What is phillips academy

Take the Tour. Students from. A Day in the Life Fred, Junior. Abigail, Upper. Washington, D. Nicola, Senior. Wallingford, CT. Harry, Lower. Bangkok, Thailand. ARTS Sources of creative inspiration. View Full Profile. Because at Andover you can be your most honest, authentic, daring self.

And because we take a balanced approach to academics, extracurriculars, and just plain having fun; because our talented, caring teachers, coaches, house counselors, and advisors are always ready to help; because we have a renowned art gallery, archaeology museum, and observatory right on campus; and because we offer the best of high-tech, low-tech, and multidisciplinary learning plus experiential learning opportunities for every student in fascinating places on nearly every continent.

Explore the largest fundraising effort in independent school history. Grounded in sustainable principles, the Campus Master Plan is a framework for decision making about the physical development of the campus over time, preserving its history while planning for the future. The Phillips Academy governance structure is mission-driven and led by trustees, a Head of School, and senior administrators who hold themselves accountable to a culture of excellence. Community Visitors. PA Net.

We arrived at Andover on a sunny morning in October and were struck by how much the high school resembles a college. We started walking toward our first-period class, and learned a bit more about the makeup of the student body. Our class was in Samuel Phillips Hall, the building students told us is the most iconic feature on campus. Graduation services happen on the grass in front of the hall.

We sat in on a US history class for 11th and 12th graders. The class is taught by head of school John Palfrey and dean of students Jenny Elliott. Most high schools pride themselves on the number of Advanced Placement courses they offer.

At Andover, it's the opposite. They offer none, and think it makes students stronger. After taking their US history class, we went to Palfrey's office to talk more in depth about Andover.

As for why it is the best school in America, Palfrey thinks it has to do with the diversity they are able to attract, thanks to an admissions policy that doesn't take into consideration a family's wealth. Elliott told us that the same thing that made Andover great when she attended is true today. Senior David Tsai has attended Andover for four years and is a second-generation Andover student who has his sights set on attending Yale for college.

He took us to Paresky Commons where everyone gets their meals. We learned that the stir-fry is the best item in the dining hall. As he showed us around we noticed that the Andover students style of dress was noticeably laid back.

We were expecting to see a bunch of sports coats and dresses, but most students were in jeans, sweatshirts, sweat pants, sports hoodies, or flannel shirts. Speaking of Exeter, the rivalry runs deep. Most people told us it was similar to the rivalry between Harvard and Yale. When we met with the dean of admissions and financial aid, Jim Ventre, he told us that the admissions committee looks for certain qualities in applicants.

The culture at Andover is what's alluring to students, according to Ventre. The way that Andover supports its students is distinct, he said. Spanning eight days to three weeks during spring break or early summer, these immersive, transformative programs are led by Andover faculty, supported by financial aid and sponsored by the Tang Institute.

Learning resources include the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library-home to a makerspace,90,00 volumes in print, and hundreds of thousands digital resources; the Tang Institute-a catalyst for connected learning explorations and experiences beyond campus; the Brace Center for Gender Stuides; and the Community and Multicultural Development office CAMD.

Each cluster includes a handful of dorms, about students, 40 faculty families, a dean, and student leadership positions.

Orientation, special events, weekly study breaks, cluster munches—all of these things are organized by cluster. More than of our students live on campus. The smallest dorm has four students; the largest has Some dorms are quaint cottages and others are handsome brick buildings: all of them have faculty house counselors and student mentors—essential sources of snacks and comfy chairs, advice and guidance.

Every dorm generates its own culture, its own flurry of social events, shared meals, improvised traditions, random outings, and overall spirit.

All of them feel, in ways large and small, like home.