I disagree, strenuously, but given your background I can understand why you're frustrated.  Poverty will embitter the most optimistic soul.

The school system in the US is far from perfect, but it did prepare me for college and I chose a course of study that pretty much guarantees a job and a good-paying one at that.  The school I went to also had engineering; allied health majors such as physical therapy and cytology; education; and nursing.  All of those college majors prepare you for careers, unlike most liberal arts majors like history and math. 

I'm a firm believer in the importance of education.  I've seen too many uneducated people failing in life or having to settle for really low-paying jobs because they got into drugs or were just lazy.  A college education in most cases is NOT a waste of money.