Phillips Exeter Academy

Phillips Exeter Academy (also called Exeter or PEA) is a co-educational independent boarding school located on 471 acres (1.9 km²) in Exeter, New Hampshire, USA, one hour north of Boston.

Educational approach

Since a 1930 gift by the oil magnate and philanthropist Edward Harkness, the Academy's principal mode of instruction has been by discussion, "seminar style," around an oval table known as the "Harkness table". The completion of the Phelps Science Center in 2001 meant that all science classes, previously the only ones taught in a more conventional layout, could be conducted around the same oval tables. Classes are restricted to small sizes to encourage participation of all the students. "Harkness" classes are Exeter's trademark, and feature both heavily in the school's identity and day-to-day life; many schools have attempted to adopt similar methods, although at no other school is the "Harkness" method so heavily incorporated into the teaching philosphy. Phillips Exeter has been co-educational since 1970, prior to which it was an all-boys school; in 1995 the Latin inscription over the main "Academy Building" was rephrased in gender-inclusive language to reflect the school's coeducational status.

Related Topics:
1930 - Edward Harkness - Harkness table - 1970

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The Academy's self-described international perspective is reflected in the student body and the numerous study abroad programs offered. Currently, 31 different countries and five continents are represented in the student body. In addition to the traditional year-long programs offered in China, Spain, Italy and France through the School Year Abroad program, the Academy sponsors semester-long programs in Stratford, England; Grenoble, France; Krasnodar, Russia; Göttingen, Germany; and Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Related Topics:
China - Spain - Italy - France

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Athletics are an important part of the school's history. The Exeter/Andover football rivalry is one of the oldest in the country. Exeter's hockey, lacrosse, and crew teams are also a source of pride. The Academy has produced Olympians and professional athletes.

Related Topics:
Hockey - Lacrosse - Crew - Olympians

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The campus is known for its modern library, designed by Louis Kahn. At present, the Class of 1945 Library houses 145,000 volumes and has a shelf capacity of 250,000 volumes. It has a unique architectural shape, formed to resemble four books resting against each other. It is the largest secondary school library in the world.

Related Topics:
Library - Louis Kahn - Class of 1945 Library

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