The Richest Kids at Prestigious High Schools

High schools not only serve as educational institutions but also as melting pots of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. It is fascinating to witness the children of the ultra-rich navigating the same spaces as their less privileged peers. In this article, we explore the stories of the richest kids we encountered during our high school years and the intriguing dynamics they brought to our schools.

The Richest Kid at My Prestigious A-Level College

Attending one of the top 10 A-level colleges in my country, I had the privilege of meeting a spectrum of students from incredibly wealthy backgrounds. A significant portion of these individuals came from families with influential businesses or political connections. Despite their financial status, these students came from a variety of foreign nationalities, with many having spent time living abroad.

One notable example was a Canadian student who felt compelled to study in the UK for university, much to her dismay. This decision was driven by her family's insistence on global exposure. Another standout was probably the wealthiest person I met there. She was the only child of extremely affluent parents, where her mother was a renowned luxury designer, and her father oversaw a family business that had been in their possession for generations.

Despite her privileged background, she was genuinely kind and socially introverted. However, she was keen on sharing her luxurious vacations and gourmet meals through social media. More recently, she was accepted into Oxford and seems to be excelling there.

My Experience at Burlingame High School

My secondary education took place at Burlingame High School in the San Francisco Bay Area, a place where the socio-economic divide was starkly evident. The financial landscape of the student body could be divided into three distinct tiers:

San Mateo Kids: Lower-middle to middle class, including a few immigrants from Fiji. Burlingame and Foster City Kids: Middle to upper-middle class. Hillsboro Kids: Upper class.

One of the Hillsboro kids was none other than Harry Crosby, the son of Bing Crosby. He was passionate about music, particularly jazz, and we all remember him as a gentleman who was genuinely interested in forming connections. Although I played the flute, he didn’t go through with his idea of having me join his band. It's noteworthy to mention that today, even more expensive homes are being sold in the area, making the comparison relative.

The Influence of Wealth on Friendships

Another impactful friendship comes from a classmate whose mother ran a very successful business. While his immense wealth wasn't immediately visible, his access to expensive toys was a give-away. However, his wealth didn't define him; he eventually took over the business and became even more successful. Decades later, he remains a close and generous friend. We recently shared a meal at a very lavish restaurant, and it's heartwarming to know such a remarkable person.

This friend has also accumulated impressive assets, including a 80-foot cruising yacht and a collection of ten supercars, including Ferraris and McLarens. He frequently attends Formula 1 races and flies out to these events. Our friendship has endured, and I value his kindness and generosity.

These stories highlight the diverse and often interesting lives of the richest kids at high schools. While their wealth can bring certain privileges, it doesn't define their character or their ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships.