All of this sounds just so sensible until you take into consideration that individuals don’t pay for public education; the taxpayers do. And the choices parents make about their children’s education don’t just affect their children; they have an impact on the whole community.

Concerned friends tutor their own children, if they discover deficits. Or hire tutors. Where is this 'solution' ever mentioned? I went to public school. I had some great teachers. And some dreadful ones. Tutelage made up the difference. Mentors are better, but it is a significant time- and responsibility-investment few will accept.