“To this day I am still impressed at the quality and high level of education received in public high school by those I knew who graduated in the 1920’s to 1940’s “
Of course you are. In 1941 the white HS graduation rate was 25%. If 75% of whites left school after 8th grade, you would STILL be impressed with the product of high schools today.
Take a look at this 8th grade test from 1912.
1912 Eighth Grade Examination for Bullitt County Schools
I did remedial English language tutoring to first year college students and I can tell you not one of those I tutored could function at this level.
I don't think a single one of them even knew the meaning of the word 'grammer' - or wanted to.
Link to:
1912 Eighth Grade Examination for Bullitt County Schools
http://www.bullittcountyhistory.com/bchistory/schoolexam1912.html