Phillips Academy Andover

Focus 

Curiosity, integrity and purpose

Day fees 2024/25 

$57,200

Boarding fees 2024/25

$73,800

Pupils

1,165

Ages

11–18

Spear’s Review

As the oldest boarding school in the USA, with presidents and Nobel laureates among its alumni, Phillips Academy – also known as Andover – is proud of its heritage. Built upon the value of non sibi (not for self), Phillips is intentionally diverse and community-orientated, teaching young people to learn not just for their own benefit but to help those around them grow.

Students choose from a wide range of academic courses, including eight world languages and 150 electives, and benefit from small class sizes (an average of 13 students per class) that allow staff to personalise support for each child.

Outside the classroom there are more than 125 student-run clubs and organisations, including a robotics club, Model UN and improv comedy group; 67 interscholastic teams in 21 different sports; and music, art and theatre and dance programmes.

Academics

In 2024, the average SAT score was 1480.

In 2024, the average ACT score was 33.

University and college destinations 

The class of 2024 matriculated at some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Oxford (two students) and Ivy League schools (50 students).

Head teacher

Phillips Academy appointed Dr Raynard S. Kington as head of school in 2020. Kington has a wealth of experience in both the medical and education fields: prior to joining the school he was president of Grinnell College for 10 years and is now president emeritus. He also previously served in a range of roles at the National Institutes of Health and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has a BS and MD from the University of Michigan, and earned an MBA and doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania.

Admissions 

After completing an online candidate profile, students will attend an in-person or virtual interview; a campus tour is also encouraged. The school has also recently reintroduced standardised tests for all applicants.

Other required documentation includes: a graded writing sample and an essay, a parent/guardian statement, academic reports and letters of recommendation.

Accessibility

Boston Logan International Airport: 1 hour

Location 

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.