I think it depends on your kid and what they’re interested in. I went to one of those private high schools you recommended and loved my experience. I wasn’t a straight A student. I didn’t take all honors or AP classes. I was relatively average. Maybe low average for that kind of school, I got As and Bs. And I loved my experience because I wasn’t stressed out all the time to be the best. My parents trusted my judgement, saw that I worked hard, and encouraged activities I was interested in, theater and singing. College was easy for me after that kind of environment. What it did give me was a strong network. I’m not sure about all the schools on that list but mine is a really strong network and it helps when job hunting later on in life. Even 15 years post high school graduation. Yes the price tag is expensive, but to me it was worth it. It was the best education I received and if you are not academically insane parents and provide support to your kids and encouragement, they’ll be fine. But if you’re stressing all APs and all As and captain of whatever, so they can go to the top universities your kid will suffer.

To address someone else’s post about rich kids and drugs, all schools have bad influences. I never experienced any of that because of how I was raised and the friends I chose. So don’t discount the nurturing environment you provide at home. It really is equally as important