Summer Residential Assistant

One of the nation’s premier boarding schools, Phillips Academy offers a number of summer programs for rising 7^th through 12^th grade students that are held on its picturesque campus just 21 miles north of Boston. Collectively the programs are referred to as “Andover Summer”. Our flagship program, Summer Session, engages students in an innovative five-week residential program. More than 60 courses are offered, ranging from computer science to marine biology, from ethics and philosophy to economics. Mathematics & Science for Minority Students – better known as (MS)² – is a residential, STEM scholarship program for academically talented high school students who come from communities who are underrepresented in the math and/or science fields. Consistent with its Statement of Values, Phillips Academy is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive school in which students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences—including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and ability—learn and grow together.

Every summer Phillips Academy hires several visiting Residential Assistants (RAs) to live in the dorms, coach an afternoon activity, and support students through their on-campus experience in these summer programs, which are slated to run from June 23 – August 4, 2026 (with students on campus from June 30 – August 2, 2026). The RA experience is rigorous, intensive, and designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their five-week experience.

Residential Assistants (RAs) are typically rising college seniors or recent college graduates interested in gaining direct experience with the residential and athletic duties that comprise the life of a boarding school faculty member. They demonstrate a deep commitment to youth development and community building, and they help create a fun, safe, and inclusive summer environment.

RAs serve as house counselors in dorms and coaches in afternoon activities. In these capacities, they create supportive living environments and ensure the health and well-being of students in their care. Dorm teams consist of 2–5 counselors who share responsibilities for evening coverage, dorm activities, communication with families, and student support. Coaching groups consist of 2–5 coaches per activity, leading one-hour sessions three times per week to keep students active, social, and engaged.

RAs also participate in community events, serve as chaperones, and act as mentors. Because of the short, intense nature of the summer, absences from assigned duties are not permitted except in rare cases.