Why is acadmic education a universal institution if intelligence is considered an individual trait?

Question

(Probably only a question that applies to the US education system)

Why is the standard goal of public educational institutes in the U.S. college preperation/academic if intelligence is considered a trait like physical strength, kindness, etc. that is not universal?

Wouldn't it make more sense to place students in different institutions with different goals (vocational, military, academic, applied science, athletics, international relations, etc.) based on their preferences and aptitudes growing up?

I just don't quite understand what's accomplished by teaching history or chemistry to a student who wants to be a homemaker or an automechanic or whatever -- all it seems to do is lower the standards and quality of education for students who want to be academics.

Answer 1

My early experience taught me to avoid all liberal arts like the plague however when I grew up (many decades later) because of circumstances, I found myself in college  studying exactly those topics I'd long avoided and much to my surprise, I actually loved it.  I realized I loved learning and challenging the professors and doing research and giving presentations - I can't tell you how, not only how personally therapeutic it was, but what an almost joyful experience I found it to be.  I began life with the 'vocational route which is extremely limiting and works to keep you locked inside 'a box' however, I then found academia opening up whole new worlds - not only about the world, but also about myself.

Some of us have to do things the hard way - and take the longer route but the important factor is to encourage choice.

Answer 2

One could always opt to go to a trade school, or apprentice themselves in a certain profession if they only wanted the skills to perform one task. Intelligence is not the same as education. Going to a university for 4 years introduces you to the great thinkers that have come before you. You become a more worldly person having had the opportunity to see how history has come about. There is an inter-connectedness to everything and that becomes clearer with gaining an education. It's not for everybody, just those that wish to have the experience and growth that an education provides. Knowing is preferred over not knowing.