Phillips Exeter Academy

Exeter, New Hampshire · Day and boarding · Co-ed · Grades 9–12, PG

Phillips Exeter Academy was founded in 1781 in Exeter, New Hampshire. For 2026-27 it enrolls 1,096 students, of whom 890 board and 206 attend as day students. Teaching is organized around the Harkness method of discussion-based classes, and the student-teacher ratio is 6:1. The school admits students to grades 9 through 12 and a postgraduate year. Testing is required, with the accepted tests depending on grade; English proficiency scores are strongly recommended for non-native speakers. Admission is need-blind; international applicants follow the same process as domestic applicants, and the school meets 100% of demonstrated need with grants. The application deadline is January 15.

• Classes taught around the Harkness table
• Entry points at grades 9–12 and a postgraduate year
• Need-blind admission; families earning under $150,000 pay no tuition
• 6:1 student-teacher ratio
• About 890 of 1,096 students board (2026-27)