Algebra1, geometry, and basic calculus are a long way from the highest levels of math. You or ash or others may interpret that to mean "in high schools," but even calculus 1 isn't the highest level of mathematics taught in many high schools. Many teach topics like differential equations and multivariable calculus.

Also, just because you interpret the statement as meaning "in high schools," doesn't mean that high school kids will understand it the same way. This is what makes statements like that so potentially damaging. Remember also that these ideas are surrounded by people saying that everyone can go to college or everyone can be president or everyone can become an engineer. These ideas are simply not true, and it's cruel to tell children that they are.

This way of thinking may not be uniquely American, but it is primarily an American phenomenon.