I feel that this comparison is not very agreeable and feasible as both schools have a different environment and student/staff culture. Although this is, superficially, a comparison within the education system of Singapore, this comparison is indeed invalid as this applies to what each school have to offer. Let me illustrate this particular analogy to you:

Let's assume that all schools are fruits. Neighbourhood schools are regarded as oranges and elite schools as apples. So, in this example, a comparison can only be made superficially, and although they are all fruits, they are different inside and only a rough comparison on probably what each schools offer can be made. A discussion cannot be facilitated to the fullest extent as it would be a unfair comparison.

That being said, neighbourhood school and elite schools have different methods of educating their students. And due to the fact that there are different types on students in different schools, schools have to adapt their teaching syllabus accordingly to make their students understand the concepts taught to the fullest.

With different methods of educating the students, a comparison cannot be and says which school is better because ultimately, it is the parents that decide what they want for their child's education. This methodology of comparing schools is the ultimate paradox in mainstream education. We should make comparisons, yes, I acknowledge that, but we should make comparisons that are relative to personal benefit as education is orienteered towards the students, not society as a whole.

So, in my view, of course, the elite schools do offer a better standard of education and facilities, and as a whole, a more constructive and interactive student culture, along with better infrastructural support and therefore leaving more room for a student’s holistic education, but that being said, it is not for everyone. Mainstream neighbourhood schools offer a more academically-orientated environment for the students, where learning is much more intensive but rather repetitious, but it leaves less room for holistic education, student culture and of course, facilities. This is the comparison that I can make as an observer, but I cannot draw any personal comments due to the nature and structure of this debate topic.