I must respectfully disagree on you position regarding uniforms. We had a dress code at the private high school I attended, and it definitely made a difference. Instead of focusing on who was wearing what and who could afford the latest fashions, students distinguished themselves through academic, artistic, musical, or athletic excellence.
I can only speak from my experience, and the experience of the other friends I made from various private educational institutions, but having spent the first 9 years of my life in public education, private education (and, yes, the dress code accompanying it) was significantly better.
I'm confident it wasn't the *only* variable, but it was an important variable that helped comprise the difference. Your experience may have been dramatically different, and I respect your right to disagree.
The key words are PRIVATE high school. At that point, the uniform isn't meant to equalize, but to set those students apart from the rest of the school kids. Kids (and parents) have ways of accessorizing uniforms to show status.
Uniforms are impractical as they have only that one use. I'd rather pay a little more for a few sports team items that my kids will wear ALL the time.
The whole point of equalizing kids is anathema to a capatalistic society, but fits in well with most forms of socialism.