This is a long thread, but my two cents.

My daughter picked up a lacrosse stick for the first time in 8th grade. Tried out for Yellow Jackets after her 9th grade and was put on a lower team. Each year they moved her up to just below Blue. Played with the National School Girls teams with some of the Blue players. Everyone she played with, including the Blue players, were all great and accepting of her. I can't say the same for some parents but I'm an adult and can deal with that.

My daughter has excellent grades and will be playing lacrosse at the college level.
It all depends on what you want from a program and your kid's desire.