I know, I know, it's easy to jump up and down and rant at Big Brother and the Republicans. But I went to Central High School of Philadelphia (as did my father), a public all-male high school which was an academic "magnet" school. We didn't have small intimate classes, fancy equipment, or a school full of overprivileged students. What we did have was dedicated teachers, an expectation of hard work, and a tradition that went back to 1836, when Central was founded as the second-oldest public high school in the country. I believe over 90% of my classmates went to college. We also won the city football championship. Down the street was the Philadelphia High School for Girls, also an academic magnet school.

Now Central is coed. But as far as I was concerned, I appreciated the chance to start my social life at my own pace, and not be subject to the constant adolescent tribal mating rituals until I was ready for them. I suppose other people would have a different opinion. But I don't think their opinion should necessarily take preference over mine. I think the choice should be available. Considering the sad state of public education, maybe an alternative choice isn't such a bad idea.

Aloha,
Mark