships.
Phillips Andover offers approximately 300 courses, 8 languages, and 150 elective subjects, with an average class size of 13 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1. Andover students come from 39 states in the U.S. and more than 45 other countries. International students make up nearly 12% of the student body.
At Andover, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Students are encouraged to learn everywhere, “in various forms and without limits.” Teachers do not impose any mandatory curriculum, allowing students significant freedom in choosing their subjects (except for certain specialized subjects in advanced classes). It is not uncommon for a 9th grader to take an AP course alongside 12th graders.
Depending on the subject, the level of theory and practice may vary, but generally, practice plays a crucial role in the curriculum. Students are always encouraged to study in groups, and those with excellent academic performance are encouraged to tutor weaker classmates.
In addition to academics, all Andover students are assigned various tasks throughout the school year to develop skills they may not yet know they possess.
Andover has hundreds of clubs and organizations run by students, covering culture, sports, politics, religion, and more. Every Phillips Andover student is encouraged to spend 8 days to 3 weeks during spring or summer break participating in extracurricular Learning in the World (LITW) activities.
“A former student shared, “Here, anyone can become a leader. You don’t need to be the best, but what you need most is passion and self-motivation.”
Phillips Andover Academy is an excellent place for those who love to conquer challenges and freely express themselves.
If you’re still unsure about which school to choose, let NEEC support you on this challenging yet exciting journey!
