We are always ready to protect our loved ones without considering how powerful the opponent is. So I can understand what you done.
It seems you have a wider vision and for your sisters you did kind of sacrifice. That's impressive. I think everyone doesn't have the courage to do that.
I think what made that choice easier was because I already had an idea what government school was like, so it was easy for me to see myself staying for the long run. And that helped make the sacrifice a bit easier.