On: Is Math a Young Man's Game? No

Why are colleges able to cater to people of all abilities whereas our early education can not?

It is a fallacy to think that we must have one system for everybody.

Because colleges select applicants by aptitude, and elementary schools by proximity.

What accounts for the difference here? Why can't K-12 institutions select by aptitude?

Because you can't pack enough different institutions within a sufficiently small radius.

Parents want 5 year olds to live at home. They're ok with 18 year olds not.

Most people live within range of a few different schools. Why are they all the same?

Because a person at college age learns different from a child.

Does a person at college age learn different from a 16 year old?

Because colleges actually involve the students in their education.... if only to a small extent.