So, it's compulsory, unless the parents decide otherwise. Gotcha.
It seems that you strongly favor the compulsory, police enforced, government schools and the religious worldview promoted in them.
I'm ambivalent when it comes to public schools. Some are good, some aren't. But, yes, I favor a religously neutral education (which is what I received in Toronto public and private schools) and that is what I want my kids to get.
I would assume that the religious worldview promoted by the government has much in common with your religious worldview?
What religious worldview is the government promoting?
Personally, in my homeschool I taught my children that math was a reflection of and example of a rational God. I taught them that is was our duty and responsibility to learn as much about this rational God's creations and his works as possible.
As is your right. But public schools are Constitutionally enjoined from promoting religion and have to remain neutral on the subject.
If private schools are available the parent is forced to pay “FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE” tax in the form of private tuition or extra homeschooling expenses. I call it ransom.
Government imposed ransom or Freedom of Conscience Taxes as a means to escape the government godless indoctrination are **NOT** religiously neutral.
And...Having the government force citizens to pay for the establishment and promotion of a godless religious worldview in its government schools is **NOT** religiously neutral.
It is impossible for you to favor a religiously neutral education since a religiously neutral education is **IMPOSSIBLE**! It is axiomatic.
When the government attempts to proscribe a God-centered worldview it automatically promotes at godless worldview. There is not neutral position. A religiously neutral education is impossible! It is either God-centered or godless and neither is religiously neutral.