<p>I think one of the overlooked pluses is that for certain “nerdy” kids being with other “nerdy” kids can be a terrific social experience that would not exist to the same degree in public HS where there are only a few super “nerds”. Exeter from what I hear has loads of this type of kiddo. 
I use nerd in the most positive sense!</p>
<p>My son has loved his charter school because it was filled with kids “just like him”- not the same religion, race or socioeconomic background- the same super interest in science, math, computers ect…</p>
<p>Another thought, for those of us whose children will not be legacies at top colleges prep school may be a more important factor in future matriculation.</p>