text: Funny you suggest the scenario of young children "armed to say back to a teacher."  Kid tried that on a (disturbing) TV series we're watching called Ozark.  Kid in question: the son of a guy laundering millions for a Mexican drug cartel.  Well-spoken, neat kid refuses to sign the classroom pledge to avoid drugs. Off to the Principal's Office!  Still refuses. He appears every bit as bright as Noa appears, and wow, the arguments he gives for NOT signing on are absolutely fascinating. And quite convincing. 
  
  Of course, you might draw the conclusion that his particular "home schooling" is much more persuasive than the public school kind. I mean, if the family doesn't make the grade, it doesn't "fail."  It's just wiped out by the cartel.