<p>I agree with the uneven/weird math instruction and curriculum in K-12.
If the curriculum doesn’t make sense and if the teachers aren’t able/willing to supplement it, why should kids think math is anything but sucky?</p>
<p>My family has a " different learning style"- translated as we have disabilities that impact math learning.
Higher level math- is better than that which takes much memorization.
Older D majored in biology, which included calc and organic chem.
Her high school didn’t have AP, but she did take stats and precalc.
Since younger daughter started high school, two years behind in math, I was happy that she was able to finish at grade level, which was a year of precalc. She is also planning on majoring in biology, and also has difficulty with simple calculations, but is able to understand and perform higher functions.
I have tested * into* pre-calc, but I don’t know how, since on the placement test I was winging it. ( multiple choice questions) 
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<p>We also have a good friend who has a Ph.d in stats & has a very good job- he loves stats- and would be the first to say that even if you have a spotty high school career in math, it doesn’t mean that a good prof/class, could inspire you to go that direction later.</p>