<p>Not taking calculus in high school when it was offered is often the effect of math placement decisions made years before in middle school. A student who is not accelerated into algebra 1 in 8th grade (or earlier) will not reach calculus in high school (the normal college prep sequence starting with algebra 1 in 9th grade will result in completing precalculus in 12th grade).</p>
<p>Is it really necessary to put that much pressure on middle school students and parents with the claim (not really accurate) that not accelerating in math in middle school closes off the possibility of a STEM major in college?</p>
<p>Yes, it is advantageous in some respects to complete calculus in high school. But it is not essential.</p>