<p>Your answer depends on a variety of points: example - what type of college he is looking for – if he is seeking a large D1 university, indeed, it probably matters less the reputation of the school he is attending; if he is looking at an Ivy, highly selective college or D3 highly selective college then the reputation of the high school may matter more. Remember that D1s can offer scholarships but D3s do not and with D3s, he has to be able to get into the college on his own merit. Another question is what guidance you are getting in terms of college applications/recruiting at your current school. Some prep schools have phenomenal guidance counselors, who may also be experienced in athletic recruiting. It can be a very complicated process and you may indeed, at your prep school, have better guidance. Then again, you could probably hire an outside agency to help with the recruitment at a price cheaper than the tuition.</p>
<p>Ultimately, in my mind, it comes down to what you are seeking in terms of education for your son (which is why our athletic son is at a small private high school and we drive 10-year-old cars). If your son is not academically driven, and isn’t getting a unique education at the prep school that you feel is important to him, then no, the money doesn’t matter, especially if it is making a hardship for you. You write, you “…just aren’t sure if it is worth it” really depends on how you value worth. Is he becoming a critical thinker? Is he receiving a top-notch education? Is he being challenged in ways that he might not be at another school? Does he love his teachers? Does he have access to resources that he doesn’t at another school? </p>
<p>Lastly, remember, a LOT can change between 9th grade and senior year… I hate to say it, but injuries can happen, life changes can happen. Don’t put all of his eggs in one “sport” basket.</p>