- 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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Cards Delivered This Week |
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Did you write a note to your student during Opening of School—either at New Student Orientation or the Returning Family Meet-Up? If so, those cards will be delivered this week!
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We are currently seeking host families for international students. We have students from more than 45 countries including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, and so many more! This is a great opportunity for both the international students and their host families, as many long-lasting friendships are often formed.
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If you are interested in serving as a host family, please complete this Host Family Volunteer Form. We particularly need host families for the Thanksgiving break. 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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Get Ready for Family Weekend |
Family Weekend, October 17–19, provides a unique glimpse into your student’s daily life at Andover. Join us for classroom visits, student performances, athletic events, and much more. Register here today!
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 exam must return by Tuesday, October 21, at 9:30 p.m.
- No community engagement activities are 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 sign 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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Tonight! Free College Admissions Webinar |
The College Counseling Office invites families to attend a free webinar tonight, 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, best-selling 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 Cutler, 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.
Start of School Session: Did you miss the Start of School session? You can view the recording here.
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Fall College Fair on Monday
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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: Three 7 p.m. performances: Thursday, November 13, Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15.
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. Please view our Private Music Lesson Policy.
September & October Music Events
Join us for these free public events:
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- Student Recital—Wednesday, September 24, at 1:45 p.m. in John Barry Performance Hall, Falls Music Center
- Student Recital—Wednesday, October 15, at 1:45 p.m. in John Barry Performance Hall, Falls Music Center
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Academy Orchestras and Wind Ensemble Concert (Family Weekend)—Friday, October 17, at 7:45 p.m. in Cochran Chapel
- Concert of Choral Music (Family Weekend)—Saturday, October 18, at 7:45 p.m. in Cochran Chapel
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All concert livestreams will be available to on MediaSpace.
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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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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.
Class Rings: You can purchase a class ring for your senior through our vendor, Herff Jones. A representative will be on campus during Family Weekend in October. Questions? Please email Mike McCann.
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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)
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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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9:30 a.m.—Protestant Worship at Christ Church Andover: Join Rev. Gina M. Finocchiaro, Protestant chaplain, this Sunday for our first monthly visit to a local congregation of different faith traditions to round out our Protestant Worship. We’ll visit the Christ Church Andover, part of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Meet at 9:30 a.m. on the steps of Cochran Chapel to walk over for the 10 a.m. service. All are welcome!
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6:15 p.m.—Latin@-Themed Catholic Mass: Join the Catholic community in celebrating Latin Arts and Cultural Heritage through language, prayer, music, and art at Mass followed by fellowship and food at 7 p.m. Overseen by Dr. Mary Kantor, Catholic chaplain, with presider Fr. Jack O’Brien and other guest priests from the Archdiocese of Boston. All are welcome! Kemper Chapel, lower level of Cochran Chapel (enter from left side of building).
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Coming Up!
Wednesday, October 1, at 5 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 at 5 p.m. in Paul’s Room, Paresky Commons, followed by Yom Kippur service at 6:15 p.m. in the Underwood Room. Hosted by the JSU and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg.
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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 Sunday, October 5. 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.
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| Read the latest headlines and happenings from campus at Andover Today.
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Check Out the Peabody Newsletter |
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The current issue of the Peabody Institute of Archaeology’s monthly newsletter is now available! Interested in receiving future newsletters directly from the Peabody? Sign up for our newsletter today.
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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
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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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October 28 in Denver: Steering Toward the Future: A Leadership Conversation with Charter Trustee David J. Corkins ’84, P’25, and 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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News from 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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Shop Campus Closet this Friday! Don’t forget to stock up on new PA gear at the store tomorrow from 1 to 5 p.m. (located on the lower level of George Washington Hall) or online, open 24/7. We offer free delivery to your student’s dorm room. All proceeds from Campus Closet fund the work of the PSPA.
Volunteer at Campus Closet: Campus Closet relies on parent volunteers to operate and raise funds for the PA community. If you’re able to volunteer for a shift in the shop, please sign up here.
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 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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