This problem came into being about 15 minutes after the first taxes were collected in history: "you're doing what with my money?!?!?"
Paying taxes is not a moral obligation, so any legal method you can use to lower your burden is fair game. Of course, it depends on your income and tax amount as to whether you should engage an accountant....if the service costs more than the refund...
I don't have kids...but have to pay to fund schools and their sports programs, regardless of the number of low-grade morons graduating and entering the workforce ("Yes, dear, I know I gave you too much money...the cost was $17.75...I gave you a $20 and 3 quarters...give me $3 back....").
:rant:
I like the model in Germany: you go to school for classes, sometimes on Saturday, spread throughout the year (no 3 month vacation in the summer...sort of like the real world...they do this rotating schedule now in Colorado) and if Junior wants to play <insert sport here>, Mommy and Daddy can pay for it at the local rec center.
I'm sure many view this as heresy.....to quote Lou "whatever."