Located in Andover, Massachusetts, Phillips Academy was founded in 1778,and is the oldest incorporated boarding school in the United States. Andover (as it is universally known) has the historic significance of being an original feeder school for Yale. It was also the first private secondary school to establish and implement a need-blind admission policy. Andover is able to meet 100% of a family’s demonstrated financial need by way of grants.

Like its arch-rival Exeter, Andover’s faculty is composed of 80% advanced degree–holders. The school, which also uses the Harkness method and is equally rich in tradition, offers a wide array of music classes—many students take private lessons through the prep school at nearby New England Conservatory. Beyond academics, all Andover students participate in a work-duty program and are assigned to different jobs throughout the year.

Percentage of students who board: 75%

Tuition, room, and board: $48,850

Percentage of students who receive some form of financial aid: 47%

Notable alumni: George W. Bush, Humphrey Bogart, Jack Lemmon, Julia Alvarez