- Friday, September 26: Senior Boat Cruise (see Senior Scoop for details)
- Friday, October 10: Midterm
- Friday–Sunday, October 17–19: Family Weekend
- Monday, October 20: No classes. Boarding students check in by 9:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 21: No classes. Boarding students check in by 9:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 22: No classes. PSAT exam for uppers (11th graders). Boarding students check in by 8 p.m.
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You can read The Phillipian, Phillips Academy’s weekly student-run newspaper, online! Stay up to date on the latest campus news every Friday from September until the end of May. Subscribe to the newspaper here or visit the website. You can also find the link in the The Hive.
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Family Weekend Is a Month Away! |
We look forward to welcoming families back to campus in just a few weeks for Family Weekend. Join us October 17–19 for classroom visits, student performances, athletic events, and much more. Register now!
Schedule of Events: The schedule for Family Weekend can be found here and on the Andover Event Guides app. Events/programs will continue to be added once confirmed, so check back often for updates.
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Download the Andover Event Guides app (Apple App Store or Google Play)
- Open the app and tap Find Guides (magnifying glass in bottom right corner of the app).
- Tap the Have a passphrase? button.
- Type the passphrase Andover1778.
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Be sure to accept notifications so you will receive notice of any venue or schedule changes. You can customize your weekend visit by using the My Schedule option within the guide.
You can also reference the Family Weekend FAQ document for answers to frequently asked questions.
Please note that students do NOT have classes on Monday, October 20, Tuesday, October 21, or Wednesday, October 22. Considerations:
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- Student athletes must return for Tuesday afternoon practices and Wednesday competitions.
- Boarding students taking the PSAT must return by Tuesday, October 21, at 9:30 p.m.
- No community engagement is scheduled Monday–Wednesday.
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No music rehearsals on Monday or Tuesday afternoons. Students with private lessons should confirm attendance with their instructor.
- All boarding students must check in by 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
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If you have additional Family Weekend questions, please feel free to email us.
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A PSAT exam will be offered to PA 11th graders on Wednesday, October 22. Registration is open now through Wednesday, September 24. Students have received a registration link via email. The $28 exam fee will be deducted from your student’s Course Materials Account.
The PSAT is a practice exam for the SAT. It tests the same skills and knowledge and can be a predictor of how one would score if they took the SAT. This will be a digital exam that students will take on their own device, Windows laptop or tablet, Mac laptop, or iPad. Specific instructions will be given to registered students. Tenth graders will be offered a practice PSAT in the spring. For complete details, click here.
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Navigating the College Admissions Process |
The College Counseling Office invites families to attend a free webinar on Thursday, September 25, at 7 p.m. To register, click here. Additional details are provided below.
Navigating the college admissions process can be complex and challenging. To help guide you through this critical journey, the Eastern Independent Secondary School Counseling Admission Personnel (EISSCAP) is pleased to offer a special webinar featuring Jeff Selingo, bestselling author and leading authority on higher education.
About Jeff Selingo: Selingo is an award-winning journalist and former editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education. With over two decades of experience researching college admissions and the future of higher education, Selingo has authored bestselling books that provide essential insights for students and families. An earlier book, the acclaimed Who Gets In and Why, explores the complex factors that influence college admissions decisions today.
His latest book, Dream School (released September 2025), builds upon his prior work by offering a fresh, hopeful perspective focused on helping students find the right college fit — one that aligns with their individual goals, talents, and values. Taken together, Selingo’s work aims to empower families to approach the process with clarity and confidence.
In this live session, Selingo will share expert analysis and commentary from both Who Gets In and Why and Dream College, provide practical strategies for navigating today’s admissions landscape, and offer guidance tailored specifically for parents supporting their high school students.
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Family Webinar Series: PA’s Travel-Based Programs |
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Join us on Wednesday, October 15, at noon, for an overview of travel-based programs supported by the Learning in the World (LITW) and Academy Travel Opportunities (ATO) office.
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Led by LITW and ATO director Mark Culter, this session will cover key requirements, deadlines, and planning tips for families as they and their students gear up for these transformative experiences, including LITW March break and summer programs, LITW affiliate programs, Performing in the World, and March break preseason training trips. Whether you're new to these programs or looking for updates, this is a great chance to learn more and ask questions.
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- November 12 (time TBD): Family Allyship for LGBTQIA+ School Community Members
- January 14 at noon: Academic Skills Center
- February 11 at noon: Student Mental Health
- March 4 at noon: Topic TBD
- April 15 at noon: Student Learning in Action at the Addison & Peabody Museums
- May 6 at noon: Advising and Course Selection
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We are currently seeking host families for some wonderful international students. This is a great opportunity for both the international students and their host families, as many long-lasting friendships are often formed!
If you are interested in serving as a host family, please complete this Host Family Volunteer Form. To learn more, you can view the Host Family Program segment of the Family Webinar Series here. Questions? Please email Gina Finocchiaro, international student coordinator.
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PA will host a College Fair on Monday, September 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Snyder Center. Meet representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities from around the world. View a list of registered schools here. The fair is open to the public and admission is free. Once on campus, follow the signs to available parking. Please note that students cannot miss any PA commitments to attend the College Fair.
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Theatre & Dance Performances |
Save the date! All are encouraged to attend the following Term 1 performances.
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THD911 Staged Reading Performances
Showtimes: Wednesday, October 8, time TBD and Wednesday, October 29, time TBD
Venue: Evans DeFelice Theatre Classroom, George Washington Hall (lower level)
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Sylvia Reclaimed, Dance MainStage Performance
Showtimes: Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Cristina A. Rubio Dance Studio, Pan Athletic Center
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The SpongeBob Musical, Theatre MainStage Performance
Showtimes: Thursday, November 13, at 7 p.m., Friday, November 14 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m.
Venue: Tang Theatre, George Washington Hall
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THD210: Introduction to Theatre & Dance Showcase
Showtime: Saturday, November 15 at 5 p.m.
Venue: Evans DeFelice Theatre Classroom, George Washington Hall (lower level)
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Private Lessons: The ADD/DROP deadline for Term 1 lessons is Monday, September 29, at 8 a.m.
Don’t miss two Family Weekend concerts being held in Cochran Chapel that will feature our remarkably talented student musicians:
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Academy Orchestras and Wind Ensemble Concert: Friday, October 17, at 7:45 p.m.
- Concert of Choral Music: Saturday, October 18, at 7:45 p.m.
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To view the Term 1 Music Performance calendar, click here. Questions? Please email the Department of Music.
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Order the 2026 Pot Pourri, Phillips Academy’s full-color yearbook, here. Enter school code 3591 if prompted. Yearbooks will be delivered to campus in May.
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Families of seniors—stay informed! This section keeps you in the loop about important events and milestones in your student’s final year.
Senior Boat Cruise on Friday, September 26: This boat cruise in Boston Harbor is a free senior class event. There is no dress code, but most students enjoy making it a “dressy” event. Buses will depart from the George Washington Hall circle at 7 p.m. and return by 11 p.m. Students must participate in all afternoon sports commitments, community engagement activities, and music rehearsals on this day. Questions? Email the Student Activities Office.
Senior Portraits: Portraits for the yearbook are due by January 1, 2026. You may have your student’s photo taken by a photographer of your choice—or take it yourself! Photos can be emailed to us directly. We will also offer photo shoots with our student yearbook staff later this fall. More details are available in the Class of 2026 Info Flyer.
Yearbook Family Tribute Messages: Celebrate your senior with a tribute page (additional cost). Instructions are in the Class of 2026 Info Flyer.
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Spiritual & Religious Gatherings |
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1–1:25 p.m.—Muslim Student Association (MSA) Jummah Prayer: Led by Noureddine El Alam. Meditation Room, lower level of Cochran Chapel (enter from left side of building)
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5:15 p.m.—Jewish Student Union (JSU) Shabbat Celebration: Led by members of the JSU and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg. Paul’s Room, Paresky Commons (second floor)
- 5:30–6:30 p.m.—MSA Dinner & Discussion: Led by Noureddine El Alam and members of the MSA. Ada’s Room, Paresky Commons (second floor).
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- 11:30 a.m.—Protestant Worship: Led by Rev. Gina M. Finocchiaro, Protestant chaplain. Cochran Chapel
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6:15 p.m.—Catholic Mass: Overseen by Dr. Mary Kantor, Catholic chaplain, with presider Fr. Jack O’Brien and other guest priests from the Archdiocese of Boston. Kemper Chapel, lower level of Cochran Chapel (enter from left side of building).
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Confirmation Program: The Catholic Chaplaincy provides a Confirmation program to all Catholic students who wish to be confirmed. This is a full academic year program that culminates in a Confirmation Mass on campus, presided over by our area bishop from the Archdiocese of Boston. The class meets each Sunday from 4:45 to 6 p.m. followed by the 6:15 p.m. Sunday Mass. (Arrangements are made for dinner.) Classes will begin in early October. All high school grade levels (including postgraduates) are welcome to take part in this program. Students interested in the Confirmation program should email Dr. Mary Kantor for more information.
Coming Up!
Monday, September 22, at 5:30 p.m.
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Jewish Student Union Rosh Hashanah Service and Dinner: Please join the Jewish Student Union and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg for a Rosh Hashanah service followed by dinner. This celebration marks the Jewish new year. Kemper Chapel, lower level of Cochran Chapel.
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Wednesday, October 1, at 5:15 p.m.
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- Jewish Student Union Yom Kippur Service: Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, begins at sundown on October 11 and continues through sundown on October 12. Dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m., followed by Yom Kippur service at 6 p.m. hosted by the JSU and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg. Kemper Chapel, lower level of Cochran Chapel.
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| Read the latest headlines and happenings from campus at Andover Today.
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Join Us at the Addison Gallery! |
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All are invited to the Addison Gallery this Saturday, September 20, from 4 to 6 p.m., for drinks and light refreshments to celebrate the opening of the fall exhibitions, meet artist-in-residence Tommy Kha, and explore the galleries with colleagues, family, and friends. Free and open to the public.
Find additional upcoming Addison public programming on our website, including virtual and in-person curator tours and artist talks.
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- September 26 in New York: 25th Annual Brides’ March Non Sibi Project with the Af-Lat-Am Committee of Alumni Council
- September 29 —Virtual: Blue Runs Deep: Nonprofits & Philanthropy
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October 4 in New York: Naval Cemetery Landscape Cleanup Non Sibi Project with Roderic L. Rolett ’75.
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October 7 in Boston: Steering Toward the Future: Andover’s Framework for 21st-Century Learning with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27, and Nicholas Zufelt, Instructor in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
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October 23 —Virtual: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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November 10 on Campus: 16th Annual Veterans Day Program & Dinner (a hybrid event)
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Keep an eye on the Academy’s Events Calendar for more campus and regional gatherings.
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| Upcoming Events
Campus Closet help needed this weekend: If you’re able to volunteer for a shift in the shop this weekend—Volunteer Summit Weekend—please sign up here. Special Campus Closet store hours:
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Friday, September 19, 1–5 p.m.
- Saturday, September 20: Noon–3 p.m.
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Our online shop is now open 24/7. We offer free delivery on campus, so go ahead and kit out your student’s dorm room! All proceeds from Campus Closet fund the work of the PSPA.
Family Weekend: The Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (PSPA) is looking forward to welcoming families back to campus October 17–19. Special PSPA-sponsored events:
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General Meeting, Social & Mixer at Andover Inn: Friday, October 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Thriving at Andover Forum at Kemper Auditorium: Friday, October 17, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
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Parent Reception with Family Giving Office at Addison Gallery: Saturday, October 18, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
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Other PSPA Volunteer Opportunities: There are numerous ways to get involved with the PSPA. Sign up here to be notified about opportunities to volunteer.
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We’re currently accepting nominations for the following positions: Class of 2028 and Class of 2029 representatives, marketing and social media director, and treasurer secretary. If you’d like to nominate yourself or someone else, please use this link.
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If you have some time to assist the PSPA remotely with its marketing activities, please email us.
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Follow us on Facebook (@Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (Andover)) and Instagram (@pspa_campuscloset).
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The Office of Family Engagement is here to support you throughout the school year. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email Director Jennifer Vasquez or call 978-749-4068.
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Phillips Academy
180 Main St. | Andover, MA 01810 US
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You received this message because you are a valued member of the Andover community. We are obligated to communicate with you, and require you to be on our email list while your student(s) attends Phillips Academy. For more information contact the Dean of Studies Office.
© 2025
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