Peddie School

Academically rigorous, with flexible curricula. Unique Signature Experience projects support students in in-depth interdisciplinary research, complemented by a rich variety of extracurricular activities (sports, arts, robotics, etc.), offering comprehensive development in sports and arts. Strong college matriculation, with graduates often admitted to Ivy League and top universities. Located in rural eastern New Jersey, not far from New York/Philadelphia, offering convenient living. Some families report that students need strong self-motivation, and STEM courses can be somewhat challenging.

As a graduate who came from a US junior high, I do not recommend any US junior high students come to Peddie. In fact, 80% of the Chinese students at the school are from mainland China, making it very awkward for some US junior high students who might be perceived as 'fence-sitters' or not fitting neatly into either group (literally 'two-sided non-stick pan'). Academically, math teachers in MPS don't really teach anything. Several teachers (especially in math) even show a tendency towards discriminatory treatment. Things only get better when you get closer to AP courses. I'm from Northeast China, and coming here, I can only say it feels very 'southern.' The school is also a sister school to EFZ in Shanghai. Admissions are particularly puzzling; some people wonder how certain students got in, as they seem to lack everything. In short, I do not recommend Peddie to any US junior high student looking for a good school.

Peddie School, founded in 1864, is located in Hightstown, Mercer County, New Jersey. Its picturesque campus, adjacent to Peddie Lake, spans approximately 280 acres, boasts 57 buildings, and features an 18-hole professional golf course. The school is renowned for its unique academic, athletic, and arts programs that blend traditional experience with innovative knowledge, aiming to center on student learning development, inspire students' passion for learning, and enhance their capabilities. The school is only 8 miles from Princeton, holds an A+ Niche rating, boasts a 100% college matriculation rate, and has a 70% boarding student ratio.

The school offers 34 AP courses, and Peddie students achieve an average score of 4.4 on AP exams; 94% of students score above 3. The school places great emphasis on STEM subjects, with a highlight being its robotics program. The Peddie swim team is very strong among American high schools, and its swimming facilities are excellent. Peddie students are required to participate in after-school activities year-round, including sports, theatrical productions, volunteer service, and clubs. If students have a faculty representative and demonstrate interest in a subject, they can request to have a course offered.

Peddie's main rival in football is Blair Academy. The two schools compete for the Potter-Kelly Cup annually on the second week of November. The football game alternates between the two campuses each year and is known as Blair Day at Peddie (and Peddie Day at Blair). The rivalry between the two schools is the oldest football game in New Jersey and one of the oldest in the nation.

Peddie is a school located in a small town, making life a bit more convenient for students. Whether it's ordering takeout or going into town for shopping and dining, everything is super convenient. Additionally, student dorms are relatively close to the academic buildings, which is especially beneficial for students studying in New Jersey winters.

Academically, Peddie's STEM programs are truly exceptional. The Izzo Design Laboratory is practically an engineering student's paradise, offering everything from robotics to mechanical design, and it's all very strong. The famous EXP program provides students with challenging scientific research opportunities. Students are required to analyze scientific data in the lab and apply their knowledge practically through summer internships. Many students also get the chance to spend several weeks at universities studying related projects.

Peddie's strongest sports program is swimming, and golf is also very good. The arts programs are also quite surprising and impressive, with corridors full of photography, paintings, handicrafts, and architectural works. The brand new music hall also looks quite cool.

Furthermore, the admissions officers are very proud of Peddie's size, considering it "just right" – large enough to host a wide range of activities, yet small enough to provide sufficient attention to each student. According to feedback from the admissions office, Peddie aims to admit students who are deeply interested in a particular field while also possessing curiosity about other areas. They highly value compatibility, hoping that the school's resources can genuinely benefit every student.

6. Health and Safety: The school has various venues and facilities that contribute to student health and safety. The school provides a 24-hour health center with friendly nurses, sick rooms, and many medical supplies. If a student feels unwell, they can choose to walk or call the center for a ride at any time. For mental health, the school has a student center that includes free counseling services. Additionally, Peddie has a 24-hour on-campus security patrol team. Most cameras are also installed across campus for constant monitoring. At the same time, all dormitories are equipped with wristband readers, so only students wearing the designated wristband can enter the residential buildings.

7. Emphasis on STEM: The school offers a rich curriculum, including distinctive courses such as neurobiology, robotics, genetics, green building, financial markets, and investment. Peddie's robotics team has even built and designed a 120-pound robot. The school also maintains good relationships with many university laboratories, allowing students to intern at universities for several weeks.

1. Location: The school is located in Hightstown, a small town in central New Jersey. New Jersey is one of the original 13 states of the United States, and the famous Princeton University is also located in New Jersey. The town of Hightstown is situated to the east of Princeton, less than a 20-minute drive from Princeton University. It is also approximately an hour's drive from both New York City and Philadelphia. The town's residents are predominantly white, with a beautiful environment, and Peddie Lake flows through it. The school has a strong financial foundation; as of now, Peddie's endowment fund has reached over 300 million US dollars.

2. Academic Excellence: Average SAT score 1390/1600, average ACT score 32/36.

3. Rich Curriculum: 17 AP courses and 12 honors courses for students to choose from.

4. School Facilities: The school has newly built a science building and various advanced laboratories. For instance, the school features a Digital Fabrication Laboratory primarily used for STEM education and interdisciplinary learning, covering engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing, among others. The school's The Fab Lab (fabrication laboratory) is an industrial-grade engineering studio, equipped with professional tools such as 3D printers, laser engraving and cutting systems, and CNC milling machines.

5. Sports Activities: 51 extracurricular organizational activities, 17 sports activities, and 56 sports teams.

The school has a robotics team. The Peddie Robotics Team participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition every year. FIRST is one of the largest robotics competitions globally, requiring each team to build and program robots to compete in open-ended design challenges under limited resources and time constraints. The school's robotics team designs and manufactures robots in the winter term and participates in local and international competitions in the spring term.

The school's facility, the Izzo Design Laboratory, is a space where students gather for visual team creation. It represents the school's emphasis on STEM education and interdisciplinary learning. It serves as a teaching venue for engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing courses, and as an an activity hub for the school's teams participating in domestic and international robotics competitions.

Among the most profound memories for many students are the school's oldest traditions. Some traditions are 150 years old (such as the "Declaration Competition"), others are decades old (such as "Battle of the Brains"), and some are brand new (such as the "Blue & Gold Games"). Some of our traditions are serious and devout, like Vespers, while others are old-fashioned, fun, and charming acts, like screaming wildly at the Blair Week Pep Rally.

Peddie School's arts, music, and STEM (robotics) programs are relatively strong, and the school emphasizes STEM. The Peddie robotics team participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition every year. FIRST is one of the world's largest robotics competitions, requiring each team to build and program robots to participate in open-ended design challenges under limited resources and time constraints. The school's robotics team designs and manufactures robots during the winter term and competes in local and international competitions during the spring term.

The school offers a Research Science Signature Experience program, providing opportunities for students interested in electronic technology and mathematical formula programming to conduct in-depth research at institutions like Columbia, UPenn, Yale, and Johns Hopkins.

The school's Izzo Design Lab is a space where students gather for visual team creation. It represents the school's commitment to STEM education and interdisciplinary learning. It serves as a teaching venue for engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing courses, and also as an activity hub for the school teams participating in national and international robotics competitions.

Peddie School Data: 37% of students receive financial aid; Top 10 boarding schools by endowment; 9 personalized experience programs; 50 miles from New York and Philadelphia; 8 miles from Princeton, New Jersey; 90% of faculty live on campus; 72% of faculty hold advanced degrees; 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio; Average class size of 12 students; 61% boarding students; 20% international students; 530 total students; Offers 18 AP courses; 150 academic courses; 18 cultural trips annually; 17 art teams; 15 sports with 57 teams.

Peddie's student body size is quite perfect, neither too large nor too small: currently, there are over 500 students from 21 countries and 21 US states. 41% of domestic students are students of color, 21% are international students, 2/3 are boarding students, and 1/3 are day students. Its geographical location is also very convenient: it's about a 1-hour drive from New York City, a 1-hour drive from Philadelphia, about a 20-minute drive from Princeton University, and only about a 15-minute drive from Newark International Airport, which greatly benefits students. Peddie's faculty, staff, and students have many opportunities to utilize resources in the surrounding areas, for instance, taking students to art classes in New York City, history classes in Philadelphia, watching shows like 'Frozen' on Broadway, or attending NBA basketball games in Philadelphia. Peddie's arts and sports programs are outstanding. When recruiting students, it's not just about scores; other aspects such as the student's sincerity towards the school are comprehensively considered. Previously, we had a student from a public school in Chengdu who was admitted with a TOEFL score of 100. It's likely that a specific quality of that student attracted the admissions officer.

Peddie School is particularly strong in arts, music, and STEM (robotics). Peddie prefers students with artistic talents and hopes to see their portfolios. Peddie's swimming team is top-ranked nationwide. Peddie boasts excellent hardware and advanced facilities, including a brand-new science building and a soon-to-be-completed arts and performance center.
To apply to Peddie, first, academic performance must be strong enough to ensure you can keep up once admitted. Second, extracurricular talents should align with what Peddie already offers. If a student's special talent is not offered by the school, the application will be passed over. Interview performance should be natural, demonstrating how your background connects with Peddie's activities.
In the 2021 application season, there were over 1300 applicants, and 115 students were admitted, with international students accounting for approximately 18% of the total. Boarding students make up two-thirds, and day students make up one-third.

Peddie is a strong sports school with excellent sports facilities such as a swimming pool, soccer fields, field hockey fields, lacrosse fields, a rowing center, and an 18-hole golf course. Blair Day is an unforgettable day for all Peddie students, as the school has a long-standing sports rivalry with Blair Academy, with competitions held annually. Additionally, G10 students participate in a week-long, 200-mile bike trip. During the trip, students can camp and cook with their peers, developing independent living skills and teamwork.

The school's swimming team is one of the best in the United States, having won 23 Eastern Interscholastic Championships and 8 Swimming World Magazine Mythical Championships in the past. The girls' swimming relay team broke three national private school records in 2007. Furthermore, members of the Peddie swimming team have participated in the Olympics.

Peddie School, located in New Jersey, was founded in 1864 and has 518 students from 28 countries, 58% of whom are boarders. It takes only a 4-minute walk from the school to the town center, which features bistros, pizza shops, fast food restaurants, and supermarkets, allowing students to shop and dine on weekends. The school typically hosts activities on Saturday nights, such as movie nights, trampoline park trips, visits to malls, and amusement parks. In addition, students have many activity options in their free time, such as family-style dinners and on-campus picnics, which help them connect with students from different grades and teachers.

The school offers 150 academic courses and 18 AP courses across 34 subject areas, including art, English, history, mathematics, neurobiology, robotics, and more. Peddie School provides opportunities for students interested in multiculturalism, history, and learning a second language to study abroad, offering immersive programs in China, France, Italy, and Spain. Peddie School's robotics program is very strong. The robotics team uses laser cutters, 3D printers, and the robotics practice field at the Izzo Design Lab for their research. Peddie's robotics team has participated in global competitions, such as the FIRST Robotics Competition, competing against students from 39 countries.

As an international student parent, this is a neutral review.
The school's academic requirements are very high, especially in science subjects. For example, math placement exams determine class assignments, and teaching is problem-solving based. There are no lectures; classes involve directly working on problems, and the content has a very wide vertical span. Q&A sessions are provided. Therefore, the quality of math instruction is not highly correlated with the teacher's level or educational background; a bachelor's degree holder can do it. Academically, it's suitable for children with strong self-learning and self-management abilities.
The school's sports performance is relatively poor.
According to my child, the school cafeteria isn't great, but this is not necessarily reliable as my child is a picky eater. Parents can see the daily menu, and the nutritional balance is fine. There's no good Chinese food in the town where the school is located, so parents of students with a "Chinese stomach" should think twice.
Dorm management for freshmen is quite strict, but if a child lacks self-discipline, there are still many loopholes they can exploit. Additionally, the school has no walls, so stepping out of the dormitory pretty much puts you directly on the street.
Student services, especially for international students (e.g., related to pandemics), only follow government guidelines and do not provide any extra services, similar to public schools. There are 3 long weekends each academic year when the school closes. Students who cannot go home are organized for a 3-day outing, such as staying at a seaside hotel. Also, during fall break, winter break, and spring break, the school closes, and parents need to arrange their child's whereabouts themselves.

Peddie School is a community built by faculty, students, and families. As a school with a family atmosphere, every member takes pride in every achievement of Peddie School. It provides a space for parents and students to explore the meaning of independence and consider their responsibilities as family and community members. The school collaborates with parents to foster healthy growth, productive habits, fulfilling relationships, and bright outcomes.
Peddie education cultivates students who are independent thinkers and dedicated to public service, enabling them to engage in challenging, complex, and diverse work in communities worldwide. Alumni go on to attend prestigious colleges and universities, pursuing meaningful careers.

Founded in 1864, Peddie is located in central New Jersey, just outside Princeton. Today, snowflakes flutter everywhere, and the landscape is blanketed in white. The campus, covered in heavy snow, looks exceptionally beautiful. Peddie places great emphasis on STEM subjects and music, with robotics being a signature course. The school maintains excellent relationships with many university laboratories, allowing students to undertake several-week internships at universities. The school boasts advanced science buildings and various laboratories. For example, the Digital Fabrication Laboratory is primarily used for STEM education and interdisciplinary learning, covering areas such as engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing. The Fab Lab, on the other hand, is an engineering studio with industrial-grade equipment, including professional tools like 3D printers, laser engraving and cutting systems, and CNC milling machines. Furthermore, the school's facilities are comprehensive, especially its sports facilities; Peddie's swim team is exceptionally strong! Arts are also prominent, with corridors adorned with students' creative artworks.

Peddie's Robotics Club offers students a unique and engaging opportunity to explore robotics. Under the guidance of professional teachers, three student teams (engineering, programming, and finance/marketing) collaborate to build robots and participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition, the world's largest and longest-running student robotics competition. Peddie's Robotics Club is sponsored by dozens of companies, including Google and Boeing.
The Robotics Club's activities take place in Peddie's Izzo Design Laboratory, a 3400-square-foot facility equipped with state-of-the-art CNC mills, CNC lasers, and 3D printers.

Peddie is renowned for its academic, athletic, and arts programs, which integrate traditional experience with innovative knowledge. Its aim is to center on students' learning development, ignite their passion for learning, and enhance their personal abilities. It is a prestigious traditional boarding school in the New England area, with a history of 150 years. The school buildings are not entirely centralized but are well-divided by function, and each building possesses significant historical value. There is only one dining hall for the entire school, and it is quite large. In grades 11 and 12, the school encourages students to research or independently create their own projects or works; fields like robotics, creative writing, or art exhibitions can all flourish there.

The school prefers applicants with musical talent and outstanding mathematical skills. The competition is not small, and applicants to this school need to have not only excellent spoken English but also their own creativity.

Peddie has students from 32 countries. The school hosts 'parents weekends' where they annually invite Chinese students and their parents to make dumplings. In terms of curriculum, Peddie encourages students to challenge themselves, choosing suitable and challenging courses under the guidance of specialized teachers.
Peddie places great emphasis on cultivating students' curiosity, helping them explore their own fields, and find their life goals. The school upholds the spirit of Walter Annenberg (Peddie's benefactor) – to become the best citizens, integrating this into various teaching activities.
Peddie offers many advantageous programs:
For example, the EXP Experimental Program (conducting scientific research, experiments, projects, etc., allowing students to fully apply their acquired knowledge to relevant fields).
Scientific Investigation (students can go to a marine biology camp in the British Virgin Islands to experience snorkeling and investigate the ecological environment).
Visual Arts (students can take intensive courses at the Rhode Island School of Design).
Creative Writing (students can refine various writing courses at UMass Amherst).
Izzo Design Lab (engineering/computer-loving students use its specialized equipment to create/test their own software).
Robotics Team (FIRST Robotics Competition, where student teams can design and build robots themselves and participate in local and international competitions).
Overseas Study Opportunities (study in places like Beijing, France, Italy, Spain).
After-school support and school facilities (library, internet, arts and sports leagues, etc.).

### Overall Situation:
- Generally speaking, academics are very strong, with science being particularly outstanding. There is some flexibility in course selection, but students need to follow school rules and actively communicate with the school.
- 9th grade features a humanities course that integrates English and history, which can be quite challenging for students.
- Special attention should be paid when selecting English courses for 11th and 12th grades, and history courses for 10th and 11th grades. The first two semesters are fixed courses, and the third semester requires selection from spring electives.

### Academic Strengths/Features:
- Research Science Signature Experience (EXP) Program: Students apply in 10th grade. If selected, they take relevant courses in 11th grade, then connect with university or research institute labs for summer internships and research. In 12th grade, they present their research findings. The fields covered are very broad, including medicine, environmental studies, psychology, infectious diseases, biology, anthropology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and physics. Previous topics include child development, genetic mutations, etc.
- Asian Studies: Students learn the language, culture, religion, politics, etc., of China, India, Japan, or other Asian countries, and visit these places to conduct independent research.
- Creative Writing: For students interested in writing, the school invites writers to give lectures to help students improve their creative writing skills. Ultimately, students are required to submit their own work.
- Robotics: Teams participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition. In both 2018 and 2019, the robotics team advanced to the national finals.

### Shangxue Mingde Student Feedback:
- The EXP Research Science program is very valuable. I personally contacted a lab at UPenn to follow a professor and conduct experiments. It wasn't just simple assistance or odd jobs; I was integrated into the research team and gained a lot of first-hand experience.
- The school also has many other excellent activities, such as the school's art journal, which won the award for "Best Self-Published Magazine" among US high schools.

Beyond its well-known STEM X EXP program, Peddie has made significant investments in both golf and swimming. Peddie not only boasts its own public swimming pool but has also established the PAA (Peddie Aquatics Association) to recruit top swimmers from various universities across New Jersey. Each year, approximately 15 PAA students receive full college scholarships through swimming, gaining admission to institutions such as Cornell, Boston University, Georgetown University, Rice University, and NYU's Stern School of Business. Peddie's swimming program has also sent athletes to the U.S. National Team, and since 1992, every four years, alumni who attended Peddie have represented their respective countries at the Olympic Games. We often say, 'follow the money' – the projects a school is willing to heavily invest in are undoubtedly those it values most. For Peddie, swimming is precisely one such area. Peddie allocates a portion of its admissions budget annually to swimming coaches to recruit students from around the world.

Peddie School is located in a small town in central New Jersey, less than a 20-minute drive from Princeton University, and only about an hour's drive from New York and Philadelphia. The school has a strong financial foundation, with an endowment fund exceeding 300 million US dollars. The school offers 17 AP courses and 12 honors courses. The school has built a new science building and various advanced laboratories. The school offers a rich curriculum, including courses such as neurobiology, robotics, genetics, and financial investment. In 11th and 12th grades, students have the opportunity to design and conduct independent research or creative work projects under the guidance of a mentor, with 7 topics to choose from: Robotics, EXP Science Research, Art, Asian Studies, Creative Writing, Foreign Language, and SSE Summer Special Experience.

Peddie School is a traditionally strong school in the New Jersey area, particularly known for its competitive swimming and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs. The school maintains a friendly rivalry with Blair Academy, also located in New Jersey, and each year they hold "Blair Day" to compete against Blair Academy in sports and academics.
Peddie School advocates for small class sizes, with a maximum of 18 students per class. The total student body is approximately 550, and the campus size is considered medium. Peddie School offers a wide variety of courses and places a strong emphasis on STEM-related projects. The school offers a total of 17 AP courses and 12 honors courses.
Peddie School's STEM programs are exceptionally strong, and the school is committed to providing various internship and research opportunities. For example, The Research Science Signature Experience (EXP Program) offers challenging STEM research where students are required to analyze scientific data in laboratories and apply their knowledge in real-world settings through summer internships.

Peddie is a top boarding school located in New Jersey. The school offers 150 courses, including AP and honors courses in 34 subject areas. The curriculum covers major disciplines such as art, English, history, languages, mathematics, and science, and also provides courses in neurobiology, robotics, and genetics. The school boasts advanced science buildings and various laboratories, such as the Digital Fabrication Laboratory, which is primarily used for STEM education and interdisciplinary learning, covering areas like engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing.

1. The school places a strong emphasis on STEM subjects. Robotics is a signature course at Peddie, and the school is equipped with well-appointed 3D printers.

2. The Peddie swimming team is very strong among private high schools in the U.S. Swimming is offered in all three seasons (Fall/Spring/Winter) at the school, and the pool facilities are excellent, making it a great choice for children who love swimming.

3. The Research Science Signature Experience, abbreviated as "EXP," is ideal for students interested in electronics technology and mathematical formula programming. It provides research and internship opportunities for outstanding students in specific fields, allowing them to pursue in-depth research at institutions like Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale, and Johns Hopkins.

The curriculum design highlights the school's high academic quality requirements for students. In addition to the regular weekly courses, the school has designed 'Weekend Courses' on Saturdays from 8 AM to 11:45 AM. The school focuses on the teaching development of STEM | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.
The school is equipped with advanced teaching facilities. To cultivate students' desire for knowledge exploration and hands-on practical abilities, the school has specially launched the 'EXP' project. In English, 'Exp' draws from Latin roots, broadly referring to attempting to embark on a new journey. English words like 'Explore,' 'Experience,' 'Expand,' and 'Expedition' are all formed with 'exp' as a prefix. The EXP project is very suitable for students interested in electronic technology and mathematical formula programming. Pettit School can provide a favorable development platform for children with special talents in these areas. The robot designed and built by Pettit School students won an excellent ninth-place finish in last year's international competition.
Although the school's English curriculum emphasizes STEM, it also places a very high demand on writing. W. McMann, Head of the English Department, said, 'I don't want to see my students lose points in college due to writing, simply because the college writing standards have increased. Therefore, I hold them to college writing standards even in high school.'

Peddie and Lawrenceville are very close geographically, but their school styles are completely different. It's advisable not to visit them on the same day, otherwise, the contrast might be too significant.

What I appreciate most about Peddie is its sincerity, hard work, and ambition beneath its unpretentious exterior. Peddie's teachers (those I've interacted with, and those introduced by our students) genuinely care for their students from the bottom of their hearts, creating every possible opportunity for them.

As a well-established top 20 school, Peddie can generally meet the various needs of students fortunate enough to be admitted, whether in arts, sports, or different academic disciplines. If students have special needs, they can apply for independent research projects, and the teachers will enthusiastically help.

Peddie also boasts a unique geographical advantage, being very close to Princeton, New York, and Philadelphia.

Oh, and Peddie's winters are much better than those in Boston and New Hampshire; they're warmer. The campus is right next to a small town, making dining and shopping very convenient. New Jersey also has a very large H-Mart, and it's close to Newark Airport. Life there is very convenient.

Peddie's admissions office is also very thoughtful and open. Before interviews, they even arrange for current student parents to answer prospective parents' questions.

Peddie’s academic program is very tight and focused. The school emphasizes every element of its academic curriculum. The school's science department is excellent, with professors holding high rankings and degrees in their respective fields. The science department also boasts fantastic science facilities, ranging from large laboratories to 3D printers, covering everything. Not only is the school outstanding in the sciences, but its resources for other courses are also very comprehensive and rich, with arts and humanities subjects also being excellent.
English teachers are skilled at providing students with guidance on essay writing, analytical writing, and creative writing. They also offer interesting suggestions for using creative writing materials outside the classroom, including places for internships, avenues for publishing articles, workshops, and writing ideas.
The school's drama program is also excellent, featuring a strong faculty and offering a wide range of courses, from introductory drama courses to honors courses, from debate and public speaking courses to speech competitions, and further to musicals and Shakespearean plays.

Peddie is a private co-educational school located in Central New Jersey, just outside Princeton, an hour away from New York and Philadelphia. The school facilities are excellent, especially the sports facilities. Peddie's swimming team is very strong among private high schools in the United States. The boarding rate is high. The school emphasizes STEM subjects, and its robotics program is a signature course. The school maintains good relationships with many university laboratories, allowing students to intern at universities for several weeks. The school boasts an advanced science building and various laboratories. For instance, the Digital Fabrication Laboratory is primarily used for STEM education and interdisciplinary learning, covering engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing. The Fab Lab, on the other hand, is an engineering studio with industrial-grade equipment, including professional tools like 3D printers, laser engraving and cutting systems, and CNC milling machines.