Phillips Exeter Academy

Phillips_Exeter_Academy_Seal

Portrait_of_John_Phillips

Original_Phillips_Exeter_Academy_Building

Philips_Exeter_Academy_advertisement_1909

Exeter_Baseball

Exeter_Tree_Halo

Exeter_library_interior

Phillips Exeter Academy (often called Exeter) is a highly selective, coeducational independent school for boarding and day students in grades 9 through 12. It is located in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States. The school has a long history of academic excellence and is known for its rigorous curriculum and the Harkness table method of instruction.

History

Phillips Exeter Academy was founded in 1781 by Dr. John Phillips and his wife, Elizabeth. The school was established with the mission of educating young men to be leaders in society. Over the years, Exeter has evolved to include a diverse student body and a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs.

Academics

Exeter is renowned for its academic rigor and innovative teaching methods. The school employs the Harkness table method, which involves students sitting around an oval table and engaging in discussion-based learning. This method encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and active participation.

The curriculum at Exeter includes a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, humanities, languages, and the arts. The school also offers advanced placement (AP) courses and independent study opportunities.

Campus

The Phillips Exeter Academy campus is located in the town of Exeter, New Hampshire. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Phillips Church, the Class of 1945 Library, and the Phelps Science Center. The school also has extensive athletic facilities, including fields, courts, and a gymnasium.

Student Life

Exeter offers a vibrant student life with numerous extracurricular activities, including athletics, theater, music, and various student clubs and organizations. The school has a strong tradition of community service and encourages students to engage in volunteer work.

Notable Alumni

Exeter has produced many notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Some of the distinguished alumni include:

• Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook
• Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code
• Gore Vidal, writer and public intellectual
• John Irving, novelist and screenwriter

Related Pages

• Phillips Academy
• Harkness table
• Exeter, New Hampshire
• John Phillips (educator)
• Independent school