Phillips Exeter Academy

Exeter was the best school experience I could have ever asked for. It was extremely challenging yet equally rewarding.
--Submitted by a student

Exeter is the finest secondary school in the United States by almost every measure. I would not recommend it for every student however. It is not a "touchy feely" academic environment. Be prepared to work very hard as it is widely considered to have the most rigorous core curriculum of any secondary school. As previous reviewers have mentioned, college work will be quite easy by comparison. I attended the University of Chicago after graduating from PEA and was grossly over prepared for undergrad. My eldest children graduated from the academy in recent years and are both very proud Exonians. It is worth noting that if you are not VERY socially liberal you will find few likeminded individuals at the Academy. Cultural relativity is preached with fanaticism and any deviation from that is strictly verboten. The advisor for the Republican club (a libertarian) was recently banned from Exeter's campus for extremely fallacious reasons so be prepared to battle an extremely liberal faculty and administration. If your family/children have moderate views or deviate in any way from leftist ideology be prepared to be a "Harkness Warrior" if fortunate enough to be accepted.
--Submitted by a parent

The best school on the planet. Not going here is a sorry mistake.
--Submitted by a student

I consider Exeter to be the greatest decision I have ever made. I graduated in 2007 after 4 years and have missed it ever since. The academics are certainly rigorous, as is the 6 day schedule, but it really brings everyone together and creates a community that is unbeatable. I felt as though I matured not only academically, but as a person as well. The Harkness method forces all students to be engaged, and to be confident and articulate in expressing their point of view. While faculty and advisors are always caring and available, they are not overbearing, leaving the student to manage his own time and priorities. The confidence and maturity built at Exeter are qualities which will carry you through life. I cannot stress enough how amazing the Exeter experience was overall, and how much I would recommend it to any gifted student!
--Submitted by a student

PEA is a decent place to let your children learn and grow together
--Submitted by a parent

The best choice I have ever made in my short life was to come to Exeter. Faculty is college level but yet still very involved with the students. This school is not for the faint of heart though. Also I wouldn't recomend it for the perfectionists, because you can't do everything at Exeter and you will have a breakdown if you try. You can't get all A's either. It actually teaches you to look at the bigger picture and make choices. Exeter will over prepare for college too, to a point where college is like a walk in the park compared to Exeter.
--Submitted by a student

My son went to PEA for 3 years (boarding) and is now attending an Ivy League school. College (even the Ivies) don't come close to the Exeter experience. My son still 'misses' Exeter, but in a very good way--like you miss those you love. He loved Exeter. Very rigorous academically (it's hard!) but life-changing.
--Submitted by a parent

PEA is simply the finest private boarding school in the country. Four years at Exeter prepared me for all aspects of my future education. After Exeter, college and law school were a walk in the park (academically speaking). The campus and facilities put most colleges to shame.
--Submitted by a former student

Exeter is a fine institution. This being said its not for the faint of heart. Shirt and Tie dress code and Saturday classes are two examples of this. Students who know they will pursue English, Mathematics or Science in college will find themselves quite well prepared. Do not attend Exeter if you wish to pursue Computer Science or have any interest in networking. The IT department is more inept and corrupt than any outsider would think. The principal spends more of his time with alumni seeking contributions than he does worrying about the students. No one student is important to Exeter. Since they have so many kids applying they feel and act as though you can be easily replaced.
--Submitted by Marty, a former student

This is an excellent school with high acaedemics. Any one ready for acedemic challanges as well as in sports should apply to this school. One of the best high schools in the nation.
--Submitted by a student