I seriously think that hight end LCD are better than some CRT. The problem is Apple's LCD are kinda over priced right now, go with a Formac, they are as good but dont have the same aspect ratio.
Buying a new mac is a very hard experience if you havent planned exactly for what you want to use the mac for. Once you know it, you can pick the one that suite your needs. In your case, if you only want to use it for school you should ask yourself if you want portability or not. Laptop are great but if you are going to do your homework in your room most of the time, it doesnt justify the cost.
So think hard about what you really plan to do with the computer and then about your budget. Chances are that there is a mac to meet your needs.