Welcome to Phillips Exeter Academy, co-founded by John and Elizabeth Phillips in 1781, who believed every student should have access to the very best education — one that embraces the ideals of both goodness and knowledge.
Now a coeducational residential school with more than 1,000 high school students from the U.S. and 33 foreign countries, Exeter has a centuries-old tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to empowering Exonians to find their place in the world.
We are a community that celebrates curiosity and cultivates potential. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1, more than 450 courses in 18 subject areas, and the opportunity to study on five continents, Exeter provides unparalleled opportunities for discovery and exploration, of both self and subject matter. Exeter has a longstanding commitment to making the academy accessible to qualified students, regardless of their ability to pay, providing 25 Million dollars in financial assistance each year.
Unique Characteristics
Exeter originated the Harkness philosophy of teaching where 12 students and a teacher engage on discussions around an oval Harkness Table. It’s a collaborative approach to problem solving and learning.
Boarders live in the same dorm until they graduate, creating a smaller family within the community, generating house pride and deepening friendships across classes.