Public school is largely pathetic, yes. However, you get out of it what you put in. Sure, no one will push you and if
you want to just skate by and do nothing you can still do just fine. However, if you have a self motivated kid that wants to challenge themselves, they can still learn a lot and get a great education.
However, no one is going to push them. They will have to want it. If not, then you go back to pretty much only needing a heartbeat to pass.