[WanderPanda]

In Germany the zeitgeist is: equal opportunity = treating all students alike (even ones with special needs). If you are arguing for more individual and specialized education, you are widely considered anti-social and it is suggested that your intend is to build / maintain a small (educational) elite that aspires to enslave all others...

[watwut]

But Germany splits students int different tracks quite soon. There is differentiation when kids are something like 10-12.

[usr1106]

Remember that there is no German school system. Education is subject of state (Länder) law. So there are quite some differences between different parts of Germany. Traditionally, some 30-40 years back you were supposed to know whether you go to university or not at the age of ten.

However, this is no longer really the case. Many prepare for university in theory, but never go there.