<p>@snoozn, I agree with you entirely about this: "I think parents have a great responsibility here, but so do schools. Of course parents who have the ability to choose their schools also need to choose the right schools with the right atmosphere. When I go to parent conferences for my younger (elementary and middle school) kids, I’m always very focused on how we (parents, teachers, school staff) can all work together to keep the kids engaged and viewing school as something positive in their lives. I really think this is more important than having great academics (assuming that the school is at least competent in academics). If kids become apathetic about school in the elementary years, you’ve probably lost them for good. "</p>
<p>Oh yeah, I did intentionally simplify the title everyone ;)</p>