I remeber starting school, I knew my ABC's, how to count, how to write my name, and my colors. I was so bored in kindergarden until they tought us how to read. But my neice and nephew didn't start learning to read until first grade.
A lot of it is parents. I have an perfect example. My husband has a three year old brother. Our oldest son is two. Our child was talking, learning his ABC's, how to count, and his colors. It wasn't until we moved closer to them and they were around him a lot before they realized that he could do a lot of stuff their son couldn't. Now they are putting in a little time with him and he is catching up. It's not that hard to sit down and spend five minutes with your child. We plan on sending our kids to a really good private school when the time comes.