[NutmegCarrera]

I would recommend reading a fairly recent book, "Nurtureshock" by Po Bronson.
Discusses a lot of the points raised here (predisposition to achievement based on environment, parenting, god forbid TV, etc...).

Might be a good investment of 20 bucks prior to shelling out tens of thousands.

Also - some of Malcom Gladwell's work (Blink, the tipping point) touch on similar discussions.

Please don't categorize me based on these suggestions. Also accept my disclaimer that I do not agree with all points raised in these publications. They do make some interesting correlations and observations.

We happen to like public schools, but we also pay through the a$$ in taxes.