Try this answer. It was proposed by an educator, Daniel Greenberg, in a 2001 speech about his school.

" A school is a place where children can develop to be effective adults. It’s an environment in which children can make the transition from being children to becoming ready to go out into the world. That’s what school is all about. If it achieves that purpose, it succeeds; if not, it has failed. The key question then becomes: what does it mean to be an effective adult in today’s world? "

Providing anything less will mean schools are not preparing our children to be effective adults in the world they face after Commencement.

He analyzes the current situation in light of the goal by wondering about our world today and for the next generation. Paraphrased he says, "So what is our world? It's big, offers lots of variety and always changing. How do you prepare for that?"

He answers."Flexibility, adaptability, ability to solve problems, ability to use judgement, focus and concentration, specialization, persistence, ability to learn and continue to learn at one's own initiative and towards one's own interests, communications, connections, socialization all add up toward creativity and effectiveness in the world we face today."

In solid MBA form he analyses the strengths and abilities students bring to their education  and designs an environment that prepares students to be effective adults. Do you think it looks much like the schools you attended? Where dear Mrs D teaches Civics in fourth period with firm discipline never allowing dissent.

Read about the Sudbury Valley school if you are curious.