I was in public school until 3rd grade. My parents placed me into a religious school not for religious education, in 4th grade.

The public schools at the time were promoting kids because they thought it damaging to make them repeat a grade. I was in a class of kids who were not doing grade level work.

When I went to private school, it was an eye opener. While considered smart in public school, I was average in private school.

I know thankfully, it's not that way everywhere. California schools especially S. CA need a lot of work.