I was homeschooled briefly once - bad bad bad idea on my parents part.
I also think it depends on the country you're in. It differs from place to place
I think it depends on the public and private schools in your area. I did the International Baccaleureate which isn't available at many state schools in the UK. And compared to A levels I think the IB is a better program - eventhough it's a lot of work it is a really well rounded program.
I have been to both private and public schools - there is bullying/drugs/elitism in all school.