...they are wrong.
Kindergarten starts in kindergarten.
Essentially, the argument here is between vertical curriculum and horizontal curriculum. Horizontal being stuff the kids care about and need now, and vertical being the stuff adults think the kids will need in the future, but not so much right now.
In general, I think it is safe to say that school does not balance these well - there is far too much emphasis on vertical curriculum.
A good enough education concerns itself mostly with preparing for future life - excellent education concerns itself with showing kids that education is timeless - and ultimately, life itself.
If grade 12 was the only year we compromised and succumbed to the pressures of grading and post-secondary expectations - even I could live with that if the other 11 years were dedicated to just real learning.
