A well-educated population is generally considered to be a good thing. That’s why schooling is compulsory in almost every country in the world.

This seems to be the conclusion. I’m not sure how people arrive here.

An educated populace...

...generates more economic activity

...understands basic civics and government

> ...understands basic civics and government

The public school system isn't doing that for our fellow citizens already. I fail to see why it would be worse if the failure happens at home rather than in a government building.

My comment was a direct response to the question "why should I care if my neighbors are educated?"

And that's a fair criticism of some public schools. And some home-schoolers. And probably some private schools.

Because they're going to be your neighbors, your co-workers, and your fellow voters.

That's also why you care about the state of the public school system, even if you have no kids (or they don't attend public school).