My two older kids (biologically mine) went to public school and had no problems. My two adopted sons were developmentally delayed and struggled with public school. The teachers found it easier to label them "trouble makers" than to deal with their learning disabilities. So we pulled them and they are now home schooled.
IMHO, public school is fine for the "average kid". but if you are smarter than average or below average, public school is a disservice to you.
I've had this same experience.
My son is adopted and my daughter is mine biologically. My son has a host of medical issues that he still struggles with and public school hasn't been kind to him.
When they first entered school, my then husband and I enrolled them into a private Catholic school. My son did OK (he was at that time undiagnosed with a differing things, so that explains why he only did OK, but they did seem to WANT to help him succeed) and my daughter was off the charts.
Then when only one of us was employed, we couldn't afford the tuition, so they went into public school. Their education has been only satisfactory, but since I worked for the school district shortly after enrolling them, I was a VERY strong advocate and was extremely involved in the entire educational process. I no longer work for the district but the people there still know me and know my expectations for my kids. I'm sure they see me coming and cringe.
I am not really thrilled with the NCLB and haven't been a fan since it's inception. It's been my experience that most teachers want "cookie cutter" children and my son does NOT fit that at all. I believe in holding my son responsible for his part, but I also don't let teachers label him a "problem" simply because he is going to take a little more effort in some areas (mostly organization and planning). I've been told numerous times that they don't have "the time" to help him. Bull****. I work sixty hours a week and run a household with two teenagers and I have time to be actively involved in their school work and activities.. surely they can help out in small but significant ways.
My daugher is in AP classes and while my son is very bright as well, he does have some things he struggles with and needs a little boost in some areas. Schools always tell me they want 'involved' parents.. but yet when parents DO get involved, it bothers them.
If I had a choice, I would home school them both, but unfortunately, I don't have that option.