[HairOfTheDog]

I am completely comfortable with the institution of public schooling... and I do see benefits to society in it. From putting everyone together, we create, or have the opportunity to create Americans, rather than individual groups who stick with and listen only to their own.

I will think some more on it, I am sure. Thanks everybody for your feedback on it. It will all go into the mix that ends up being the view I can live with.

[Penny1]

You raise a very good point about the emphasis on the "individual" as being a bit troubling--America has lost much of its sense of community, and while individualism is a big part of our national identity, it's not always preferable...

[JenB]

I guess I just have so many bad connotations - kids in classes who cannot read, who cannot place the Revolution in the right half-century, and who have trouble with algebra - college students, remember - not to mention the people I know who just aren't getting educated....well, I know that any kids I have won't be attending a public school, no matter what sacrifices I may have to make.

Anyway, talk about it any time you like. We'll convert you yet!

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

From putting everyone together, we create, or have the opportunity to create Americans, rather than individual groups who stick with and listen only to their own.

This is the old Noah Webster, Horace Mann idea of public schooling. In many places in the country today, they view their duty as creating 'un-Americans', people who despise American culture and American political and economic principles.