Above some nonzero level of parental involvement, the peer group dominates. I want my kids to be around brighter, nicer kids; many of them gravitate to schools in expensive locations.

The research shows that peers do become significant in the teenage years, but suggests that parental involvement is still most important even then. Prior to that, peer group seems to have little-to-no effect.

So, the good news is that even if you want to give your best in that area, you only have to endure for five years, give or take. Something tells me you won't be packing your bags after that, though. The combination of words gives the impression you're actually more interested in the appearance of giving your child a good education more than giving a good education.

I was one of the dumbest among the smart kids I hung out with, the bad influence, but we did have fun. peers count for alot, parents count for alot. but what counts the most is the kid him/her self. I say this because there came a moment, and I remember it well, when I knew that I knew how to learn. before that, I didn't not know that.

I knew WHAT I wanted to learn, just not how to learn it, how to nurture and guide myself. it was a big deal and it still is