When public education is working well, it is an awesome thing. I always get a thrill picking up my kid at middle school. A sea of ethnic faces all chattering and getting along as only kids can do. Unfortunately by high school the kids have racially segregated themselves. My sons high school is like this. The school system in Los Angeles has a "Magnet" system, little islands in the middle of regular schools, where higher achieving kids can attend. These kids are ethnically diverse and are as color blind as you can get. They have mostly one goal in mind, "GPA".

Do your best to get your kid into the better classes with the better teachers, but also DON'T become one of those PITA parents.

Regardless of how good your schools are, you have to stay heavily involved. You'll have to help with math and with projects.

Start getting your ducks in line for high school. This is where you and your kid really want to concentrate your energies.

glenmore

katherine, junior, college
christopher, senior, high school
veronica, middle school