Another Successful Project with Phillips Exeter Academy
Phillips Exeter Academy, a repeat customer, reached out to us for yet another project. This time, we partnered with Huston & Company to deliver Harkness Tables™ and Harkness Chairs™. Huston & Company built the tables for the project using a 90-year-old design originally developed by Edward Harkness. The traditional Harkness table is 7 feet wide, 11 feet long, and seats 12 students.
What is Harkness Learning?
Harkness learning is a teaching method that emphasizes discussion-based, student-driven learning, where students and teachers sit together around an oval table and engage in open dialogue. It was developed by philanthropist Edward Harkness, who believed that small, intimate settings foster better learning experiences. In this environment, students are encouraged to share ideas, debate topics, and explore concepts collaboratively, all while receiving guidance from their teachers.
At its core, Harkness learning is rooted in the Socratic method, where questions and answers guide the learning process rather than lectures or notes. This method pushes students to think critically and articulate their thoughts clearly, helping them develop not only academically but also socially. The table setup creates an egalitarian atmosphere where each voice is valued equally, promoting an inclusive and democratic learning space.
In addition to improving intellectual skills, the Harkness method nurtures emotional intelligence. Students are taught to listen actively, respect differing viewpoints, and develop empathy as they interact with their peers. By engaging in thoughtful discussions, they grow into well-rounded individuals capable of handling real-world challenges. This holistic approach to education is one of the reasons it has become a cornerstone of learning at prestigious institutions like Phillips Exeter Academy.
What is a Harkness Table™?
A Harkness Table™ is an oval-shaped table designed specifically for collaborative, discussion-based learning. The unique design allows all participants—both students and teachers—to face one another, encouraging open dialogue and engagement. Its shape promotes equality in the classroom, ensuring that no student sits at the head of the table, thus fostering an environment where every voice can be heard.
The original Harkness Table™ was designed in the early 1930s as part of Edward Harkness’s vision for a new kind of learning environment. These tables are typically large enough to seat 12 students and are often made from high-quality hardwood, reflecting the importance placed on both form and function. Institutions like Phillips Exeter Academy continue to use these tables today, as they embody the spirit of collaboration and learning at the core of the Harkness method.
What Schools Offer Harkness Learning?
While Phillips Exeter Academy pioneered the Harkness learning method, many prestigious schools around the world have adopted this collaborative approach to education. Schools such as Phillips Academy Andover, The Lawrenceville School, and Hotchkiss School incorporate Harkness tables and learning principles into their classrooms. These schools emphasize critical thinking, empathy, and dialogue, just as Exeter does. Beyond the U.S., international schools have also embraced the Harkness Method, using it to foster more student-driven learning in diverse educational environments.
Harkness Chairs™ by Eustis Chair
That’s where we come in! We’ve been making custom Harkness Chairs™ for Huston & Company tables for some time now. Our chairs are designed to fit perfectly under the Harkness table. We custom-match every detail, including stain, spindles, and leg turners, to ensure a perfect match with its table counterpart. These chairs are built to withstand the rigors of daily classroom use and come with a 20-year warranty.
Interested in the Harkness Chair™? Contact us with any questions.