curriculum -- a fixed course of study

I am very happy that the fixed course of study they are on is working for them. That doesn't mean a curriculum is required for learning, nor does it mean that it is the best path for learning.

I also did very well on the curriculum, at all stages of learning. I believe I would have done a thousand times better on a different path. My best teachers were the ones that had no curriculum (at least it was extremely flexible, catered to the student). The greatest teacher I ever had was so free form in her teaching it was incredible. I will never forget her (5th grade). Her entire class was learning different shit. She was a maestro. She had a greater influence on my thinking than anyone else in my life (except myself) and was one of the primary inspirations for my endeavors in science.

I also have been a teacher (formally and informally, though not on the same level as a full professor/school teacher). I have taught math, physics, chemistry, biology, philosophy, religion, hell, you name it, I've probably taught it (math more than anything). A lot of that was forced by a curriculum. The stuff that was not, but within which I had more latitude, was always more well received (and hopefully remembered) by the student.