Student Activities and Leadership

Andover students seize their opportunities. Whether starting up a new club from scratch or editing the school newspaper with a hundred years of history, Andover fosters bold, thoughtful, and engaged student leadership. 

There is a ton to do here beyond study, but you already knew that. The Student Activities Office and Student Activities Board plan fun, exciting and varied events for all student interests. (Think dances, trips to Boston, dodgeball tournaments, performances). We make sure students are never bored and that there’s always something different going on. 

But beyond weekend entertainment, student activities are meant to develop thinkers and doers. Try new things. Put yourself out there. Grow in unexpected ways. Set the tone for your Andover experience. 

Andover takes the opening of school very seriously. We want to welcome new students to Andover in the most enthusiastic way possible. That task belongs to our Blue Key Heads.

“Anyone can be a leader here. You don’t need a title. What you need most, I’d say, are passion and self-motivation.”

Samuel Senior, Andover, MA

This is what Andover is all about. Academics. Athletics. Arts. Community. Innovation. Fun.

A Sample of Student Organizations

  • Rock Climbing Society
  • Microfinance Initiative, Inc.
  • Af-Lat-Am Society
  • Women’s Forum
  • Sports Analytics Club
  • Linguistics Club
  • The Phillipian
  • South East Asian Club
  • Mock Trial
  • WPAA Radio
  • Gender and Sexuality Alliance
  • Wildfire Conservation Club
  • Model United Nations
  • Movie Makers’ Club

Andover has 

98

student-run clubs and organizations

[footnote]

Our Blue Key Heads are Andover’s unwavering spirit leaders. They’re on the sidelines at big games, ubiquitous around campus events, and constantly amping up the energy of our students. The public auditions every spring in Paresky Commons are a must-see. Official uniform: blue skirt, face paint, megaphone. 

The Weekender announces everything going on for students in a given week. Here's a recent sample.

A glimpse into campus life

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Outdoor space at Andover is immense and students take advantage with games, sports, picnics, and outdoor studying.

Head of School Day is one of Andover's most treasured traditions. Every year John Palfrey make a surprise announcement declaring a day of freedom for students to enjoy how they like.

Andover frequently hosts guest speakers and lecturers. A few recent campus visitors include astronaut Mae Jemison (pictured), primatologist Jane Goodall, New York Times financial columnist Ron Lieber, and Black-ish writer and producer Peter Saji ’96.

Paresky Commons is located in the heart of campus and is much more than just a place to eat. Students use the space to meet with faculty, hold club gatherings, and catch up with friends.

Prom is a signature event at the end of every year. Throughout the year theme dances, movie nights, and of-campus trips are also planned. 

Along with over 67 different athletic teams, Andover offers numerous intramural sports including ultimate frisbee, ballet, squash, yoga and fencing. When not competing, students love to support and cheer for Big Blue from the stands. 

Did you know that on campus there are two dance studios, a nature sanctuary, two museums, one electronic music studio, a darkroom, and a Makerspace? 

You will often see your professors cheering for you at games and performances. There are also many opportunities where faculty perform and engage in campus activities alongside students.

Our Students

Meet some of our students making the most of Andover.

See More Students

Eastlyn, Senior

Loves meeting new people including those from different cultures—which is why she spent a summer in China with a PA affiliate program.

Ethan, Senior

Recently competed on the Fox game show Superhuman with his "Magic Square" math trick—and won!

Anneke, Senior

Rock climber, cyclist, and future skydiver. Focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Emily, Upper

Aspiration: "Even though I'm a terrible dancer, I'd like to try out for the Hypnotiq dance group."

John, Upper

Chess Team, Model UN, Mock Trial, and Philomathean Society. Maker.

Keep Exploring

Athletics

Arts

CAMD & Brace Center

Need-Blind Admission