Public or Private?

I have had discussions with various co-workers about whether or not they would send their kids to public school now having worked with some of the more challenging kids there. The pros/cons lists seem endless. On the Private side, the kids will get some religious foundation (as most private schools are religious based at least in this area). The kids are supposedly exposed to a better croud, less trouble-makers and what not. (You may begin to see my slant). Also the rumor has it that the teachers are of higher quality and so the kids get a better education. Class sizes are smaller. The list continues on. I do agree that class sizes are small, but I have a difficult time seeing the rest.
The only redeeming quality to the Private school arguement is that it is not Public school. I have now worked in both settings. In Public schools you have overworked, underpaid, very tired teachers. On the other hand I have seen some of these same teachers retire from their public school job and head over to the private sector. It may be a change, but burnout is burnout. I know now that my preference is to work in the public school system. The pay--the same.
The kids--world of difference. While working in the private schools, the kids I worked with were (mostly) sheltered, the parents spoiled and the workers (sometimes) clueless. The kids--95% of the time were referred to me because their grades had begun to slip. They came with complaints that marijuana has not been legalized (like they would be an age to smoke it if it were) and their parents insist on being present at their drinking parties. These kids described going through parents medicine cabinets (because their parents wouldn't miss the pills), taking a few pills to a party, then mixing them up and choosing one based on it color. Many times I would contact the parents to discuss my concerns and they were offended with my interference.
Which brings me to The Parents--They worked hard to earn their comforts. It seemed though that they didn't want to be bothered to take it further, to parent. Although there were a good bit who truly cared, I was always so shocked at the one that didn't care.
The teachers--As I mentioned most private school in this area are religious based. The school I worked in was also religious based. Kids were given chance after chance to mess up and be forgiven. They fought to always maintain an element of grace in their dealings with the kids. Caught using drugs, service hours and counseling. Caught behind the art room being a bit too promiscuous (against school rules), counseling.
In Public school, the problems seem so much more real. There are limited resources, so only the sickest kids get sent to my office (and I only take those with the state's insurance). I love working in Public school and I am amazed everyday to see how these kids struggle and fight to survive and end up thriving. I have seen young kids struggling every day with depression (true suicidal depression) and bipolar. I work with kids that have to face that they see their father beat their mother to a pulp multiple times a week or that deal with their own issues of abuse. These kids are strong and far from spoiled.
Yes, I have rambled. But I put in my vote. My kids will go to public school.