by George J Elbaum

Phillips Academy is a co-educational university-preparatory school for boarding and day students in grades 9–12, along with a post-graduate year.  It has a very diverse and international student population of approximately 1100 with a student-to-teacher ratio an admirable 5:1, and an expansive worldview and a legacy of academic excellence. 

Founded in 1778, Phillips is one of the oldest incorporated secondary schools in the United States. Per its website, it has educated a long list of notable alumni through its history, including American presidents, foreign heads of state, numerous members of Congress, 5 Nobel laureates and 6 Medal of Honor recipients, and has been referred to by many contemporary sources as the most elite boarding school in America.

My talk to 40+ students was organized by Rabbi Michael Swarttz, the school’s Jewish Chaplain, and it was arranged by Jeff Smith, Resource Speaker Coordinator, Facing History and Ourselves.