Summer Session Course Requirements

What is life in the dorms like?

Dormitories may house anywhere from five to 39 students with an average house counselor-to-student ratio of one to nine. Students may note their preferences from a single or double on the application form; however, with more doubles than singles requested, they are assigned on a first come first served basis.

For students who will soon be faced with the responsibility and independence of college life, a summer of living in a dorm provides ample opportunity for developing self-discipline, time-management skills, and respect for others. With the guidance of trained faculty who share the dorms, students learn to make adjustments necessary for communal living. During quiet evening study hours many students choose to settle into their rooms to prepare for class the next morning. Of course, the dorms also serve as a comfortable social environment in which students develop lasting relationships with friends and faculty. Living closely with other young people from widely differing backgrounds is one of the most rewarding experiences of the Summer Session, and therefore requests for friends as roommates are not honored.

Where will I have my meals?

Meals are served in Commons, a central dining hall featuring variety of entrees, a pasta bar, sandwich bar, salad bar and homemade breads.
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Where may I attend religious services?

The Summer Session provides students, on request, with schedules for local religious services and assists students in obtaining information for services outside the town of Andover.

What if I get sick?

To ensure the physical and psychological well-being of students during their stay, registered nurses are on duty at all times in Isham Health Center. In addition, a physician and psychological counselor hold office hours during the day and remain on call at all times.

Who will look after me during my stay at Andover?

House counselors, who often also serve as teachers during Summer Session, take the time to know each student in their dorms, looking after his or her welfare, staying abreast of his or her activities and acting as an advisor and mentor. At the end of summer, these counselors write a performance report purely for the benefit of the family, enumerating the child's successes and difficulties in the boarding environment.

May I leave campus during the day?

Students are free to explore the shops and restaurants in Andover in the afternoons and early evenings. With written consent from their parents on file, upper school students may, with their house counselors permission, leave campus on Wednesday and Saturday and all day Sunday.

May my friend be my roommate?

We do not allow friends or relatives to share a dorm room. One of the greatest benefits of this program is learning how to get along with others and also making new friends from around the world. You're sure to see your friends or relatives often while you're here and you'll have different experiences to share with one another.

What is there to do during free time?

Phillips Academy Summer Session is an intensive academic program and you should expect to have lots of homework to complement your classes. The academics are balanced by opportunities to socialize with friends and participate in the many trips and tours that are offered. Some students get together and travel into Boston for shopping or sightseeing. College Counseling is an optional offering that is available during free time and is a valuable tool for choosing and preparing to apply to college. There are many cultural and enriching events offered on campus. Every Saturday night a dance and movie is scheduled.

May I choose my dormitory?

The Academy has a variety of dormitories some of which are not available for Summer Session use. Dormitory placements are made that include consideration of age, grade, courses, date of application and geographic, ethnic and racial diversity.

When will I receive my dormitory assignment?

When you arrive, you will go through the registration process. You will receive a card that has your dormitory assignment, the location of your classes, your instructors and the times your courses meet.

May I bring a refrigerator, television or computer?

Students may not bring refrigerator or irons. There will be a common refrigerator and iron for the dorm. If you own a computer, and you are comfortable bringing it with you, then you should bring it. There are a limited number of computers available in the computer center. You will be responsible for the safety and maintenance of your computer while you are here. The technology department does not provide repair or maintenance service to students for their computers. Additional information about what you may or may not bring will be provided in the blue student handbook that is included with acceptance materials.

May I arrive late?

Students are expected to arrive on time; however, in exceptional situations students may contact the office to request permission for late arrival. If a late arrival is approved, you should be certain that the Summer Session office knows when and how you will arrive. No student will be allowed to arrive later than Friday evening, July 4th, 2008.

May I leave early?

All Summer Session students are expected to complete the program. If you must leave early, you will not receive a certificate or grade reports from your teachers. Special arrangements to complete the course early are not allowed. Because of difficulty with flight arrangements etc. some students may have to leave on the afternoon or evening of August 5. This is allowed if the final exams are completed, the dormitory room is cleaned and all commitments have been met. These students must arrange for their own transportation to the airports. Some students may have to leave early on the morning of August 6, missing the closing ceremony. We will mail the certificate and reports to those students.

How rigorous are afternoon activities?

Phillips Academy Summer Session is a rigorous Academic Program; all activities are recreational and most are coed.

How much home work will I receive?

Be prepared for courses that will push you to perform to your fullest potential. You should expect to spend approximately 1 1/2 hours on homework for each hour that you spend in class. A regular minor course may generate 1 1/2 hours of homework. A regular major course may generate 3 hours of homework. Depending on your courses, you could receive 4 1/2 hours of homework per night.

Are courses held every day?

Minor classes are held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Major classes are held Monday through Saturday.

What type of clothing and supplies should I bring?

You should bring comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. The New England climate varies. You should have a jacket or sweater for cool days, light weight comfortable clothes for hot days. School supplies can be purchased in town. You may bring your computer and cell phone. You will be supplied with one new set of towels, sheets, a pillow, pillowcase, mattress pad and light blanket.

How much spending money should I bring?

The amount of spending money required depends on your spending habits. You will be required to purchase your books. These may cost up to $200. We usually suggest an additional $500 for treats, trips and tours or incidentals.

Will I be allowed to use the swimming pool?

The swimming pool is available for students and faculty families to use during designated time periods. You will receive a schedule of free swim times after you arrive.

Will there be food choices available for vegetarians?

Commons serves a wide variety of foods to accommodate the many different cultures of the students who attend Summer Session. There are always vegetarian choices offered. Rice, pasta, salad, and prepared vegetables are always available.

How should my family and friends address mail to me?

Families and friends should send mail in packages to: YOUR NAME Phillips Academy Summer Session 180 Main Street Andover MA 01810 All mail and packages will be held in the mail room in George Washington Hall. You will be assigned to a personal mail box when you arrive. If you receive a package, a retrieval slip will be placed in your mail box. The mail room operating hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Is there internet access in the dormitories?

Internet access through the campus network is available in the dorms. Students will need to establish commercial e-mail accounts such as Yahoo Mail, AOL or Hotmail for e-mail access. Computers must have updated virus protection installed, such as Norton AntiVirus or McAfee, prior to arriving on campus. The academy does not provide technical support in the dorms.

What should I bring?

Each student is encouraged to bring a fan and a desk lamp (can also be purchased locally). Linens, including mattress pad, set of extra long sheets, pillowcase and pillow, blanket, washcloth and a set of towels towels are provided. Although Phillips Academy houses several computer centers with Apple Macintosh and IBM computers, students are also encouraged to bring their own computers to campus. Students may not bring televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators or other appliances.

Personal spending habits vary; however, approximately $700 is recommended for books and spending money. Travelers Cheques and ATM cards are recommended.

Will I have access to telephone and e-mail?

Each student is provided with a phone in his or her dormitory room. Local service is free. Long distance calls may be placed by using a telephone calling card or prepaid calling card. Voice mailboxes are provided for all students. In addition, the technology center on campus provides students with access to the web and to their personal e-mail accounts. Internet access through the campus network is available in the dorms.

What should I wear?

There is no dress code at Phillips Academy. Boys and girls dress informally but with a sense of propriety. Students should pack swimming and athletic gear and clothing suitable for trips to colleges, theatres, etc. Coin-operated washing machines and dryers are available in the dormitories. An optional laundry service may be purchased.

May I stay away from campus overnight?

With written permission from parents and approval of the Summer Session deans, students may (except on the first weekend) leave campus on Saturday after classes for an overnight visit to their home or to a friend's. An invitation and the presence of an adult is required if the student is to stay at a friend's home. No off-campus visit, whether with or without parents, may interfere with the student's responsibility to attend every class, Monday through Saturday, or study hours Sunday through Friday. Unauthorized absence from campus will result in dismissal.

Will I have free time?

Days are structured to allow time for required classes and appointments. There is also ample time for individual study and relaxation in study areas, dormitory common rooms, and athletic facilities. Extracurricular activities, such as clubs for chess and game nights, also may be offered.

How will I manage my money?

Students are encouraged to have a checking account at a bank either at home or in Andover. There is a Bank of America ATM located in the lower level of George Washington Hall that is available for cash withdrawals and balance inquiries. Numerous ATMs are located in downtown Andover, which is a short walk from campus. Among the banks located in Andover (as of October 2007) are Sovereign Bank, TD Banknorth, Bank of America, The Savings Bank, and Family Bank.

What is expected of me?

We expect that students come to Phillips Academy for a serious purpose and that they will thus meet all school appointments and observe study hours. Students are required to treat other members of the community with respect and to take responsibility for their own actions, whether or not those actions are explicitly covered by the rules. Rules and regulations, such as prohibitions on smoking and alcohol, are clearly noted in the handbook sent to admitted students. Students sign a community agreement, thus committing to living honestly, safely, responsibly, and respectfully in a multicultural setting.

What if I am a Day Student ?

Day students who live within commuting distance of the Academy are an integral part of the Summer Session, attending classes and activities, eating meals, socializing with the entire community, and making full use of the facilities.
Day Students have several options. They may design a schedule that includes a major, a minor, an activity and college counseling, the same schedule as a boarding student. Or, they may choose to construct a schedule with just one course or a combination of the Upper School Offerings.

May I Take Music Lessons ?

Private music lessons and chamber music instruction is available. A complete listing of what is offered with fee schedules is included in your acceptance packet.