America’s Prep School Presidents
Many influential people have attended North America’s wide range of independent schools–including six U.S. presidents! Let’s take a look at these prep school Presidents:
- Franklin Pierce (1853-1857) – Franklin Pierce’s days at Phillips Exeter Academy were arguably more successful than his one term as president. His anti-abolitionist policies contributed to the tensions that eventually built to the start of the Civil War.
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1933-1945) – The second Franklin on our list marks a major upgrade. FDR was one of the many Roosevelts educated at the prestigious Groton School in northern Massachusetts.
- John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) – JFK wins the award for attending the most SSAT/ISEE schools. Throughout his childhood in Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut, Kennedy attended Noble and Greenough, Riverdale Country School, Canterbury School, and Choate.
- George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) – Before serving as an aviator during World War II, George H.W. Bush attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.
- George W. Bush (2001-2009) – George W. Bush’s primary education took him from Texas to the Northeast. He began at The Kinkaid School in Houston and later followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Phillips Academy, where he was a hardworking student, baseball player, and cheerleader.
- Barack Obama (2009-2017) – Barack Obama attended Honolulu’s Punahou School, which remains the largest independent school in the United States by enrollment. As a student, future President Obama helped lead his team to a state basketball championship. Thanks, Obama!
From early academic foundations to athletic achievements and leadership roles, these presidents’ journeys through independent schools helped shape the paths that would eventually lead them to the White House. Whether they attended prestigious prep schools, military academies, or large independent institutions, their educational experiences highlight the lasting impact that independent schools can have on future leaders.
Originally published on December 9, 2015. Updated on April 16, 2025.
