Same with me in the early 70s. You had to qualify to take 8th grade algebra with grades and an exam.
My son took algebra in the eighth grade, but couldn’t pass the 9th grade algebra exam, so he took it again.
He’ll take it again in college, only to find out in life he won’t need it all that much unless he becomes an engineer.
I don’t think this is all that big if a deal. Not everyone is suited for college anyway.