The bigger issue I see is the arbitrary separation of students into grades. Just because everybody is the same age does not mean they're at the same level in a

The bigger issue I see is the arbitrary separation of students into grades. Just because everybody is the same age does not mean they're at the same level in a subject. You should be able to take 8th grade math as a 7th grader. In fact it shouldn't be 8th grade math, it should just be Pre-Algebra. Montessori schools put three grades in one class which solves the problem somewhat, although talented students in the top grade quickly get bored. This stratified structure also impacts how students view social interaction. Each grade is separate and therefore a different social entity. Sure, there are interactions across grades but it's still quite funny to see a sophomore make fun of a freshman when they're 15 and 14 years old respectively. To this day I know people who find it weird that I'm friends with someone who's 18 when I'm 23. I don't see why. We have the same interests and similar personalities. A few years difference doesn't matter.