Smart Kids Could Skip High School

California´s brightest students might someday be allowed to go from elementary school straight to college, skipping high school altogether.

The state Assembly recently approved legislation that would allow just that. Students of any age could take the state´s high school proficiency examination under the bill. The test measures reading, writing and arithmetic skills. Those who pass would be allowed to enter community colleges as if they had obtained their high school diplomas.

The measure is meant for students who are so bright they can get bored with even the highest-level traditional classes. Critics say the bill could worsen crowding at community colleges and they fear some young children might not be ready socially to mix with much older students.