> Fact is, the children of the immigrant Chinese (and now Russians) have
> little or no problem picking up good educations even in the "problem"
> schools.

EXACTLY... I went to an "elite" school here in Australia, and did not 
get a very good university entrance score because I am not very academic 
and didn't study.

People I knew who went to the "bad" school nearby got excellent scores.

I don't think there are many schools in first world countries that are 
so bad as to actually hinder learning. The attitude of the parents and 
the student is the most important thing.