<p>mathmom</p>
<p>I studied algebra in 5th grade. It was standard curriculum in my country. 5th grade - 11 y.o., so it would be 6th grade in USA.
Children who struggled with algebra, geometry and other academic subjects went to vocational and technical schools after 8th grade. Those who did not struggle continued in 9th grade. By the way after vocational or technical school kids still had chances to enter university and get a college degree. It was just another pathway.
Algebra was not difficult at all, and I even cannot tell when exactly we started transition from math to algebra. </p>
<p>When we studied math in 1st grade we learned addition and subtraction and solved problems not only with numbers but something like:<br>
x + 27 = 52, 81 - k = 37, y - 49 = 31
In second grade we learned multiplication and division and solved problems both with numbers and something like
3x = 48 - 21, 48 : e = 57 - 49.
So the transition from math to algebra was really easy.</p>
<p>Textbooks for 1st & 2nd grade are right in front of me right now. I just copied this stuff.
Sorry, I don't have anything above 2nd grade at home.</p>