Sometimes it is not about that. Certain kids need to be in an elite school atmosphere. For some they have always been the best student and while it made school less competitive, it also meant they were not with peers who shared their interests. D has always felt slightly out of place because she is more interested in reading and science than in sports and going out. I am hoping that where she goes next year she will meet people who share her interests and that her grades will not suffer too much because she will have to work much harder than she is used to.