Peddie School

Hightstown

New Jersey

United States

Overview

Peddie is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades 9 through post-graduate. Peddie provides a rigorous academic and extracurricular experience both inside and outside the classroom, focusing on preparing students for a lifetime of learning, citizenship, continual growth and opportunity. With a beautiful campus in Hightstown, NJ, and a distinguished history dating back to 1864, the school prides itself on a curriculum that balances tradition with innovation in a genuinely supportive community atmosphere.

Academics

Summary: Peddie’s rigorous and innovative academic program continues to evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. Over the last five years, we have increased our course offerings in the sciences, including new courses in forensics, DNA, neurobiology, robotics, physiology, genetics, quantitative chemical analysis, and organic chemistry. We also recently embarked on a number of ambitious projects including a world-class Asian Studies program, which partners with our sister school in Shanghai and the Signature Experience Program, which allows select upperclassmen to develop their own course of study during the summer of their junior year.

Department Director Catherine Rodrigue

Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1

Average Class Size: 12

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 79

Number of AP Courses Offered: 18

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 73%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

Peer Tutoring
Writing Center

English

Classics
Creative Writing
Literature
Playwriting
Poetry

History

Asian History
European History
Honors
United States History
World History

Foreign Languages

Chinese-Mandarin
French
Latin
Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

Ethics

Humanities / Social Sciences

Economics
Psychology

Sciences

Anatomy
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Earth Science
Ecology
Environmental Science
Genetics
Physics

Math

Computer Studies

Computer Programming
Computer Science

Music

Band
Choral Music
Individual Instructions
Music History
Music Theory
Orchestra

Performing / Visual Arts

Acting
Architecture
Art History
Dance
Debate
Design
Drama
Drawing
Graphic Design
Painting
Photography
Public Speaking
Sculpture
Studio Art
Theater Design

Special Programs

Study Abroad
Community Service
Exchange Programs
Independent Study

Distinctive or New Programs

Asian Studies Signature Experience Program

Campus Life

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 14

Average Students Per Dorm: 24

Number of Girls Dorms: 7

Number of Boys Dorms: 7

Dorm Amenities

Game Room
Laundry Facilities
Lounge
Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Student Life

At Peddie, opportunities stretch well beyond our borders as we take full advantage of the countless cultural and educational opportunities beyond our gates. In addition, Peddie encourages an environment where students nurture mind, body and spirit and gain an appreciation for the virtue of leading a balanced life.

Facilities

All-Weather Track
Baseball Field
Basketball Court
Fitness Center
Football Field
Indoor Basketball Court
Indoor Pool
Technology Center

Other Facilities

Golf Course
Boat House
Indoor Turf Field
Outdoor Turf Field
Fitness Center

Clubs & Organizations

Amnesty International
Asian Club
Community Service
Computer Club
Debate Club
Diversity Club
Dorm Proctors
Drama Club
Environmental Club
Foreign Language Clubs
International Club
Jewish Student Organization
Literary Magazine
Math Club
Mock Trial
Model UN
Newspaper
Outing Club
Peer Counseling
Peer Tutoring
Sexualities Club
Student Activities
Student Government
Student Publications
Theater Club
Weightlifting Club
Yearbook
Young Democrats
Young Republicans

Arts & Athletics

Summary: At Peddie, athletics are considered an extension of the classroom, and all students are required to enroll in physical activity classes and to join its 17 sports and 56 athletic teams. Through participation in sports, students learn sportsmanship, discipline, personal integrity, teamwork, time management and perseverance: qualities that will assist them in achieving success throughout their lives. Peddie offers its students access to newly-renovated athletic facilities, including a 35m pool, an 18-hole golf course, a boat house, a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor tracks and more. On the stage and in studio classrooms and rehearsal halls, promising young artists learn to tap into their imaginations, to problem-solve, and to communicate in new ways. During the class day, more than 300 Peddie students take part in a diverse menu of electives in music, theater and visual arts. Outside of the classroom, students have opportunities to attend and perform in a wide variety of on- and off-campus arts events. Students at Peddie acquire essential skills, vocabulary and perspective that will shape them into more appreciative and better-informed citizens, sensitive to the cultural landscape they inhabit.

Arts Department Director: Alan Michaels

Athletics Department Director: Thad Lepcio

Arts

Acting
Architecture
Art History
Dance
Debate
Design
Drama
Drawing
Graphic Design
Painting
Photography
Public Speaking
Sculpture
Studio Art
Theater Design

Interscholastic Sports

Baseball
Basketball
Crew
Cross Country Running
Field Hockey
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field
Weight Lifting

Recreational Sports

Aerobics
Dance
Kickball
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball

Graduates

Summary: At Peddie, the college counseling office partners with students and families, working closely with each. Counselors and students meet regularly. The college counseling office puts a face on what can be a faceless process by connecting students with college representatives and hosting college fairs right on the Peddie campus. In addition, we host a weekend symposium for families in the college process, which brings guest speakers in to address specific concerns such as essay writing and making the most of the college visit. At the end of the process, most Peddie students go on to attend some of the most highly selective colleges and universities in the country.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile	520	550	530
75th percentile	660	690	680

Notable Alumni

Walter Annenberg

Class of 1927

Former ambassador to United Kingdom founder of TV Guide and Seventeen magazine philanthropist

John J. McCloy

Class of 1912

Assistant secretary of war durring WWII president of the World Bank High Commissioner of Germany 1949-52

George Lloyd Murphy

Class of 1921

Academy Award-winning actor noted tap dancer US Senator from California 1964-71

Howard W. Koch

Class of 1934

Film producer and director

Larry Kelley

Class of 1993

Winner of 1937 Heisman Trophy first recipient of the trophy that bears the Heisman name

H. Richard Hornberger

Class of 1941

Published the novel M*A*S*H in 1968 under the pen name Richard Hooker. The novel would later inspire the film and TV series of the same name.

Finn M. W. Caspersen

Class of 1959

Financier philanthropist CEP of Beneficial Corporation and Knickerbocker Management

Nelson Diebel

Class of 1990

Two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming

B.J. Bedford

Class of 1990

Olympic gold medalist in swimming

Quotes From Alumni

“During my years at Peddie the teachers did more than just teach. They published works of fiction and academic textbooks. They ran mini-labs consulted in technology coached teams and led us in community service. They didn't just say they were passionate about their subjects; they lived it.”

-, Class of 1999, B.S. MIT

“Peddie believed in me. And by believing in me Peddie made me believe in myself and my dreams. And Peddie went a further step and helped me take active steps to translate my dreams into reality. I grew from a young boy into a young man thanks to the incredible nurturing I received at Peddie.”

-, Class of 2006, Harvard University

“Not until coming to Princeton and talking to other students did I realize how unusual it is of Ph.D's authors and leaders in many different fields to spend most of their time teaching coaching and mentoring students the way they do at Peddie.”

-, Class of 2007, Princeton University

-Megan Colpitts Miranda, Class of 1999, B.S. MIT

-Sangu Delle, Class of 2006, Harvard University

-Daniel Corica, Class of 2007, Princeton University

Merit

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 3%

Average Merit Scholarship: 34,956

Current Endowment Amount: $321,000,000

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Vital Information

Student Body Type: Coed

Total Boarding: 349

Total Day: 202

Total Enrollment: 551

Boys: 280

Girls: 271

Boarding Grades Offered: 9-12

Day Grades Offered: 9-12

School Type: High School

Dress Code: Other

Applications Accepted: SAO

Application Deadline: January 15th

Tuition & Financial Aid

7-Day Boarding: $58,100

5-Day Boarding: N/A

Day Tuition Fee: $48,800

Need-Based Aid: Offered

Payment Plans: Offered

Students Receiving Aid: 34%

Average Awarded: $40,063

School Finances