4 x 4 =/= 8, it equals 16. That's how it's done: find out the length of one side of the square, multiply it by itself, & there you go, the area of a square, staring right at your face. The fact that there are still people who don't get that is a real face-palm moment.
But yes, you do have a point that your school board is being a bunch of numbskulls. What I believe what every board of education should do (not just yours) is to segregate those students that are having heaps of trouble, & those bright sparks, from all the average students. That way, the teachers can actually give out the special education & the help to those that do need it, like those with learning disabilities, mental retardation, etc. while at the same time, give those gifted students like yourself, a higher-end curriculum.
Get where I'm going?