Some kids will thrive out of town at age 14. They are ready for adventure, socialization and all the independence that life away from home will bring. Others will be unbearably homesick at first, but then adjust. Others will be unbearably homesick and suffer. So alotdepends on your son's personality. Does he want to go or would he have to be strongly encouraged (forced?). His emotional adjustment aside, there is the general question of how much a specific education matters in the bigger picture. If he doesn't get a superb education now does that mean he will never have that opportunity to learn? Many people have had poor quality education and managed to search out excellent learning opportunities later on. However, one's homelife in the developmental years can't be replaced. One is a child only once in a lifetime. The warmth and love of home are really irreplacable. If your son has a few more years of homelife in a mediocre school environment, he may still gain more than he loses. He can go out of town when he's 17, 18 or even older. He has the rest of his life to be away from home and to continue acquiring wisdom and knowledge.   Sarah Chana