No direct experience with Scarsdale’s lack of AP’s or New Rochelle’s not getting the love, but think this discussion is a bit unfortunate. Where is your child going to get an education that is most tailored to that child’s needs and where is your child going to be happiest. The 8 years of middle and high school are not just prep for college. They are your child’s childhood. Why teach a child that life is all about assessing future competition and gaining an edge? What that mentality will do is kill any academic spark your child has. By the time college applications roll around your child will be all about getting points and nabbing grades instead of all about being enthused by learning. Why not encourage interest in the world and academics and gaining knowledge instead of gaining an advantage and clawing points. Why not model a different mentality?
If you choose what I believe to be the better mentality, you will pick a school for your child that is most apt to keep your child engaged and enthused about learning. Forget the Jones’ s. How nice and convenient it would be for you if your student is learning and engaged in the community public school. Attending that school is also more likely to keep your child engaged in and committed to the community you live in. Where will your child be happiest?