I am completely in sync with your point. Bit I feel there are multiple (different) goals in play here, and the outcomes vary greatly based on the goal chosen.

I am completely in sync with your point. Bit I feel there are multiple (different) goals in play here, and the outcomes vary greatly based on the goal chosen. For example, covid showed that a primary goal for many is simply day care. Child has to be looked after while parents work. If they actually learn things that's a bonus. Prep for college, and college admission, is another goal. Learn how to effectively take tests, how to memorise somewhat-random material, how to write an essay. Learn to analyse reading material and discuss Hamlet's indecision. Or Teach the child how to learn. Let them follow what interests them. Explore the world. Visit museums, art galleries, build a bicycle. All great, some useful, but none of the rigidity and discipline required when entering the work-force. (Ironically, probably the most learning, while at the same time the least empowering.) Or what about trades? Wouldn't it be useful if the school taught plumbing, or how to wire a plug, or how to fix home appliances, or how to paint a wall? So don't feel bad about being home-schooled. You will have gained some head-starts, and missed out on others. (There are plenty of kids who went to school, and that also did little to prep them for college or the work-place). The best prep for today work-place, is, well work. A summer job, or weekends at MacD will help you with that skill set. (Or your first couple jobs after college). To prep for college you need a college-aimed curriculum, coupled with strong analytical, summary, and essay writing skills. You need to learn "what's being taught" regardless of what it is. (Which is why the best college advice is to pick a major you enjoy, because you'll be depending a Lot of time with it.) Yes, we all had different school experiences. Some good some bad. To some degree we all succeed or fail at life in spite of, not because of, school.