<p>There are certainly those that pusue “elite” privates for the prestige,social standing, family history or because they mistakenly believe it is some free pass to an ivy. Just like there are those who are only looking for HYPS because of the status. There are also those, and I would suggest the majority, who apply to HYPS because they are amazing places to go to college. In the same way the vast majority of families that choose a particular private school choose it because they genuinely believe that it is the best educational and developmental match for their child. My DDs private has astounding facilities, a large variety of sports and ECs which are supported by fans from the entire school, superb committed teachers, and a student body that values academic and artistic achievement. It is a place where it is cool to be smart and accomplished. Many of the alums from my DDs school cite their years there as transformational, and unlike my PS experience they remain close to their HS friends and teachers. Is it perfect - absolutely not. Is it the only way to get a good HS education - absolutely not. Are there some spoiled children - certainly. But no place is perfect, and it offerred my DDs a tremendous experience. That is why there is a segment of the population that “worships” elite prep schools - in particular boarding schools.</p>
<p>Clearly from this thread there are the cynical and prejudiced want to believe it is all hype, and that the schools are just a silly waste of money that feed the parent’s egos. I find that ignorant, sad and insulting. We all make decisions about what is best for our children, in our particular circumstances. It is completely rude and innappropriate to assume motives, and completely wrong to say that most of these schools are not amazing institutions.</p>