Public school teachers have a hard row to hoe in ways. However, 1. Most public schools are not so progressive, at least in CA. Takes money to change. 2. Bullying is very damaging. Would you not adult want orgasm the and probably if someone you? Why must be put in a place where it is inevitable? Tech bullying is easier to deal with over say, getting your nose broken. 3. Oh, yes, some homeschool groups have agendas. But those agendas are not shoved in one's face in the same way a government-based one is. You just walk away to disengage from the homeschooling group. 4. I don't think church is the answer, ever (I'm an atheist). Just an idea for some isolated people to get some LGBTQ-friendly socialization. As for mass education, I'm not saying that public schools are not necessary for millions, it is the only option. I think it is sad that you no "fostering of eclectic interests" to be part of public education. My anecdotal evidence is my daughter: in public elementary, she was bored and refused to do homework. Another little girl bullied her mercilessly. After a lot of garbage with the school, we made the best choice, using a directed unit study method at first and then unschooling for high school. We emphasized all her interests in reading, math, science, "social studies" in a way that the local "No Left Behind" could not, with its "teaching to the test" mentality. She was allowed to indulge her interests in biology, manga, and writing without restriction. Now as a freshman in college, she is very interested in math, business, writing, television broadcasting and editing, talking about electrical engineering as a "fun career". I doubt she would even have graduated high school under the public school model. She certainly would not be the passionate learner she is today.