Founded in 1778, Phillips Academy remains a cornerstone of American elite secondary education.

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known as Andover, this Massachusetts institution is the oldest incorporated academy in the United States. With a history rooted in the American Revolution, it has evolved from a Calvinist ministry school into a global prep powerhouse, maintaining a need-blind admission policy and a commitment to academic excellence for 1,150 students.

Established by Samuel Phillips Jr. in 1778, Phillips Academy was designed to educate students for the ministry during the upheaval of the American Revolutionary War. Its founders were deeply connected to the Patriot cause; Samuel Phillips and Eliphalet Pearson, the school's first head, even manufactured gunpowder for the Continental Army. The school’s seal, designed by Paul Revere, features a beehive and the motto Non Sibi, or 'not for oneself,' reflecting its early mission. For much of its history, the academy was closely linked to the Andover Theological Seminary, sharing a campus and board of directors until the seminary returned to Harvard in 1907.

The 20th century marked a period of significant transformation. Under headmasters like Cecil Bancroft and Alfred Stearns, the school expanded its campus and modernized its facilities, aided by a $10 million donation from banker Thomas Cochran. This era saw the school solidify its reputation as a premier college-preparatory institution. In 1973, Andover merged with its sister school, Abbot Academy, becoming co-educational. Today, the academy is known for its rigorous trimester-based curriculum, which offers 300 courses and a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, while de-emphasizing the Advanced Placement program in favor of curricular flexibility.

Modern Andover is characterized by its commitment to diversity and accessibility. Since 2007, the school has practiced need-blind admission, providing financial aid that covers 100% of demonstrated need for every admitted student. The student body is racially and socioeconomically diverse, though it remains relatively affluent, with 46.8% of students reporting family household incomes exceeding $250,000 per year. While the school has moved away from its early religious roots—abolishing mandatory religious services in the 1970s—it continues to uphold its legacy as a selective, nonsectarian institution, preparing students for top-tier universities through a blend of historic tradition and modern pedagogical approaches.

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