Ages: Grades 9-12 and post-grad

Admissions: Online application and standardised tests plus interview. Applications are due by January 15.

No. of Pupils: 818

Curriculum: Lawrenceville’s educational focus “is not on teaching what to know, but on learning how to think.” A key element to this manner of teaching is the Harkness system, which encourages students to sit around a table (named after oil magnate and philanthropist Edward Harness) while discussing, dissecting and disseminating a wide range of topics, thus replacing lecture and memorisation with shared discovery.

Campus and facilities: Fully committed to its Green Campus Initiative, the campus includes an impressive 30-acre solar farm that covers 90 per cent of the school’s energy needs.

Noteworthy: One of the best private high schools in New Jersey, Lawrenceville is also one of the most expensive. Founded in 1810 and modelled on the English public school structure, the school is defined by its house system—each of the 18 dormitories represents a sub-community, and houses often compete for academic and athletic honours.

New: The renowned Nike Tennis Camp, a division of US Sports Camps, returns to the school with day and overnight camps throughout June and July.

Fees: US$64,430 (boarding); US$53,290

Lawrenceville School, 2500 Main Street, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, lawrenceville.org