[netman]

Kids socialize kids. Thats a fact.

My children deal more with adults than children their own age.They are growing into adults and will be spending their lives as adults.

Why would I want the Bart Simpsons of public school to socialize my kids.

[summer]

Yes and no. It depends on many factors, including what happens to the kid after the kid's misconduct. If nothing happens, then, yes, that kid has growing influence.

[summer]

But, in middle school, many kids become much more concerned about peers and peer approval.

[summer]

And, I do empathisize with the gist of what you are saying -- that is why private schools attract many parents. Also, the homeschooled middle school aged kids I know are far better behaved than most middle school kids I have seen in public schools.