email : Webview : A message from Interim Head of School Jim Ventre ’79

Dear Andover Families,

Please accept our empathy and gratitude, as you continue to balance care for your family with support for your students who are navigating an unprecedented Andover experience this spring.

You will find valuable information below that reflects responses to essential questions. We also acknowledge that there remain questions for which we do not have complete answers. Among them is what September will bring for Andover—and schools globally. As a result, you will see that we have extended the deadline for when families may request a refund of their enrollment deposit for the 2020-21 academic year.

During my opening address in Cochran Chapel last fall, I asked our faculty and staff to join me in stepping up and sticking together during this year of leadership transition. I made my request with enthusiasm and optimism for the year ahead. I had no idea how meaningful that obligation would become.

I also implored our students to give their very best effort. I remain deeply grateful to our students and faculty who are learning and teaching with new technologies and approaching the challenges of a virtual education environment with courage, resilience, and creativity. I am also indebted to our staff and administrators who are keeping Andover running as smoothly as possible under extraordinary circumstances.

As you may have seen, we started a weekly video address called “From The Cubby.” It’s about spreading the love for Andover. As we share uplifting stories, we do so with a measured perspective, aware of the genuine struggles that our students, their families, and our employees are facing. Please tune in when you are able.

Please also watch your email for our upcoming plans to host a video opportunity for parents and guardians. We are eager to keep communication open, share resources for supporting students, and offer an update on the academic program. The date, time, and access information for this session will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, your kindness, and your honest feedback. Please let us know how we can help.

With my sincere appreciation,

Jim Ventre ’79
Interim Head of School

Frequently Asked Questions

Will our family be issued a partial refund for spring term room and board?
Yes. All boarding families have received a letter outlining the process to request a refund of spring term room and board. Families have three options: to receive a refund, to receive a credit on next year’s term bill, or to make a gift of the amount to the Academy.

In an effort to support our dedicated teachers and staff as well as the nation’s struggling economy, the Academy has made a commitment to continue paying the vast majority of our employees for their regularly scheduled hours through the end of the school year/fiscal year, as applicable. As we all confront the current health crisis, we want to do whatever we can to minimize the compounding financial crisis for our employees.

Families choosing to make a gift of the room and board amount to Andover will receive credit for a tax-deductible donation and an IRS receipt will be issued.

Will the enrollment deposit be refundable this year if a family decides to cancel?
For this year only, the enrollment deposit will be refundable if you decide to cancel enrollment by July 1, 2020. Returning families who wish to cancel must notify Dean of Studies Raj Mundra of their request for a refund on or before July 1, 2020. Please remember that if you do not cancel enrollment within the required timeframe, you will be responsible for paying the full year’s tuition and fees (less any financial aid award) in accordance with the payment option you choose when you sign the enrollment agreement.

Tuition will not be refunded after July 15, 2020, except in accordance with the terms of our Tuition Refund Plan. Even if you are planning to pay full tuition by July 15, 2020, we suggest that you carefully consider the benefits of purchasing our Tuition Refund Plan to provide greater financial security during these uncertain times.

If you are a returning family facing personal circumstances that are beyond your reasonable control that would prevent your child from attending the Academy in the fall, please contact Raj Mundra to discuss your individual circumstances.

Will the economic downturn jeopardize my financial aid package?
The Academy will honor the financial aid commitments that it has made to all current and admitted students.

What are the Academy’s plans for honoring the Class of 2020?
Thoughtfully considering how to recognize the extraordinary achievements of our seniors remains among our highest priorities. We are committed to celebrating the Class of 2020 at the end of classes this June. A committee, co-chaired by representatives from the Dean of Students, Dean of Studies, and Alumni Engagement offices, is weighing all options, inviting student input, and considering equity among families. The committee also will work with class leadership, the Head of School’s Office, and the Board of Trustees in its planning. Please know that seniors who fulfill their diploma requirements will, in fact, graduate at the end of this term. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates this summer.

Can I retrieve my personal belongings from my dorm room?
We know that many of you are anxious to retrieve your belongings. At this time, we are unable to open the campus to students and families for any sort of move out process, as we are following health and safety guidance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The governor will revisit some of these restrictions no sooner than May 4, and in all likelihood may extend them further. Once we are allowed to have families on campus to retrieve items, we will create a schedule to ensure social distancing and safe processes. We will then work with students and families to pack, store, and ship items.

Will students return to Andover for classes in September? What if the pandemic has lingering effects?
Our goal is to deliver an Andover education on campus this coming fall. We also acknowledge that achieving this goal will depend on the course and the longer-term effects of the pandemic. Like most other schools around the world, both private and public and day and residential, we will continue to monitor the latest health mandates and recommendations to help guide us going forward. Every decision we make begins with the wellbeing of students and our campus community in our minds and hearts and quickly moves to our broader impact on public health. We will remain in touch as new information and recommendations guide our decisions over the coming months.

Phillips Academy
180 Main St.
Andover, MA 01810

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.