I completed four grades (one through four in Serbia). The math that I was taught in grade four carried me through to Calculus in my last year of high school in Canada - this is not an exaggeration or joke. I simply did not study math because I knew it. I had to study the other stuff, but the math carried through. It was also surprising to me the lack of focus that we had on international Geography. In Canada, they taught us about mountain ranges, lakes etc.. But nothing about any other country. I remember in grade two we had to rifle off capital cities of most countries off by heart; they made us stand in front of the entire class and that's how they'd quizz you. I agree with you regarding the "quality" of education in Eastern Europe. My comment was more geared towards "free" education in Austria etc...