I think things are slowly changing (a little at least) and it's less unusual to take algebra before 8th grade now than a few yrs ago. I never understood why the schools would let kids advance to pre-algebra, then wait wait wait. One DS was ready in 2nd grade but had to wait. Even in 5th the teacher asked the district and they said No, so we did online course at home. It made the world of difference. I still get angry thinking about the waiting.