As graduation approaches for many high school students, questions about the value of school education become more pressing. While schools aim to prepare students for the future, some students and teachers noticed that lessons learned inside of school don’t align with what the future presents after graduation.
By Ayane Rivello
One major debate centers on whether grades accurately measure intelligence or readiness for life outside school.
Micah Boyack, ‘29, says, “I do not believe so. There are multiple types of intelligence, [and] determining it off grades is not a fair judgment.”
Others agree that grades alone cannot capture a student’s abilities. Beth Musto, ’26, said that students may struggle in certain subjects while still being intelligent in other areas.
“My grades are good, but they’re not straight A’s,” Musto adds. “Especially math for me, I’m terrible at math, but I know I’m more intelligent in other stuff than what grades are saying.”
However, some teachers believe the issue goes beyond grades and into how students apply what they learn. Ms. Mary Laufer said intelligence should be measured by a person’s ability to use knowledge to solve problems.
“To me, a smart person is somebody who takes what they know and can solve problems with it,” Ms. Laufer says, “The willingness to solve your own problems, make mistakes and learn from them—that’s a life skill.”
Another concern raised by interviewees is whether students feel ready to handle responsibilities after graduation.
Boyack argues that schools often overlook practical life lessons, saying, “There are some things that school doesn’t teach, like pulling out loans and stuff.”
Musto believes students are split when it comes to feeling prepared for the future. “I feel like it’s probably 50-50,” she explains. “Some students are ready to graduate, and some are also ready, but they’re a little nervous since college is on a really high scale.”
Many students also associate real-life readiness with financial independence and managing responsibilities.
Boyack explains how, when he thinks of “real life skills, it’s being able to live on your own and manage your own money.
Musto added that important everyday skills are rarely taught in school.
“Things like bills, balancing a checkbook, driving, and living on a strict budget—stuff that finances [and it is something that] they don’t really teach in school.”
Despite these concerns, some students say certain lessons from school do carry into real life.
Boyack explains how learning about interest in math helped him better understand how money works. “There was interest in math, which helped with things like taxes and figuring out how much I’m going to be paying for something.”
Musto said journalism classes helped her develop communication skills that she now uses at work.
“Being in journalism has taught me how to communicate better,” Musto talks about how, “Talking to new people in interviews helped me feel less shy, and now when I go to work and talk to customers, that communication skill helps me.”
While opinions differ on how well schools prepare students for the future, Laufer believes one skill matters most.
“Handling criticism, learning from mistakes, and figuring things out on your own,” Laufer adds, “That’s what really prepares someone for real life.”
Ayane Rivello
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