Seth, this is very interesting way to look at online education and your approach has shown success with the altMBA where people from a specific, motivated tribe connect and learn from each other, however, the bigger question is HOW can we make this work for public education? Where most kids probably by middle school (more than elementary school, since they still are excited to go — I know from experience, since I have one going now and two more soon to start) really don’t want or like school anymore and would rather be with friends. Sure, you’ll have kids that are the achievers but what about the youth who are on the wrong path or just unmotivated to go to school? Your idea would work if everyone was passionate about learning, but the sad fact is that you have to MAKE kids do things they don’t want to do sometimes. Just playing devils advocate for a moment! Would be interesting to hear other peoples opinion on public education and how they motivate their students to succeed.