<p>M’sMom- I really disagree with your post (#22). Where my kids grew up the kids at the supposed top public high schools were at least as affluent and snobby as the kids at the private schools. Wealth was definitely taken as the norm at the top public schools. The actual city public schools (as opposed to suburban) were extremely bad and private school was the preferred option. The private schools were excellent, (yes) expensive and varied in focus. Some were church-affiliated, some attracted a more “artsy” kid and some were known for extremely rigorous academics/athletics. </p>
<p>From your post it is clear you really don’t understand the advantages of private high schools or boarding schools. I understand that many people have strong public school options and that those schools work well for their kids. That is not true for everyone. My kids wound up going from elite private schools to boarding school- for entirely different reasons for each of my kids. My daughter (now 26) regards her 2 years at her arts boarding academy as truly life changing and the foundation for her artistic and personal development. My son- well, you had to be around years ago for my threads- but I think I can say the educational path he required also changed the course of his life.</p>
<p>I also want to add that both boarding schools were more diverse- in every way, including the affluence of the families- than anything in our local community.</p>
<p>Don’t be so quick to judge and categorize.</p>