Get To Know Us
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Phillips Academy’s Constitution charges the faculty to teach “Youth from every quarter” to aspire equally to knowledge and goodness. This obligation challenges students to develop what is finest in themselves and others, for others and themselves. Phillips Academy is committed to nurturing an intentionally diverse, inclusive community that encourages students and adults to respect, inspire, and learn from one another. Guided by the ideal of non sibi, leading lives “not for self,” the Phillips Academy community promotes a balance of intellectual curiosity, engagement, leadership, and service in the pursuit of excellence: academic, civic, and moral.
Statement of Values
Non Sibi
We strive to embody the ideal of non sibi, “not for self,” with intentional teaching, learning, and engagement guided by a sense of responsibility toward the global community and natural world.
Youth from Every Quarter
We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive school in which students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences—including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and ability—learn and grow together.
Knowledge and Goodness
We challenge students in mind, body, and spirit such that they may pursue the knowledge, develop the skills, and sustain the integrity needed to lead a responsible, fulfilling life.
The iconic Samuel Phillips Hall is named after our founder, and home to the History & Social Science and World Language departments.
Why Andover?
Because you’ll be welcomed into an inspiring community of smart, motivated, curious, open-minded, and genuinely nice people from across the country and around the world. Because this is a high school that celebrates difference and prizes originality. 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.
“There’s history here. I want to live up to it. I want to contribute to it in my own way.”
Fast Facts
300
courses offered including 8 world languages and 150 electives
13
students in the average class
Students from
44states and territories
49
countries represented
12%
international students
50%
students of color
226
teaching faculty with 101 men and 125 women
5:1
student-teacher ratio
33%
faculty of color
Boarding tuition:
$55,800Day tuition:
$43,30047%
of students receive financial aid
Average annual grant:
$40,800Total annual financial aid:
$23.9MEndowment (June, 30, 2018):
$1.105BKnowledge & Goodness
Explore the largest fundraising effort in independent school history.
Connecting Our Strengths
Learn how we’re executing the 2014 Strategic Plan.
Campus Master Plan
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.
[footnote]
In addition to being our Head of School, John Palfrey also teaches. Here, he's moderating a discussion with students in History 300/310—a class co-taught with History and Social Sciences Instructor (and Dean of Students) Jenny Elliott ’94, P’22.
Our Head of School
John Palfrey is kind, smart, friendly, and very approachable. You should meet him. You will meet him. He’s very accessible. He partners with Dean of Students Jenny Elliott to teach U.S. history (and even took the history department on a field trip to Harvard Business School to learn case method teaching). He eats in Paresky Commons and is a fan of our signature Sam Phil smoothie. He attends athletic, arts, and cultural events and leads All-School Meetings. His office is in George Washington Hall, and his door is open, figuratively and very often literally.
Mr. Palfrey has done audacious things at Andover (developed a visionary Strategic Plan, started the Tang Institute, opened the Sykes Wellness Center), but what’s so great is that none of this matters when you’re talking with him. What matters is that he’s interested in you—in what every Andover student thinks and has to say. He’s mindful of history, fascinated by technology, in love with complexity, and always ready to work together to build, create, or share something important.
We recommend you read his blog and follow him on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. He’s proficient in emojis and will most likely follow you back.
Meet Our Leadership
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.
Peter Currie ’74
President, Board of Trustees | Palo Alto, CA
Linda Carter Griffith
“LCG” connects educational programs and big ideas coming from CAMD, the Brace Center, Community Engagement, wellness, and spiritual life.
view full profile lgriffith@andover.eduJenny K. Elliott ’94, P’22
“Students do best when they take advantage of Andover's support structures while tapping into their own developing values.”
view full profile jelliott@andover.eduClyfe Beckwith
“Inspiration lurks around every corner on this campus, like chaos theory where one small difference can result in a completely new outcome.”
view full profile cbeckwith@andover.eduAmy Falls ’82
New York, NY
Joseph Bae ’90
Hong Kong
Patrick Farrell
Has coached competitive math teams and individual students to regional and national success
view full profile pfarrell@andover.eduStephen Matloff ’91
Los Angeles, CA