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The founder of Phillips Exeter Academy defined its mission more than two centuries ago.
"Above all," John Phillips stated, "it is expected that the attention of instructors to the disposition of the minds and morals of the youth under their charge will exceed every other care; well considering that though goodness without knowledge is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous, and that both united form the noblest character, and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind." It seeks students who combine proven academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and tenacity with decency and good character.
At the Academy, exacting inquiry and thoughtful discourse foster the life of the mind, instruction and activity promote fitness and health, and the daily interactions of a residential school nurture integrity, empathy, and kindness.
Because learning and growth at Exeter arise from each individual's engagement with others, the richness of education here requires diversity in all its dimensions; students and faculty value the differences they bring to the community they share.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Top Ranked NH School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,078 students
- Yearly Tuition: $64,789
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Phillips Exeter Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Lowest average acceptance rates
Diversity
Highest percentage of students of color
Advanced Degrees
Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees
Student Body
Largest student body
Sports offered
Most sports offered
School History
Oldest founding date
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Religious Affiliation
Nonsectarian
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Year Founded
1781
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
1,078 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 19%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
242 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
93%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
$64,789
View national tuition avg.
Tuition Notes
$50,604 for day students
% on Financial Aid
44%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$56,251
Acceptance Rate
17%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
John Hutchins
Admissions Associate
Phillips Exeter Academy
Sports
Total Sports Offered
22 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Winter Track, Wrestling
School Notes
- Phillips Exeter Academy is a co-educational residential schoolwith students from the U.S. and over 30 foreign countries. Exeterhas a centuries-old tradition of academic excellence and acommitment to empowering Exonians to find their place in theworld.
- We are a community that celebrates curiosity and cultivatespotential. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, more than 450courses in 18 subject areas, and the opportunity to study on fivecontinents, Exeter provides unparalleled opportunities fordiscovery and exploration, of both self and subject matter.
- We provide need-based financial aid that makes it possible fortalented students to attend Exeter regardless of their family`sfinances. Exeter works with families from all economic backgroundsto make tuition affordable. And, an Exeter education is free to anyaccepted student whose family income is $75,000 or less. Weencourage all interested students to apply, regardless of theirability to pay.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mark Zuckerberg - Founder and CEO, Facebook
- Dan Brown - Bestselling Author, The Da Vinci Code
- Pauline Chiou - Award-winning Anchor and Correspondent, CNN Hong Kong
- Win Butler - Lead Vocalist and Songwriter of Grammy Award-winning band Arcade Fire
- John Knowles - Author, A Separate Peace
- John Irving - Bestselling Author and Academy Award-winning Screenwriter, The World According to Garp, The Cider House Rules
- Suzy Welch - Bestselling Author, Television Commentator and Noted Business Journalist
- Pierre S. Du Pont - President, Du Pont; Chair and President, General Motors Corporation
- Robert Todd Lincoln - Son of President Abraham Lincoln, US Secretary of War
- Daniel Webster - US Senator from Massachusetts
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Phillips Exeter Academy cost?
Phillips Exeter Academy's tuition is approximately $64,789 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Phillips Exeter Academy?
The acceptance rate of Phillips Exeter Academy is 17%, which is lower than the national average of 74%. Phillips Exeter Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New Hampshire with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Phillips Exeter Academy?
Phillips Exeter Academy famous alumni include: Mark Zuckerberg, Dan Brown, Pauline Chiou, Win Butler, John Knowles, John Irving, Suzy Welch, Pierre S. Du Pont, Robert Todd Lincoln and Daniel Webster.
What sports does Phillips Exeter Academy offer?
Phillips Exeter Academy offers 22 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling. Phillips Exeter Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for most sports offered.
What is Phillips Exeter Academy's ranking?
Phillips Exeter Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Phillips Exeter Academy?
The application deadline for Phillips Exeter Academy is Jan. 15.
Show me:
People that viewed Phillips Exeter Academy also viewed these schools: Phillips Academy Andover, St.Paul's School, Groton School, The Governors Academy and Deerfield Academy.
The nearest high school to Phillips Exeter Academy is Seacoast Learning Collaborative (3.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Building Block School (2.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Exeter Day School (0.6 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Phillips Academy Andover
(1)
Grades: 9-12 | 1,187 students 24.9 miles 180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
24.9
9-12
1,187
St. Paul's School
(Episcopal)
Grades: 9-12 | 548 students 34.7 miles 325 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 229-4700
34.7
9-12
548
Groton School
(Episcopal)
Grades: 8-12 | 378 students 42.7 miles 282 Farmers Row
Groton, MA 01450
(978) 448-3363
42.7
8-12
378
The Governors Academy
(1)
Grades: 9-12 | 415 students 16.3 miles 1 Elm St
Byfield, MA 01922
(978) 465-1763
16.3
9-12
415
Deerfield Academy
Grades: 9-12 | 655 students 89.1 miles 7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
89.1
9-12
655
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Quick Stats (2024)
- Top Ranked NH School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,078 students
- Yearly Tuition: $64,789
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
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Did You Know?
The average private school tuition in Rockingham County, NH is $17,095 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Rockingham County, NH is 65% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).
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