Phillips Exeter Academy (Top Ranked 草榴社区 School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked NH School
School Type: Alternative School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,106 students
Yearly Tuition: $71,797
Acceptance rate: 17%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15
Source: 鉁�Verified school update

School Rankings

Phillips Exeter Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for:

School Facts

School Type

Alternative School

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Phillips Exeter Academy
9	225
10	252
11	304
12	325

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Offers Post-Graduate Year

Yes

Year Founded

1781

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

Campus Size

700 acres

School Motto

Non Sibi

Student Body

Total Students

1,106 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

55%

State avg.: 18%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

242 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

5:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

93%

Average Class Size

12 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

List of Courses Offered

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15

Yearly Tuition Cost

$71,797

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

$56,077 for day students

% on Financial Aid

49%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$60,036

Acceptance Rate

17%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Matti Donkor

Admissions Associate

Phillips Exeter Academy

Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered

22 sports

Colors

Gray, Maroon

School Mascot

Big Red

School Notes

The founder of Phillips Exeter Academy defined its mission more than two centuries ago.
"Above all," John Phillips stated, "it is expected that the attention of instructors to the disposition of the minds and morals of the youth under their charge will exceed every other care; well considering that though goodness without knowledge is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous, and that both united form the noblest character, and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind." It seeks students who combine proven academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and tenacity with decency and good character.
At the Academy, exacting inquiry and thoughtful discourse foster the life of the mind, instruction and activity promote fitness and health, and the daily interactions of a residential school nurture integrity, empathy, and kindness.
Because learning and growth at Exeter arise from each individual's engagement with others, the richness of education here requires diversity in all its dimensions; students and faculty value the differences they bring to the community they share.

Phillips Exeter Academy is a co-educational residential school with students from the U.S. and over 30 foreign countries. Exeter has a centuries-old tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to empowering Exonians to find their place in the world.
We are a community that celebrates curiosity and cultivates potential. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1, more than 450 courses in 18 subject areas, and the opportunity to study on five continents, Exeter provides unparalleled opportunities for discovery and exploration, of both self and subject matter.
We provide need-based financial aid that makes it possible for talented students to attend Exeter regardless of their family`s finances. Exeter works with families from all economic backgrounds to make tuition affordable. And, an Exeter education is generally free to any accepted student whose family income is $150,000 or less. We encourage all interested students to apply, regardless of their ability to pay.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mark Zuckerberg - Founder and CEO, Facebook
- Dan Brown - Bestselling Author, The Da Vinci Code
- Pauline Chiou - Award-winning Anchor and Correspondent, CNN Hong Kong
- Win Butler - Lead Vocalist and Songwriter of Grammy Award-winning band Arcade Fire
- John Knowles - Author, A Separate Peace
- John Irving - Bestselling Author and Academy Award-winning Screenwriter, The World According to Garp, The Cider House Rules
- Suzy Welch - Bestselling Author, Television Commentator and Noted Business Journalist
- Pierre S. Du Pont - President, Du Pont; Chair and President, General Motors Corporation
- Robert Todd Lincoln - Son of President Abraham Lincoln, US Secretary of War
- Daniel Webster - US Senator from Massachusetts

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Phillips Exeter Academy cost?

Phillips Exeter Academy's tuition is approximately $71,797 for private students.

What schools are Phillips Exeter Academy often compared to?

Phillips Exeter Academy is often viewed alongside schools like St. Paul's School by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Phillips Exeter Academy?

The acceptance rate of Phillips Exeter Academy is 17%, which is lower than the national average of 74%. Phillips Exeter Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New Hampshire with low acceptance rates.

Who are famous alumni from Phillips Exeter Academy?

Phillips Exeter Academy famous alumni include: Mark Zuckerberg, Dan Brown, Pauline Chiou, Win Butler, John Knowles, John Irving, Suzy Welch, Pierre S. Du Pont, Robert Todd Lincoln and Daniel Webster.

Does Phillips Exeter Academy offer a summer program?

Yes, Phillips Exeter Academy offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.

What sports does Phillips Exeter Academy offer?

Phillips Exeter Academy offers 22 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling. Phillips Exeter Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for most sports offered.

What is Phillips Exeter Academy's ranking?

Phillips Exeter Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Hampshire for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.

When is the application deadline for Phillips Exeter Academy?

The application deadline for Phillips Exeter Academy is Jan. 15.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Rockingham County, NH is $19,359 for elementary schools and $31,435 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Rockingham County, NH is 67% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).