Phillips Exeter Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy (also called Exeter or PEA) is a coeducational independent boarding school located in Exeter, New Hampshire. It is considered by many to be one of the finest secondary schools in the United States. It was established in 1781 by John and Elizabeth Phillips. Due to this, it shares a long standing (and friendly) rivalry with sister school, Phillips Academy, also known as Andover.
Like Andover, the school's primary Latin motto is Finis Origine Pendet, meaning "the end depends upon the beginning," and it is scrolled across the bottom of the school seal. The school's secondary motto, Non Sibi, located in the sun, means "not for one's self." Exeter graduates may, if they wish, receive a class ring with the school seal with the text "Sigill Phillip Exoniensis Academiae - Nov Han 1781" surrounding.
Since a 1930 gift by Edward Harkness, the school's principal mode of instruction has been by discussion around an oval table (known as the "Harkness table").
Phillips Exeter has been co-educational since 1970; prior to that time, it was an all-boys school.
The school is also known for its library, designed by Louis Kahn.
Philips Exeter was the inspiration for the Devon School in John Knowles' novels, A Separate Peace and Peace Breaks Out.
Notable Alumni
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