Public/Private

I’m not sure I’ve argued that public is always better than private for everyone in every situation. 

Compulsory? Yes, I think so – some form of it, at least. Like traffic lights, basic public health, sanitation disposal, and police departments, public education of all youth is good for society as a whole economically, socially, politically, etc. I think there’s a discussion to be had about the exact curriculum or what we emphasize, but some form of public education should be expected, yes. 

Public schools take every kid, regardless of their background, their ability, their issues, their struggles, their interest level, their family, their native language, their criminal record, their race, their handicap, their attitude, their appearance, etc. We attempt the impossible – to value, educate, encourage, and provide basic structure and appropriate limits for a huge variety of kids from ages  5 – 18. 

Private schools are able to pick and choose their students based on any factors they choose. That’s fine – they’re private. That’s the trade-off. But private schools are a poor substitute for public because they’ll never willingly serve more than a very small percentage of students out there.

I’m not sure if I’ve answered your question, so feel free to clarify.