As someone who just graduated last year   and am going to the naval academy( not to brag but to give perspective) i graduated from a public school and had a great experience that i don;t think Home school (which IMHO is not healthy)  or even private school can really match. Public school is all about what you put into it if you work hard take challenging classes and get involved in Xtra curric. you get a lot, i had to do all of the above to get an appointment and i had an excellent experience and a solid education. Also it really comes down to parents and if their going to support and guide their children, parents have to be involved.