There are great schools, but the problem isn't the overall school but how they relate to parents one on one. It is increasingly apparent that "your one child" is just not priority one to the teacher, the principal or the administration. Parents are told this on a non stop basis "we have a whole SCHOOL of kids to worry about". Frankly I don't think they do much worrying since they are more preoccupied with day to day operations, funding, and furthuring their own careers than fretting over one child. It is all a matter of perspective and schools are really good at making parents feel like they are "demanding" unreasonable things, when in truth we are trying to look after the person whom we brought into this world and care about the most. As far as reacting, I know tons of parents who react, myself included....and hit the brick wall of indifference and ineptitude....even at good schools. You are NOT supposed to get upset, you're supposed to be complacent and nod and agree that the school and teacher is doing everything in their power to educate your child and have their best interests at heart. And if you believe that.....there's some ocean front property in Yuma I'd like to show you.....

I'm sorry...I have to agree with healthy11's comment that there ARE great schools in every state, but as a general rule may I restate your query?

"Schooling is not up to snuff" ANYWHERE in this country. That's why I'm working so hard to change it. It's really tough, though, because in general, too many of the people who could get outraged and insist on changes don't really react. It's like we've all turned into lemmings and our KIDS are our most precious resource. If we don't get upset about their inadequate educational opportunities, what ARE we going to get upset about?

There are "good" schools and not-so-great schools in every state, but in terms of comparing state performance averages, this may be helpful: community.greatschools.net/advice/184/Helpful-websites-when-seeking-info-about-HOW-SCHOOLS-COMPARE-STATE-TO-STATE-