<p>A successful 10th grader playing varsity with excellent grades may be better off remaining in public school and graduating top of their class if the goal is a highly selective college. Start by visiting Dartmouth and Georgetown this year. </p>
<p>However, if the goal is more academic challenge, an encompassing community and peers from many different locations, boarding school is a reasonable option. Repeating 10th grade would most likely be the smartest choice, because jumping in to a boarding school for junior year gives one little time to adapt before big stakes grades and tests happen, and there are precious few new students admitted to 11th grade. Grades may take a big hit too, depending on strength of current school. </p>