[PaulS]

Yes, ND

I think is skims some of the cream of crop off. The kids who demonstrate all the things that people want their kids to be (polite, hard working, etc).

Someone who would bring a gun to school isn't going to get anything from those kids but maybe the people who work hard for their grades everyday can look up to them.

I think overall it is better to have those kids remain in the public schools. And that has nothing to do w/teachers or unions.

Edit: I also feel that citizens are providing an education to the students they shouldn't have to subsidize an "alternative" education. Sort of the same as a star band member in those same schools where there is a music teacher. Should there be funds for that student to go out and get private music lessons somewhere else.