The point of all this ramble is that from my experience it’s always a very good idea to structure a school system on the theory that this isn’t Lake Wobegon. Half the children will be below average, and of those above average a lot of them will neither want nor need a college prep education. Some will do well with what they called a technical school education, and a great number of them will do well with a general high school education that includes home economics, hygiene, enough math to do your income tax, and practice in reading and writing. Those who want more can try for more. There are junior colleges – that’s what we used to call “Community Colleges” for those who want skills. The University and College system is for those trying to enter the professions.
An interesting take on education from Chaos Manor.