Phillips Exeter Academy was founded in 1781 by Dr. John Phillips, a Harvard University alumnus. He believed that the character and understanding of each student would be shaped by the best educational environment. This school has been the alma mater of former U.S. President Franklin Pierce and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Other notable alumni include 19 state governors, 5 U.S. senators, 5 Olympic athletes, and 2 Nobel laureates.
The school currently has over 1,000 students from 44 U.S. states and 33 countries worldwide, with international students making up 10%. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1 and more than 450 courses across 18 different fields, Phillips Exeter provides excellent opportunities for students to explore, experience, and discover subjects and themselves. In 2016, the acceptance rate was 17.8%.
Exeter currently has over 1,000 students from 44 U.S. states and 33 countries worldwide.
Phillips Exeter ranked first in the Top 25 Best Boarding Schools in the United States in 2016
on https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-private-high-schools/
At Exeter, students are taught using the Harkness method, initiated by Edward Harkness in the 1930s, who believed that learning should be an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Twelve students and a teacher sit around a Harkness table and discuss the subject at hand. This is how Exeter students explore ideas in a group, confidently express their opinions, listen, and work together to solve problems.
Accordingly, teachers do not need to lecture but instead create a diagram of the day’s session to identify students who actively participate and those who need encouragement to speak. A professor at Phillips Exeter noted, “We simply ask the students what they think about what is written in the book, and then we go back and draw conclusions.” A current student mentioned, “Exeter has taught me how to do my work well, and to have the confidence to speak up and defend my ideas in class and life.”
This method has truly revolutionized learning at Exeter.
Phillips Exeter Academy is famous for the Harkness method, a unique teaching model that schools worldwide strive to emulate.
A corner of the Phelps Science Lab
Throughout the campus, Harkness tables can be found everywhere, from science labs to music rooms to the schoolyard…
There are nearly 90 clubs and 60 teams across 20 sports for students to easily choose from, helping them explore and discover their strengths and interests… You can also determine your abilities through the 7 Types of Intelligence test.
The library holds more than 130,000 books
Exeter places particular emphasis on developing extracurricular programs and sports activities for students. The school currently has facilities for students to play almost all popular sports in the U.S., including basketball, tennis, swimming, hockey, water polo…
Since 2007, Exeter has implemented an economic support policy to assist families of students with financial difficulties. About 50% of students receive assistance each year.
If you are considering studying at a quality boarding school in the U.S., Phillips Exeter Academy is the top choice.
If you’re still unsure about which school to choose, let NEEC support you on this challenging yet exciting journey!
