<p>Hunt, while I can see your theoretical point, please consider the reality that faces most elite private schools. While there have been a few majestic (one of your words) failures, the top school enjoy waiting lists and face hordes of over-worried parents. </p>
<p>How many times have we heard about the anxiety of parents of toddlers in “missing the boat?” I have recently heard of 1,500 families jockeying for 30 spots at a Pre-K.</p>
<p>The further reality is that the elite private schools have little to no impact on the direction of the public education, especially in the higher grades. On the other hand, the introduction and further snowballing of programs such as AP and, to a lesser extent, the IB have tremendous impacts on the continuing segregation among students. </p>
<p>A public system of education that so desperately clings to a powerful monopoly cannot afford to mimic the Titanic and have only lifeboats for a chosen few.</p>