Hmmm ... depends on the kid. Personally, I would abolish all private schools and make it a level playing ground so that having money can't buy you a better education. However, given that I'm living in the real world, I'd try to stick to my principles and send my child to a public school. I think smart kids make it through regardless. But if they weren't doing well and I thought their future would be adversely affected then yes I'd have to swallow my principles and send them to a private school.