<p>A Hidden Gem is an academically excellent school that does not have the famous name recognition that the most-commonly mentioned schools have. In the college world, an example would be Johns Hopkins vs. Harvard. A Hidden Gem might have better academic stats and a bigger endowment than some famous name schools.</p>
<p>Truth be told, outside of New England and outside of BS circles, no has heard of (or even cares about) the names of any of the famous schools. Where we live, no one could tell you the difference between Phillips Andover and a Phillips screwdriver.</p>