Exeter's Immediate Priorities

Exeter's academic support resources extend beyond The Learning Center, of course. Jonathan Nydick, the Academy’s Learning Specialist since 2017, works with students in select content areas and in study skills development, including memory, note taking, test taking, and reading. Nydick has jokingly referred to his role as “somewhere between an emergency room doctor and a relief pitcher.” In other words, he helps fill in the gaps by delivering highly-individualized student support.

Thoughtful gift to The Exeter Fund’s Immediate Priorities designation sustains the Exeter experience for each and every student. By choosing this designation, you ensure your gift goes toward the Academy’s greatest operational needs each year. Phillips Exeter Academy is grateful for your generosity, and your trust in our work to support our students' educational journey.

Nydick, who earned his master's degree from Harvard's Graduate School of Education and has worked in a variety of academic settings, spends much of his time networking and communicating with Academy students, teachers, and parents. He provides direct support to students through tutoring and teaching a study skills class, arranges for learning accommodations (such as ensuring distraction-free test spaces), and handles neuropsychological testing and evaluation.

“Exeter students are intelligent and have a high capacity for work. They also have endless options when it comes to co-curricular activities. With so many choices, it can sometimes be difficult to prioritize,” Nydick said. As such, he sees his role as helping students manage their time efficiently in order to enhance their overall academic performance.

In addition to academic support resources, Exeter students receive college counseling beginning as early as ninth grade. The counseling process in the first two years focuses on developing student interests while building strong study habits. Students are encouraged to explore a wide array of interests ranging from academic areas to the arts and athletics.

Come eleventh grade, students are paired with a counselor who offers an individualized approach to the research and preparation required by the college application process. Group workshops are also held to provide further guidance. The overall goal of the college counseling process is to graduate students whose collective experiences, time, and effort will culminate in options that enable them to leave Exeter and embark on their next journey towards making the world a better place.