Chaotic public housing projects aren't exactly conducive to studying. >>>
I wouldn't say that, I've been in quite a few. I went to school with some very smart students who came from the projects. It all depends on the parents and how the local housing authority runs them.
True, but a lot of public housing authorities let their projects turn into complete jungles, and a lot of parents are cycling in and out of prison and rehab (not to mention that their is usually only on eparent present, who's likely to be overwhelmed if she really is trying to hold down and be as self-sufficient as possible). Neither of these factors are things that teenagers have any control over.