I love this post. It's not popular to diss public education - but the system is broken because the premise is flawed.
I'm a firm believer that 1-on-1 experiential education is far superior to communal textbook learning: Like light years better.
You can't beat home education. Second best would be specifically tailored private tutoring. Every child learns differently and so it makes sense that teaching to the lowest common denominator in a group setting is not effective for ANY student (including the lowest common denominator).
I personally opted to do skilled apprenticeships over traditional college. Experience always trumps education. Business owners are starting to agree with me. What looks better on a resume? 4 years of theory or 4 years of on-the-ground experience. Most businesses will hire 4 years of experience these days.
Traditional education is dead.