Exeter Summer FAQs

We invite you to explore some of the commonly asked questions below for more details about Exeter Summer.

To learn more about Exeter Summer, sign up for an upcoming informational session.

General Information

What are the dates for Exeter Summer?

The Exeter Summer dates are Monday, July 5 through Thursday, August 5, 2027.

Do I have to attend the entire Exeter Summer session?

Yes, you must attend the entire program. Students who leave before the official end of Exeter Summer will not receive grades and teachers’ comments or any form of refund.

Will I receive credit or a certificate after completing Exeter Summer?

No, Exeter Summer does not grant credit or issue a certificate of completion to students who complete the program. Those seeking credit should make prior arrangements with their schools. Students who complete the full program will receive grades and teachers’ comments.

Are Exeter Summer faculty current Phillips Exeter Academy teachers and coaches?

The Exeter Summer faculty are a mix of both current Phillips Exeter Academy teachers and coaches as well as others from a variety of middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities. A majority of our summer faculty return each session.

What is the Harkness method of teaching?

Harkness is a radically different approach to learning. Typically, twelve students and one teacher sit around an oval table and consider the subject they prepared for beforehand. Respect for every voice and collaborative problem-solving helps students take charge of their learning. Read more about Harkness.

How much homework will I have?

The average amount of homework is one hour per class each night. Therefore, you should expect up to three hours of homework per evening.

What are the dorms like?

Some dorms are large, accommodating 30 to 60 students and others are smaller for 10 to 20 students. Each dorm has shared bathrooms.

Depending on the size, each dorm has 1 to 5 resident faculty members and 2 to 5 affiliate dorm faculty members. Students are housed together based on grade level (Access Exeter and Upper School) and gender. The dorms are card access and students only have access to their assigned dorm. Note: Dorms do not have air conditioning and students cannot bring air conditioners.

Do I have to live on campus in order to attend Exeter Summer?

No, students who live close to Exeter can enroll as a day student and must provide their own transportation to and from campus.

Do day students take a different number of classes?

All students in Exeter Summer enroll in three academic classes. Boarding students are required to take an afternoon physical education class; this is optional for day students.

What is the day student experience like at Exeter Summer?

Day students make up about 15% of the student population and are very much a part of the everyday life of Exeter Summer. They, like all students, are equal participants in the classroom and extracurricular endeavors.

The program enables day students to share in as much of the campus and residential aspects as possible. Day students are assigned to a dorm and they are full members of that dorm. Participation in dorm activities and community events is highly encouraged. Day students are expected to be off campus by dorm check-in time unless they have permission from the dorm faculty member on duty.

What are the technology requirements?

Students are required to bring a laptop, Chromebook or tablet to Exeter Summer. Some courses require specific technology; review course requirements in the Access Exeter Course Catalog or Upper School Course Catalog.

Should I bring a cell phone to Exeter Summer?

Cell phones are required and students must bring a cell phone with a U.S. based number that can receive calls and texts. If your child does not currently have a cell phone with a U.S. based number, an option is purchasing a pre-paid phone or sim card for use during the program.

What is your cell phone policy?

While cell phones are required, they must be stored completely out of sight (e.g., in backpacks, closed bags) or kept in other locations (e.g., dorm rooms) during all required student appointments. Phones may not be accessed or used in any way during a required appointment unless directed by an adult who is supervising the required appointment. Examples of required  appointments include school assemblies, academic and PE classes, labs, advisories, field trips (excluding transportation), rehearsals, performances (for participants), student orientation programs and required dorm activities.