Differentiating Among Prestigious U.S. Private Preparatory Schools: Andover, Exeter, Deerfield, and Choate

The United States is home to some of the most prestigious private preparatory schools, among which Andover, Exeter, Deerfield, and Choate stand out. These institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and successful college placement records. However, each school brings its unique features, cultural emphases, and offerings to the table. Let's explore these differences and similarities.

Phillips Academy Andover

Location: Andover, Massachusetts

Founded: 1778

Notable Features:

One of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in the United States Offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses Strong emphasis on the arts and athletics Diverse student body with a global perspective Notable alumni: George H.W. Bush, John Adams, and numerous prominent figures in various fields

Phillips Exeter Academy

Location: Exeter, New Hampshire

Founded: 1781

Notable Features:

Knows for the Harkness teaching method, promoting discussion-based learning around oval tables Strong academic reputation, particularly in humanities and sciences Emphasizes character development and community service Offers a robust arts program and a range of extracurricular activities Notable alumni: Franklin Pierce, Daniel Webster, and numerous influential politicians and business leaders

Deerfield Academy

Location: Deerfield, Massachusetts

Founded: 1797

Notable Features:

Known for its strong academic curriculum and emphasis on character education Offers a balanced program of academics, athletics, and arts Smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community Strong emphasis on leadership and service Notable alumni: Emily Dickinson, John Adams, and various leaders in business and politics

Choate Rosemary Hall

Location: Wallingford, Connecticut

Founded: 1890

Notable Features:

Known for its innovative curriculum and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning Offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including arts, athletics, and leadership programs Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion Has a robust college counseling program and a high college matriculation rate Notable alumni: John F. Kennedy, Adlai Stevenson, and various influential figures in the arts and sciences

Summary

Academic Focus: While all four schools emphasize rigorous academics, Exeter's Harkness method is particularly notable for its discussion-based learning approach.

Community Size: Deerfield's smaller student body fosters a closer community, in contrast to Andover and Exeter, which have larger populations.

Cultural Emphasis: Each school has a unique cultural emphasis. Andover and Exeter are often seen as more traditional, while Choate is noted for its innovation in curriculum and methods.

Extracurriculars: All schools offer various extracurricular activities, but each excels in its own unique areas, particularly in arts and athletics.

Ultimately, the choice among these schools will depend on individual student needs and interests, as well as the specific culture or community a student is seeking.