Problem with a school system choosing the curriculum, is that they can filter the truth or focus on what to teach. Forget REAL history. Why did the American Civil War really start? How about Henry Ford getting an Iron Cross from Hitler in the 30's? Why did he receive it? I didn't learn this stuff in the 70's and 80's either, but stumbled upon it as I read outside of the official curriculum.
Kids nowadays have even a more PC curriculum. Lord help them. My 15 year old niece who we are raising comes home with some pretty crazy stuff that is required.