I occasionally write about education, being cultured, etc. so I thought it's only right that I explain myself. I wrote this a long time ago and have modified it several times since.

To my mind, this represents the perfect education. My focus is on the West, so things may be different in other parts of the world. This is meant as a guide from elementary (primary) through high (secondary) school, so some courses will depend on the age of the students. M means mandatory while o means optional. As for university, my belief is that, unlike a vocational school, it should be primarily a place of learning, not merely of obtaining employment. Therefore, the continuation of some of these courses should be encouraged. I also believe in proper dress, addressing teachers respectfully, etc. but that holds true everywhere, not just in school.

reading (at first using phonix), writing, spelling (m)
English grammar, taught as such and prescriptively (m)
English composition, may be taught with or separately from grammr (m)
elocution (m)
rhetoric (o)
English and European literature and poetry, nineteenth century and earlier (m)
world and/or later literature and poetry (o)
Latin, using memorisation and recitation (m)
French, Italian, or other modern language, using translations, readings, dialogues, etc. (m)
Attic Greek (o)
typing and general computer use (m)
national and European geography, with some basic world geography (m)
world geography (o)
national and European history, may be taught separately (m)
world history (o)
elementary philosophy, classical (m)
advanced philosophy, modern (o)
elementary art or art history (m)
advanced art (o)
elementary music (m)
advanced music (o)
physical education or some sort of exercise if student has disability (m)
health, including sex education (m)
basic science, a course with real-life, general ideas of biology, chemistry, Earth science, nature, etc. taught via lectures and videos (m)
advanced sciences, more advanced forms of the above, plus other sciences, taught with labs (o)
basic mathematics, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and fractions), percentages, etc. (m)
advanced mathematics, algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, etc. (o)
home economics (m)
religion, taught in a scholarly manner (o)
vocational trade or general shop (o)

A well-rounded education makes a person truly cultured. The rudiments must always be in reading, writing, and speaking. Far too many people today were never taught these most basic things and it shows in everything, from their speech, to their daily communications online, to their business letters. Literature not only stimulates the imagination but also provides a window into the past and demonstrates the beauty of the language. Latin and Greek help with English, teach discipline, and strengthen the mind. French is an international language and many books, articles, etc. from the past often contained paragraphs or words in it, but other modern languages can still offer knowledge and enjoyment for those who would rather not learn French. There is no need to waste time with advanced maths and sciences if you're not going to use them in daily life, but it is necessary to know the basics and also a bit about plants, animals, and nature. Likewise, health and sexual education are essential for making important decisions later in life. I also think it's wrong to separate the sexes. If each understood what the other goes through, it could make life easier in the future. History is valuable not only as a means of becoming cultured, but so that the mistakes of the past aren't repeated. Learning geography is necessary so that you literally know your place in the world and where others stand in reference to you, as well as where various historical events occurred. Home economics is important because, regardless of sex, you should know how to run your household, cook enough to survive, and also deal with money. Learning to type is necessary because computers are used so much today. Art and music are really more about culture and appreciating beautiful things. In my case, being totally blind, I can't see the art, but it's at least good to know the history of it. Music, from the basics of what instruments are and singing songs as children, to learning about classical music and opera later, is a wonderful world onto itself, just like literature. Shop and vocational training are really only necessary for those who wish to obtain jobs in those fields or who are genuinely curious about them. Finally, physical education provides an outlet for energy and an excuse to get out of the classroom for a bit. Plus, it's good for the body.