College Preps

I had a few insights after our discussions in class about the article by Eagan about obtaining a college degree.
One's outlook on college is largely affected by their environment, namely their high school environment. Anyone will tell you there is a large difference between private versus public high school. It was discussed in class the difference between the prep that is given at each type of schooling. Public schools are just trying to push their students down the aisle at graduation and calling that a success, whereas private school go to many lengths to prep students for college. I have a brother who is a sophomore at a very competitive private high school. There, it is not a question about if you will go to college, rather where you will go, and how many ivy leagues schools are you applying to? The curriculum at this high school is centered around a good education that will prepare a student for furthering their knowledge at college. They make it very clear to the students that this is the school's mission. Before my brother takes the ACT, he will have taken approximately 10 practice ACT tests proctored by the school during school hours. The message is clear - these kids are going to college, no buts about it.
I couldn't help but wonder, "What if public schools responded to their students the same way?" Challenging their students to continue their education versus settling for high school diploma as enough. What would happen if public schools just raised the standard for their students? The gamble is that there would be those students who reject the harder curriculum, but would having a few less students walk down the aisle of graduation be worth having 10 more students apply to college? Its a hard thing to justify; however, I really think that students need to be encouraged to go to college.
In this day and age, it is imperative that a person gets the highest level of education possible. And students in situations where they might not believe that is possible for them, need to be shown possibilities that will lead to opportunities. I think these possibilities need to be fostered by the high schools which they attend. If they are told they can do it, maybe they will believe they can.