<p>I’ve always been a booster of good independent schools, for reasons of academic excellence but also the overall humane culture. Three of my four kids thrived (two in New England elites), but one was just too darn homesick to board – she came home midway through first year. Our local HS is okay, by California standards, but I think the east coast LACs saw a 4.6 GPA and thought “grade inflation.” Her achievements were devalued because of the “easy A” for classmates who just cruised. But it was all for the best, I guess, 'cause she loves her Northwest college.</p>