I did the same thing. I have an engineering degree from Texas A&M.
Personally, I don’t think you need to take Algebra I in eigth grade.
Some people do not do well at math,and it might be better to have them take a slower paced class that gives them lots of practice.
Lots of kids do not belong in college, so why are they forced to be college ready.
I think I would change the curriculum also to make it things like practical math. They have to figure out tips and taxes, balance a checkbook, work on tax returns,double or triple recipes for cooking, etc.
Life 101 and 102 courses. I always wondered why those were never taught at the HS level. Include subjects like investing, saving money, what is a loan, etc. It doesn't have to be deep, just enough so kids understand what adults do, why we do it, and where to go find more information.
The "elites" (progressives) have sold the entire society on the idea that "everybody should go to college". I remember when Eleanor Clift(?) said that decades ago and I thought it was the dumbest idea I ever heard. This is why we now have people with degrees in subjects that used to be hobbies or side passions. The result of the "everybody gets a trophy" mindset. Now too many go to college and have to take remedial classes in subjects they should have learned back in HS or GS.
It will take a long time to break people of this mindset, I'm afraid.