I grew up in upstate NY. I remember having to take the Regents exams...
I dropped out of Calasanctius Prep in Buffalo, took a GED, got a two-year-degree, and educated myself during commuting time. Tried attending more college. It was a joke. I knew more than the “professors”.
I took them as well. 1972.
....so did I.....grew up in one of the suburbs of Albany...the education I got from those public schools was outstanding...have no idea what those schools are like today (I think my old high school now boasts an LGBTQ club of some sort...disgusting...)...