The irony is that his parents are doing well by US standards (not very high), but can't afford to send their kids to private schools.
Don't misunderstand. He's a lucky guy. He has two marvelous parents who provide for him lovingly.
Lots of kids his age don't have a place to sleep.

Sounds like his standards are a lot higher that the standards by which his parents' financial status is judged ;)

He's going for pre-med and he's applied to Princeton, U Penn and Rutgers.

Well, good luck to him and all of you. I hope that he is successful.