> So my anecdotal theory is that the (public) education system is optimized to the edges, abandoning the middle entirely...

Yep. Those edges are pushed by very vocal parents, usually backed by large communities and interest groups.

And the modern-day politics of American public schools (which generally have very low voter engagement) dictate that only the squeaky wheels get the grease.

My kids' schools are optimized for the lower edge, while providing some (but significantly less than the lower edge) additional support for the upper edge who almost exclusively come from upper income families who are assumed to be able to fend for themselves.

I want all people to live fulfilling lives and reach their potential, but we are pouring limited resources into a bottomless pit while intentionally de-emphasizing the fundamentals of education that worked well for decades (or longer), and any question of those methods receives an extremely hostile response.

It's no wonder that people are choosing to opt out in some form or another, or that the results are suboptimal.