I think the ever-expanding library of videos and practice questions at Khan Academy is a great example of how traditional k-12 educational institutions can be supplemented or even replaced by the internet. A lot of information is available just a quick search away now!

I like to remind myself, half-jokingly, that we are living in the future. If one watched Star Trek, we have so many devices that they foresaw, and sometimes more advanced—my iPad is loads better than the little pads they had for reading on Next Generation! We have bluetooth headsets, and our cars can talk to us. Technology has opened whole horizons, and the children growing up today have access to unprecedented amounts of information.

I also think that K-12 was a big source of problems I face today. I never felt the freedom to fail as a child, I think, and as a result, I suffer from terrible anxiety and depression, resulting from perfectionism. My mental health was definitely damaged by trying to fit the mold of a standardized education, of being told (as an undiagnosed autistic/ADHD child) that I am obviously smart but I don't apply myself hard enough. I internalized that shame, and I still struggle with it today.

I really appreciate this series of posts on unschooling—it's a very good and very important conversation you're stirring!