Governor’s
At A Glance
14%
identify as international students
33
miles north of Boston and 5 miles south of Newburyport
25
varsity sports teams
456
acre
campus bordered by the Parker River
403
students
60
Scholastic Art Awards in 2022
29%
of students receive financial aid
$5.5 M
financial aid awarded annually
11
student average class size
25
Scholastic Writing Awards in 2022
14
year average faculty tenure
21
states represented in our student body
Governor's
People
Music has always been my passion and an integral aspect of my life. In practicing the viola, I’ve learned to organize my ever-busy mind and focus, finding ways to express myself to the fullest beyond what words could possibly describe. For years, however, these notes didn’t travel far. But at Govs, given the opportunities and surrounded by those who are always willing to support me, I’ve learned to willingly step outside of my comfortable practice room to share my music with others — with the world.
Jana ’23 is a boarding student at Govs. From struggling to translate the works of Roman historian Suetonius to playing Settlers of Catan, she enjoys all the opportunities and challenges that the school offers both in and out of the academic setting. Among other things she is involved in, she is a co-leader of Philoso-tea, the school’s very own philosophy club, and the International Student Alliance. Through her involvement in the school community, she wishes to welcome and support others.
- Seoul, South Korea
When I first arrived at Govs in ninth grade, music was an interest of mine, but I never anticipated how much that interest would grow during my time here. I began as just a saxophone player, but I soon expanded, performing in our concerts as both an instrumentalist and a singer, as well as taking my music education to the classroom, with our AP music theory course. Govs has given me the resources and the tools to broaden my interests and try new things, learning skills that will stay with me for life.
Emmett is a junior day student from New Hampshire who has discovered many different areas of interest since arriving at Govs. In addition to his classes, Emmett enjoys spending time with his friends, playing basketball, hanging out in the Student Center, and participating in the various weekend events.
- Kingston, New Hampshire
Being an athlete at Govs is so special. Not only have I learned to be a part of a team and play for something bigger than myself, but I have developed leadership skills that I can use beyond my years at Govs and friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Being the daughter of two alums has shown me how lucky I am to be a part of such a loving and caring community like Govs!
For day student Callie, Govs is a family affair. Not only do her siblings also attend Govs, she is also the daughter of two alums! She is eager to get back on the lacrosse field this year to continue to develop her leadership skills.
- Newburyport, Massachusetts
When I came to Govs, I thought I would be living on my own, but I was mistaken. There were always people in my dorm that I could talk to if I was struggling in or out of the classroom. In my dorm, I have made friends with people from all over the world.
In addition to being our Academy president, Aleem ‘22 is involved in many clubs and organizations at Govs. A boarding student and dorm proctor, Aleem has a strong sense of community. He strives to reach out to all Govs students with his involvement in BLA, Bee Club, participating in different sports teams, the fall drama, and being a dorm proctor.
- Sicklerville, New Jersey
It was the inspirational teachers and coaches that I had as a student at Govs that sparked my interest to return to Byfield as a teacher. Interacting with the dedicated faculty in the classroom and on the athletic field helped them to know me not as one of many students but as an individual. Now as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent I recognize that these relationships are what continue to make the Governor's community so special.
Amy is passionate about creating engaging lessons that help students strengthen their problem-solving skills in mathematics. At the same time, she recognizes that some of the most important lessons a student learns happen outside of the classroom. Amy, who played soccer, lacrosse, and ran indoor track at the collegiate level, is a dedicated coach who helps students discover the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and working together to achieve common goals. She enjoys running, playing tennis and golf, and baking sweet treats. She is the head dorm parent in Peirce and often brings baked goods for the residents to Sunday night dorm meetings. Amy values the time she spends with students in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the dormitory, and believes strongly that character develops in all areas of boarding school life.
- Math Department Chair & Girls Varsity Soccer Coach
When I’m not competing on the field, I showcase my talents through the viewpoint of a camera lens. Governor’s has supported me throughout the creation of my own media business. Having the opportunity to excel in both athletics and the arts has allowed me to better prepare myself for the future.
When day student Will ‘22 is not competing on the varsity baseball team, he’s filming and photographing for his sports content business. Will has filmed and photographed for professional and collegiate athletes and is excited to see what the future holds.
- North Andover, Massachusetts
In the classroom, in the hockey rink, or on the baseball field, the Govs teachers, coaches, classmates, and teammates challenge me every day to reach my fullest potential. Whether it is your classmates or teachers supporting you from the stands, the Governor’s community wants to see you do well and achieve your goals as a student and as an athlete. I couldn't have asked for a better prep school experience.
Colin ‘22 knows that the family atmosphere is what makes Govs so special. From his baseball and hockey matches to the classroom, teachers and students are always there to cheer him on. A boarding student and twin, Colin and his brother are both senior dorm proctors, and captain both the baseball and hockey teams together.
- Andover, Massachusetts
Living in our dorms reinforces the most important values in the Governor’s community. It is here where our students learn to exercise their independence, generate meaningful and lasting relationships, maintain their own spaces, develop their unique process of studying, and learn the most valuable lessons about community living, from the mundane tasks of dorm jobs to the most important lessons about trust, empathy, and respect.
Mr. Satow has been a dorm parent since the very first day of his career as an educator. He is dedicated to using the dormitories and the Residential Life Program at Governor’s as a method of developing adolescents into young adults. Mr. Satow can be found monitoring a study hall, hosting a meal in the dorm common room on a weekend, or organizing the Farmhouse reunion barbecue every spring.
- Associate Dean of Academics & History Teacher
The Afternoon Program teaches life lessons—teamwork, hard work, discipline, and goal setting. As individuals or together, onfield or onstage, our students spend their afternoons learning to achieve.
Claudia honed her love of sports and her competitive spirit as a three-season athlete in the ISL, as the captain of a championship ice hockey team at Harvard, and as an assistant coach at Harvard and head coach at Union. Under her stewardship, the Govs Afternoon Program gets everyone to come out and play.
- Director of Afternoon Programs and Athletics
A common myth about teaching history is that we focus exclusively on the past. In actuality, I want my students to think about the present and future, as we engage in discussions about how the past excluded so many of us because of our race, gender, and sexual orientation. This is part of the work in being an equitable and inclusive community.
An independent historian, history teacher, Dean of Multicultural Education, and activist, Eddie helps to engage his history classes—and the higher education community—with critical questions of diversity, equity, and inclusion both in history and in contemporary life. Whether serving on an editorial board or as a dorm parent, Eddie illuminates important issues while inspiring action.
- Dean of Multicultural Education & History Teacher
Govs creates nurturing, inclusive spaces for students of all levels to explore, fail, express, question, experiment, and create. Everyone feels at home in the arts buildings. The arts are a vibrant part of campus life and enrich the Govs experience.
An accomplished painter and printmaker, Belle’s work can be seen around the world and closer to home, in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. By incorporating the arts throughout the Govs curriculum and across campus life, Belle shows Govs students how creativity unlocks endless possibilities.
- Visual Art Teacher
Governor's
Events & News
When doctors recommended physical restraints, heavy medication, and group home placement as a response to his son Ryan’s intense emotional outbursts, Rob DeLena ’87 decided to go in a different direction–specifically, down a ski slope.
Leaders from both The Governor’s Academy and surrounding communities step up annually to support GovsPLUS (Powerful Learners Unlocking Success), a tuition-free summer academic enrichment program that partners Govs with motivated middle school students from Lawrence, Massachusetts. Generous support from foundations led by both alumni and local leaders continues to keep GovsPLUS— of Govs signature programs—thriving, making a lasting impact on many young people.
Bass Institute Director Erika Mitkus shares conversations she has begun, partnerships she has cultivated, and projects she set in motion in anticipation of the opening of the Bill ’67 and Peter ’71 Alfond Coastal Research Center.
Lynda Fitzgerald P’93,’00 is a trailblazer. In her almost forty years at the Academy, she has many “firsts” on her resume: first female dean of students, first female dean of faculty, and first assistant head of school, just to name a few.
In 1971, twenty-four girls enrolled at Governor Dummer Academy, ending Govs 200-year history as an all-boys school. With female students eager to compete at the highest levels in athletics, the Academy began to build its girls athletic program. Around the same time, Title IX passed, and the Academy would continue to expand their program in a competitive independent school marketplace.
Jackie Downing ’98 has never been a bystander. Early experiences witnessing injustice and intolerance kindled what would become a lifelong passion for helping others. Today, Downing is a powerful force in philanthropy. Her recipe for making a real impact in the world? Get really good at something you enjoy doing and make it your passion.
On Sunday, May 28, under the shade of the trees on Mansion House lawn, The Governor's Academy held its 260th Commencement exercise. One hundred and three members of the Class of 2023 received their diplomas from Head of School Dr. Peter H. Quimby and Board of Trustees President James M. Pierce.
The Governor’s Academy is excited to announce its annual spring drama production which will be performed on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. on campus in the Black Box Theater in the Wilkie Center for the Performing Arts. The performance is free and open to the public.