[SamReidHughes]

There aren't many students fit for grad school (in the sciences) that are held back by poor secondary education. Obviously, some specialized programs could accelerate top kids farther, faster, but they're mostly already grad-school capable.

[jbay808]

This is quite a tangent... But how are you sure about this? I have known many high performing kids that felt severely under-challenged in secondary school, or were even picked on for showing genuine interest in their material. Some of them made it through and turned out fine in the end, but some of them didn't. Some ended up dropping out early, or severely under-performing their potential and throwing away a shot at becoming "grad school capable". (Whether on purpose, due to self sabotage or boredom, peer pressure, or bad habits). The teachers did their best but had to focus on the even more at-risk students.

Not all high-performing students will do well regardless of their environment. Some will crash and burn without support, and that doesn't only mean "accelerating them farther faster". It can be enough to group them together with other kids that are similarly enthusiastic and curious, so that they don't shoot each other down.

[SamReidHughes]

The majority of high school graduates are enrolling in college. Among people in the top 1% by talent, that number is in the 90%'s, no? So the kids not getting face-time with college and grad school options is a small sliver.

Also, there don't seem to be any other secondary education systems, in other states or countries, that are doing surprisingly better.

[taurath]

I sort of feel like it can have a big effect if done well or poorly - secondary school is the intro to biology, chemistry, and physics. A very poorly run school can really harm students interest in those subjects.