Which makes it even more ridiculous and speaks of a bigger fundamental issue.

I assumed from your instance from the onset that you’re also based in Germany, or have something to do with this place. But, my argument still stands. I didn’t mention only schools, did I? And even if we limit ourselves to schools, you should know that the school concept in Germany is entirely different from the US. In Germany you HAVE to go to the primary school within a defined school boundary - whether you’re rich or poor. Privatisation of schools is almost non-existent. Walking to and from school is the norm - this is absolutely encouraged. For example, my kids school bars parents from driving anywhere within 800 metres to drop their kids off. This encourages self reliance as children walk alone or in groups to school each day.