On home-schooling I couldn't agree more. As for free schooling, I do see it as an economical investment as an educated society is more productive.

There is an addendum to that though. If someone is willing to try for a medical degree and they have marks that support their conviction, it should be free. But if some spoiled rich kid wants a degree in fine arts or an equally useless degree, it should not be free!

The current system unfortunately financially cripples too many people who could be of much greater value to society.