The role of schools in the socialization of children is a bit glamorized in this thread, imo. Fact is, schools are meant to control populations. "In time the savage beast doth bear the yoke."

Having read, researched and written about Canada's 'history of education', one thing is clear: the purpose of public education is to control the masses. That means us.

Public schools over the past few years have begun again to play the National Anthem each day, and the Catholic system in Alberta has brought in "The Lord's Prayer" each day, too. (Note: in Alberta the two tines of the Public System are Public and Separate. School Districts that have a majority of Catholic voters in them will subsequently be called the Public Board. If a School District has a majority of non-Catholics, the Catholic Board will be called the Separate School and the other the Public. Both Public and Separate are funded with public money.)

I have seen more effective socialization happening at recess than usually happens in the classroom.