re: How much is private school in your area?

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I make good money, but I can't see spending what amounts to a used or even new car buy every year just to avoid public schools.

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try the equivalent of a small house note when you have multiple kids


but everyone has different priorities with their money so it won't work for everyone

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How do people justify these spends?

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People go overboard, and certainly there is room for disagreement over advantages.

But, going to one of the better private schools in a decent area (medium/large city, better suburb) virtually assures that your child will go to a reputable college.

Not to get too lame about it, but even when comparing decent public schools to good private schools, there is a pretty apparent matriculation quality difference. Additionally, if you're going to places like Texas or Alabama or Georgia or UVA, your HS can predetermine your fraternity and most likely friend groups in college, which can make a difference in job opportunities, the type of people your kid hangs out with, dates, etc.

It's not the answer to all those questions, but it does have the tendency to give students a head start in those areas.