Many parents try to improve their chances by enrolling their children in the growing number of private academies that cater to the elite.

CNN: LITTLE EMPERORS

The children of the exclusive club generally went to private academies and boarding schools and enjoyed a wealth daunting even by Greenwich standards.

CNN: Moxley Case: Who was Martha Moxley?

In Rome, some 170 private palaces, academies, homes and other buildings will open their doors to visitors.

BBC: In Rome, see how the other half lives

Such networks have operated in the private sector for decades and first became involved in running state schools when academies were introduced in 2000.

ECONOMIST: Schools reform

Take your pick: public school, private school, home school, charter schools, technical schools, college preps, ROTC academies, magnet programs, all-male, all-female, even online-only schools.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS