Happily not all teachers teach to the tests. STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) is all about trying to stoke interest in these paths. She's holding her first event today.

FWIW: I've seen districts where parents don't care, and she's student taught in some of these. It is terrible, as the kids aren't there to learn, the teachers are stressed out and unhappy, and the parents don't give a damn. The place where she is now is a college prep school. Hard core academic criteria to graduate, not just passing tests. Strong incentives from parents to kids to work hard, though not all do.

STEAM club -- this is an activity outside of the normal curriculum.