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<p>So was Jimmy Carter. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Oh…don’t rank on the city. It really is a great place, despite a few mind-twisted liberals here and there…</p>
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<p>Who? Moi? :D</p>
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<p>You’re right. It’s always the 7-8 million that ruin it for the 5 or 6 individuals… :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Back to the original question:</p>
<p>Public or private, large or small, AP or IB.</p>
<p>In the end I really believe it depends on what is done with the opportunities available, how one seeks opportunities elsewhere if they are not offered through school, and a certain amount of luck.</p>
<p>The luck comes into play when one considers the competition for admittance in the year one applies. I know of a highly qualified individual who was a National Merit finalist, ranked very high in the graduating class, well rounded, loads of Community service, a legacy, etc, but no appointment, although several excellent offers and scholarships from ivy league schools. That particular year, there were several other excellent candidates from the congressional district, and the cards did not fall his way.</p>
<p>Do the best you can, make informed decisions, but don’t put all of your hopes on one path.
CM</p>
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<p>Amen to that.</p>
<p>HS is not about where you go but what you put into it. My kid went to DC public schools (Generally thought ot as the worst school system in the country) throughout and is in the top 10% of his class at KP. Actually, I think the more you can overcome to get to where you want to be, the more you apprecaite your opportunities you get.</p>
<p>I think public schools and teachers in general get a bad rap. Looking back on our kids, I feel they received an excellent education in our public schools. I am sure there are some public and private schools I would not want them in, and there is no way I would want mine home-schooled, they would just miss out on too many experiences that my wife and I think are important—I think each family needs to make the decision that is best for them and their child.</p>
<p>nickmom, have you considered having your son attend 9th grade at the smaller school then change schools and finish 10th - 12th at the larger public school (or vise-versa)? This would allow you to see for yourselves if the school you chose would be challenging enough or offers the most opportunities.</p>
<p>One of the things I noticed about the pre-candidate application is there is less emphisis placed on 9th grade activities. I am only guessing, but this may be due to the fact that some school districts do not have 9th graders in the same school buildings with other high school students. By placing a greater emphisis on a candidates 10th, 11th and 12th grade academics, leadership, athletics and extra-curriculars, the candidate(s) are not penalized for attending a middle school/intermediate school for 9th grade. </p>
<p>If your son does change schools after ninth grade, he will be given a chance during the interview process (assuming he is selected for an interview) to explain why he changed schools after 9th grade. </p>
<p>It is obvious there is no right answere. The parent of the home schooler made a great point. It doesn’t matter what school your son attends. What matters is what he does with what is offered. Best wishes.</p>