<p>OP is talking about kids who have a limited world view about what their options are in life. I think it’s reasonable to start a discussion in middle school about what’s out there. OP isn’t talking about pressuring 7th graders into changing their every move to improve their chances of getting in to an Ivy - but some of these kids, learning that there’s more out there than city college, may on their own take a different path through high school. It sounds like these kids might not be getting challenged to do more at home, but rather to maintain the status quo - someone intervening and opening up the world to them could make a huge difference. Kudos and I hope some of the recommendations previous posters have provided are helpful.</p>