Schools, schools, schools (home, private school, best)

[Nell Plotts]

I have contended that home life is a better predictor of academic success than the school. My opinion was formed after observing the results of private school students.. even where home life is supportive (after all they are shoveling big bucks for the private school) the student's lack of interest in academics thwarted the best efforts of all.

After reading the material in the following link I have come to the conclusion that:

if the parents provide an enviornment that supports academic achievement; the student's social circle supports academic achievement;
and the student is willing to make the effort - they can do well. The school itself makes little difference. That is not to deny that a school where many of the students peers are troubled will thwart this (see the second factor).

The Oregon Economics Blog: All About the Selection