While I don't think it's unreasonable for the majority of HS students to take and pass the classes that have been discussed, as with most subjects related to public education there is a one size fits all thought pattern that all too often holds back many be they low ability, average, or high ability.

Perhaps the solution is in taking a page out of the college notebook and offering diplomas with different requirements (majors) or a HS diploma (basic), another with honors, another with honors and distinction.