My children have been in competitive school systems and compared to the monopolies over here, the difference is staggering.  When there's competition to win over parents, the schools are highly motivated to out-perform one another.  
Eg:  my son was seven when he was introduced to fractions, and loved them.  He was also faster than a calculator when multiplying or adding.  That same year, he also read the Tolkien trilogy and talked about it every day.  
He's no smarter nor dumber than any other child.  Take a look at Ontario's math curricula, which was dumbed down my McGuinty.  That's the culprit.
Kids are capable, but they need good curricula, and competent teachers who are held accountable.  
I do not support public education.  I support charter schools and the voucher system.

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