I have a daughter in High School and I am very impressed with the level of education she is receiving. Of course, she is taking Honors classes. From what I have seen, her school is very much like many others - there are all levels of learning - from the kids who really shouldn't waste the effort to even get to the building, all the way to the Advanced Placement courses that actually award college credits.....
As with every aspect of life, education is what you make of it.
That was my experience in HS too...
HS was what you made of it. I still pursue difficult classes (organic chemistry-- SHUDDER!!)