Phillips Academy Andover - Review #4

Phillips Academy Andover has a nonsibi day in April. We don’t have any classes but instead volunteer for special events and for each grade it is a different theme. One of the schools mottos is nonsibi which means not for self. It’s a really special way that Andover puts their motto to work.

It gave me the space to be able to explore who I wanted to be. It wasn’t a very judge mental environment which made it easier for me to figure out who I wanted to be. There’s also a lot of resources like therapists on campus to help with the process. I learned how to love myself and be happy with who I am. I made friends who I know are friends for life.

I would have spread out instead of remaining friends with the same people. Towards the end of my time I became friends with more people as I became more open minded. I just wish that earlier on I would’ve left my comfort zone more. I also wish I would’ve asked for help earlier. My advice to kids going to boarding school is that yes you are smart for being able to get in but being smart does not mean not asking for help. We all need help and there is no shame in that. So ask questions, meet with your teachers, talk to an adult you trust when things get difficult, and let people in. You have all these amazing resources so use them!

My favorite part was the people. I met so many amazing students and adults that have helped me become a better person. Of course not everyone was kind but that was the minority. There’s lot of kind, compassionate and caring people who helped make high school more enjoyable.

Say thank you to the dining hall workers and make sure to clean up after yourself!! Perfectos bagels are the most delicious breakfast food but you have to get there early so it’s not all taken.

I enjoyed the small classroom sizes as they really helped with the connection you build with a teacher. They know you more personally as a person and not just student. It also makes it easier to ask for help when confused. This also helps students who are more shy be able to speak up. There is a heavy workload and a bit of a competitive environment because of its college prep nature.

Students are required to do a sport each term. There’s a wide variety from varsity sports to life sports like Zumba or yoga. There is a rivalry between Phillips Academy Andover and Exeter but it is a friendly rivalry. A new facility was built with and indoor track and squash courts and a new aquatic facility is being built with a new pool.

Each term there is a play performed. Every two years there’s a production of the Nutcracker. Each year there is Grasshopper in which different groups perform based on a theme. Previous themes have been the 2000s, good vs evil, and the future. Throughout the year there are smaller dance and acapella shows. There’s an art and music requirement.

There are many activities but you also have the chance to create a club. At the beginning of each term there is an opportunity to sign up for community service activities.

Freshmen live in freshman dorms with a couple upperclassmen as support systems. On the weekend you are allowed to stay out later. At the end of each year there is a lottery system to move dorms. Different dorms have different levels of dorm spirit

There is one dining hall with two floors and four different seating sections. There is a wide variety of food choices. If you have certain food restrictions there is a nutritionist to help navigate meal times.

It’s a very small town but each weekend there’s a farmers market. There are many places to get food from.

Each weekend there’s a bunch of activities hosted by the school or trips to places off campus. There is a lot of schoolwork which can make it hard to find time to spend with friends but the friends you do make are wonderful.