There are so many classes I took that had and have no use whatsoever.
Then again Algebra has shown up far too often in my life for me to think it was all for naught. Darned teachers were right.
Personally, I think Mr. Gates has had this plan ever since the second wedgie of his freshman year: "They'll see... someday I'll be so rich that I'll close down high school. Wait, I'll get so rich that I'll close down all the high schools. Then the smart kids will be free!"
Lesson learned, beware the power of a determined nerd.
It is my considered opinion that I have never, ever, learned anything, during my entire lifetime, from a teacher. I learned everything I know from either personal experience, or from reading books.
IMO schools could be staffed with proctors who simply assigned reading and oversaw tests on that material, without any loss of educational effect.