In this article, the author discusses the impact of compulsory state schooling in North America. The author stresses that schools are not making kids smarter, more capable or more skilled. The basic aspects of everyday school life have emerged and continue to evolve not as a response to the needs of students, but as driven by institutional needs. The author points out that it is impossible to describe "The Good School" as if it were a magic formula that could be applied and reapplied anywhere. (Contains 6 notes.)