American education is in trouble. In the 19th and very early 20th Centuries, it was the marvel of the world. When the Japanese sought to modernize their nation, their imported military knowledge from the Prussians and a model for their educational system from America. American schools in those times taught practical knowledge and allowed geniuses to explore their genius as autodidacts. Sadly, America didn't recognize its own genius for education and allowed Europeans to guide US rather than celebrating the fact that other nations wanted US to guide them. Woodrow Wilson was not only a President but he was among the first Americans to earn a PhD and prize intellectualism above common sense. The quote "schools teach children to imitate genius" is often paraphrased or summarized from sentiments expressed by John Holt, an American educator and author known for his criticism of the modern education system and his advocacy for homeschooling and unschooling.
In his book "How Children Fail" (1964) and later works like "How Children Learn" (1967), Holt argues that schools discourage creativity and curiosity, instead promoting conformity and rote memorization. He suggests that rather than fostering original thought, schools encourage students to imitate the thinking and works of others, including so-called geniuses.

While the exact phrase "schools teach children to imitate genius" may not appear verbatim in Holt's writings, the idea is consistent with his educational philosophy.
On a personal note, I was able to complete high school, college, and law school while hating every minute of every year of all of them. And, to be fair, they hated me. The diplomas and degrees I "earned" were invaluable as tickets to opportunities, but I survived on my skills which were all self taught. If your children have "genius" encourage them to flourish as autodidacts. You'll be doing them and America a huge favor.