Phillips Academy

Phillips Academy
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Name	Phillips Academy
Motto	Non Sibi, Finis Origine Pendet
Established	1778
Type	Independent, boarding and day school
Head	Raynard S. Kington
City	Andover
State	Massachusetts
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 500 acres
Enrollment	1,150
Faculty	220
Colors	Blue and white
Nickname	Big Blue
Website	andover.edu

Phillips Academy. Founded in 1778 during the American Revolution by Samuel Phillips Jr., it is one of the oldest incorporated boarding schools in the United States. The academy's founding motto, "Non Sibi" (Not for Self), and its classical curriculum were designed to prepare young men for leadership in the new republic. It later merged with the neighboring Abbot Academy in 1973, becoming coeducational and significantly expanding its campus and educational mission.

History

The school was chartered just two years after the Declaration of Independence, with its first classes held in 1779. Early instruction emphasized Latin, Greek, theology, and mathematics, aiming to produce learned citizens for the nascent nation. Throughout the 19th century, under headmasters like Cecil F. P. Bancroft, the curriculum evolved, incorporating more sciences and modern languages. A significant transformation occurred in 1973 with its merger with the historic Abbot Academy, founded in 1829, which brought female students and a new era of coeducation. The school's history is deeply intertwined with figures like Paul Revere, who engraved its seal, and George Washington, who visited the campus in 1789.

Campus

The 500-acre campus in Andover, Massachusetts, features a blend of historic and modern architecture. Central landmarks include the Samuel Phillips Hall, the George Washington Hall, and the Cochran Chapel, a Gothic Revival building. The Addison Gallery of American Art, established in 1931, houses a significant collection including works by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Other notable facilities include the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library, the Gelb Science Center, and extensive athletic complexes like the Snyder Center and Phelps Stadium. The campus also encompasses woodlands, the Bird Sanctuary, and the Cottage cluster for student housing.

Academics

The academic program is rigorous, offering over 300 courses across disciplines. A distinctive feature is the required year-long interdisciplinary course, "History 300," which all upperclass students take. The school maintains an extensive study abroad network, including programs at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, and partnerships in France, China, and Spain. The Tang Institute fosters educational innovation, while the Office of Community and Multicultural Development supports inclusive programming. Faculty are actively engaged in scholarship, and the student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 5:1, facilitating close mentorship.

Student life

Students participate in a wide array of activities beyond the classroom. The school fields 81 interscholastic teams across 30 sports, with historic rivalries against Phillips Exeter Academy in events like the annual Andover-Exeter football game. Over 100 student-run clubs exist, ranging from debate with the Philomathean Society to publications like *The Phillipian*. All students participate in a community engagement requirement, volunteering with organizations in the Merrimack Valley. Residential life is organized into five clusters of dormitories, fostering close-knit communities. Major annual events include Andover/Exeter Weekend, Campus Day, and performances by the Academy Chamber Orchestra.

Notable alumni

Graduates have achieved prominence in numerous fields. In government and public service, alumni include former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, and former Supreme Court Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist. Literary figures include authors John Updike and Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.. The arts are represented by photographer Walker Evans, painter Frank Stella, and actor Humphrey Bogart. In science and innovation, alumni include Nobel laureate George F. Smoot and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse. Other distinguished graduates include Union Army general Oliver Otis Howard and CIA director Richard Helms.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1778 Category:Boarding schools in Massachusetts