School Overview
Data & methodology
Overall
A+
Matriculation
A+
Academics
A+
Extracurriculars
A+
Geo & Community
A+
Reviews
A
Founded in 1781, Phillips Exeter Academy originated the Harkness philosophy of teaching whereby 12 students and a teacher join in classes around an oval Harkness Table. Students from 44 states and 29 countries enjoy a rich curriculum of over 350 courses. More than $15 million in financial aid supports 48% of Exeter's students. An endowment of more than $800 million supports Exeter's commitment to academics, excellence in teaching, a diverse student body, a wide variety of co-curricular opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities including the new Phelps Science Center and the Academy Center.
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Ranking
Top 10
College Matriculation Rankings
Top 10
Academic Rankings
Top 50
Review Rankings
Top 10
Extracurricular Rankings
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School Stats
Average
Current school
Tuition
$69,537
Enrollment
1106
International Students
7.8%
Faculty with Advanced Degrees
67%
Teacher-Student Ratio
1:6
Endowment
$1,300 million
AP
7
Average SAT Score
1440
Average ACT Score
32
Class Size
12
Boarding %
80
Matriculation
College Matriculation
(2022-2024)| Ranking | University/College | Students |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Princeton University | 10 + |
| #2 | Columbia University | 10 + |
| #2 | Harvard College | 10 + |
| #2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 10 + |
| Art #3 | Rhode Island School of Design | 10 + |
| #5 | Yale University | 10 + |
| LAC #1 | Williams College | 10 + |
| #6 | Stanford University | 10 + |
| #6 | University of Chicago | 10 + |
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Summer School
(2026)Access Exeter Course
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Program Overview
The Exeter Summer program is one of academic enrichment, based on Harkness learning and collaboration without the stress of making the grade. The focus is on learning through preparation, careful listening, and well-considered discussion contributions. Courses are taught by experienced faculty using Harkness, a philosophy based on student-led group discussion. This way, students develop the ability to direct conversations and their own learning.
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Official Website Click link to view
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Duration 5 weeks
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Application Deadline 4/15/2026 (Enrollment is on a rolling basis through April 15.)
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Start Date 2026.7.6-2026.8.6
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Ages / Grades Grade 7-8
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Tuition $8,000 / $11,500
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Program Overview
The Exeter Summer program is one of academic enrichment, based on Harkness learning and collaboration without the stress of making the grade. The focus is on learning through preparation, careful listening, and well-considered discussion contributions. Courses are taught by experienced faculty using Harkness, a philosophy based on student-led group discussion. This way, students develop the ability to direct conversations and their own learning.
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Official Website
Click link to view
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Duration 5 weeks
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Application Deadline 4/15/2026 (Enrollment is on a rolling basis through April 15.)
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Start Date 2026.7.6-2026.8.6
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Ages / Grades Grade 7-8
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Tuition $8,000 / $11,500
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Tuition Notes Boarding Students
Cost: $11,500 Day Students
Cost: $8,000
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Tuition Link
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Program Overview
"The Upper School program offers courses of study for high school students who have completed grades 9-12. As an Upper School student, you have the freedom to design your own academic curriculum. You can choose three classes from a diverse offering of courses in several different disciplines.
The coursework requires student participation in group discussions for all classes. All students must have a high level of English proficiency to attend the program." |
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Official Website
Click link to view
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Duration 5 weeks
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Application Deadline 4/15/2026 (Enrollment is on a rolling basis through April 15.)
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Start Date 2026.7.6-2026.8.6
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Ages / Grades Grade 9-12
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Tuition $8,000 / $11,501
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Tuition Notes Boarding Students
Cost: $11,500 Day Students
Cost: $8,000
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Tuition Link
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Academics
AP Scores
(2020-2021) Score 5
Score 4
Score 3
Other scores
AP Courses
(7)|
Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics 1
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Physics 2
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Physics B
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Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics 1
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Physics 2
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Physics B
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Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
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Physics C: Mechanics
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Sports
(17)|
Baseball
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Basketball
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Crew
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Cross Country
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Cycling
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Field Hockey
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Baseball
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Basketball
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Crew
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Cross Country
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Cycling
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Field Hockey
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American Football
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Golf
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Lacrosse
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Soccer
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Softball
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Squash
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Swimming
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Tennis
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Volleyball
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Water Polo
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Wrestling
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Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
(114)|
Astronomy Club
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Bridge Club
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Catholic Exonians
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Christian Fellowship
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Daniel Webster Debate Society
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Exeter Jewish Community
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Astronomy Club
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Bridge Club
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Catholic Exonians
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Christian Fellowship
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Daniel Webster Debate Society
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Exeter Jewish Community
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Imani
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Korean Society
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Muslim Student Association
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Outing Club
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Peer Tutoring
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Pendulum
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Republican Club
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Student Council
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Academy Belly Dancing Society
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Active Minds PEA
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Activism in Art
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African Students Association
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Afro Shade
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Afro-Latinx Exonian Society (ALES)
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Architecture Club
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Art for Mental Health
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ARVRA
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Asian Voices (AV)
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Association of Low Income Exonians
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Badminton Club
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Baking Club
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Beat of Asia (BOA)
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Biology Club
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Bob Ross Breakfast Club
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Chemistry Club
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Chess Club
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Chinese Language Society
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Costume and Cosplay Club
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CSO (Chinese Student Organization)
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Cube Club
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Democracy of Sound (exeter)
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Democratic Club DRAMAT
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Entrepreneurship Club
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Environmental Action Committee
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Environmental Proctors (E-Proctors)
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Ethics Forum
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Exeter Association of Rock (EAR)
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Exeter Business Club
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Exeter Climate Lobby
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Exeter Computing Club
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Exeter Culinary Association
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Exeter Cybersecurity Club
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Exeter DnD Club
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Exeter Economics Club
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Exeter Investment Society
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Exeter Off Planet Society
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Exeter Origami
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Exeter Photography Club
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Exeter Pinoy Society
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Exeter Rescue Team (LiNK)
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Exeter Socialist Union
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Exeter Workout Club
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Exonians Against Sexual Assault (EASA)
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Feminist Union
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Fight Club
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Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
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Geography Club
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Go Club
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History Club
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Hong Kong Club
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In Essence
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InMotion
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Indigenous Reconciliation Club
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International Student Alliance
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Japan-America Society (JAS)
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Ké Kontan
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Legal Society
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Linguistics Club
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Lionettes
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Magic the Gathering Club
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Makers of Exeter
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Math Club
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MATTER Magazine
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Medical Anthropology Club
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Mock Trial
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Model United Nations
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Multiracial Exonian Society (MRES)
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OutKast
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PEAN
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Physics Club
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Ping Pong Club
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POMS
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Powerlifting Club
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PRECISION
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All female Step Team
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Psychology Club
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Random Acts of Kindness
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Reel Life Productions (RLP)
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Robotics Club
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Russian Language Society
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Science Bowl
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Science Olympiad
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Standup Exeter
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Students Demand Action
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Sunrise Exeter
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Super Smash Brothers Club
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Surf Club
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The Admissions Tour Guides
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The Asian Magazine
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The Exeter Review
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The Exonian
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The Exonian Business Board
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The Exonian Web Board
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UNITE Coalition and Publication
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Vietnamese Society
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WEVisionxPEA
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Word
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WPEA
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Arts
(28)|
3D Design
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Ceramics
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Painting
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Photography
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Printmaking
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Acting
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3D Design
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Ceramics
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Painting
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Photography
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Printmaking
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Acting
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Band
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Chamber Orchestra
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Choir
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Choral
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Choreography
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Dance
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Directing
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Jazz
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Music
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Music Production
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Orchestra
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Production
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Public Speaking
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Recording
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Songwriting
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Theater
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Vocal
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Drawing
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Filmmaking
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Portfolio
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Puppetry And Props
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Screenwriting
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Basic Info
Application Info
Frequently Ask Questions about Phillips Exeter Academy
Tell me a bit about Phillips Exeter Academy.
Phillips Exeter Academy is Co-ed private boarding school located in New Hampshire, US. It was founded 1781 , and currently has about 1106 students, 7.80% of whom are international students.
For more official information, please visit http://www.exeter.edu.
Being famous for its teaching quality, Phillips Exeter Academy earned a solid place amon the top tiered private schools in the U.S. and worldwide. In 2015, the Business Insider announced that Exeter is one of the most elite boarding schools in the U.S. for financial competence, average SAT score, and acceptance rate.
Exeter has produced generations of New England elites, and many U.S. politicians and entrepreneurs. The school's notable alumni consist of the U.S. President Franklin Pierce, Secretary of Wars Robert Lincoln, or Facebook's founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
For more official information, please visit http://www.exeter.edu.
Being famous for its teaching quality, Phillips Exeter Academy earned a solid place amon the top tiered private schools in the U.S. and worldwide. In 2015, the Business Insider announced that Exeter is one of the most elite boarding schools in the U.S. for financial competence, average SAT score, and acceptance rate.
Exeter has produced generations of New England elites, and many U.S. politicians and entrepreneurs. The school's notable alumni consist of the U.S. President Franklin Pierce, Secretary of Wars Robert Lincoln, or Facebook's founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Does Phillips Exeter Academy have rigorous academic requirements?
Phillips Exeter Academy is offering 7 AP courses.
In recent years, 86 of their students score 4 and 5 in AP exams.
Phillips Exeter Academy also have 67% of faculties whose degrees are master and above.
Exeter students who attend four years are required to take courses in the arts, classical/modern languages, computer science, English, health & human development, history, mathematics, religion, and science. While an English diploma is awarded to most students, ones who take the full series of Latin and Ancient Greek classes receive a Classical diploma.
In recent years, 86 of their students score 4 and 5 in AP exams.
Phillips Exeter Academy also have 67% of faculties whose degrees are master and above.
Exeter students who attend four years are required to take courses in the arts, classical/modern languages, computer science, English, health & human development, history, mathematics, religion, and science. While an English diploma is awarded to most students, ones who take the full series of Latin and Ancient Greek classes receive a Classical diploma.
Where do Phillips Exeter Academy students typically go for their colleges?
Based on the most recent matriculation data, 19.2% go to top 50 US universities and colleges*, 17.13% go to top 25, and about 19.09% go to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and MIT.
*Ranking is based on the 2024 US News College Ranking.
*Ranking is based on the 2024 US News College Ranking.
What is the application requirement for Phillips Exeter Academy?
Similar to most private schools in the US, Phillips Exeter Academy’s typical admission requirements include school transcript, recommendation letter, application essay, and interview (often optional, but highly recommended).
What is the Boarding Tuition for Phillips Exeter Academy?
The total fee for Phillips Exeter Academy in 2024 is
$69,537 which typically includes tuition, boarding fee, student management fee and a few other fees associated with managing international students.
For more information, please contact school’s admission team at admit@exeter.edu .
As of June 30, 2023, Exeter's financial endowment stands at $1.5 billion; its $1.4 million endowment per student exceeds that of many colleges and universities. Exeter is also one of only two co-ed high schools in the United States employing need-blind admission, providing financial aid covering 100% of students' demonstrated financial need. Exeter's generous resources also allow the school to teach classes using the Harkness system, allowing a small group of students interacts with minimal teacher involvement, starting in the 1930s.
For more information, please contact school’s admission team at admit@exeter.edu .
As of June 30, 2023, Exeter's financial endowment stands at $1.5 billion; its $1.4 million endowment per student exceeds that of many colleges and universities. Exeter is also one of only two co-ed high schools in the United States employing need-blind admission, providing financial aid covering 100% of students' demonstrated financial need. Exeter's generous resources also allow the school to teach classes using the Harkness system, allowing a small group of students interacts with minimal teacher involvement, starting in the 1930s.
Where is Phillips Exeter Academy located?
Phillips Exeter Academy is located in the State of New Hampshire of USA. The closest major city is Boston, which is about 43 miles away from school. Most families can choose Logan International Airport to travel in and out of school.
How popular is Phillips Exeter Academy on the FindingSchool network?
Based on FindingSchool monthly traffic data as well as onsite search record, Phillips Exeter Academy is among the most popular schools, within top 18 for all schools on FindingSchool.
Also Phillips Exeter Academy has been favorited by 1070 users.
Also Phillips Exeter Academy has been favorited by 1070 users.
How do I complete an application for Phillips Exeter Academy?
The first stop is to carefully review the school profile on FindingSchool to learn more about Phillips Exeter Academy. Most of them are directly provided by the school.
Also it is highly recommended to visit Phillips Exeter Academy’s official site: http://www.exeter.edu or call them at 603-777-3437.
Also it is highly recommended to visit Phillips Exeter Academy’s official site: http://www.exeter.edu or call them at 603-777-3437.
Are there additional schools that are located close to Phillips Exeter Academy?
Yes, here are few:
Brooks School, The Governor's Academy and Phillips Academy Andover.
The closest major city is Boston. You can find out more schools near Boston here.
The closest major city is Boston. You can find out more schools near Boston here.
What is the FindingSchool rating for Phillips Exeter Academy?
The overall rating for Phillips Exeter Academy is A+.
The section ratings of Phillips Exeter Academy are:
A+ for Matriculation
A+ for Academics
A+ for Extracurriculum
A+ for Community
A for Students and Parents reviews
The section ratings of Phillips Exeter Academy are:
A+ for Matriculation
A+ for Academics
A+ for Extracurriculum
A+ for Community
A for Students and Parents reviews
Nearby City
Boston, the capital and largest city of Massachusetts, is the cultural and financial heart of New England. With a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, it is home to iconic landmarks such as the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and the Massachusetts State House. The city boasts prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT and is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving economy. Boston's blend of historical significance and modern innovation makes it one of the most influential cities in the U.S.
Population (2022)
609,023
Cost of Living
Higher than average 54%
Nearby Airport
Logan International Airport
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