I'm not sure how much school in the USA differ from those up here in Canada -- the school I'm attending right now is atrocious.
It was closed down a few months ago after a few reports of respiratory problems arising in students. Some rumors about asbestos, though they're probably false.
After it was shut down, they needed to put the students somewhere, so they sent them to the closest high-school. This means that instead of attending school during normal hours, we attend from 1PM-5:30PM. The high-school's facilities are better equipped, somewhat. Students are still ridiculously far behind. I was in a gifted program for a few years when I lived on the other side of the country -- there aren't any such programs here, so maybe that's what's causing my bias.
Some of the stuff we're doing right now, 2+ months into the school year:
Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Fractions, Integers, and Exponents
Defining Rational Numbers and Whole Numbers.
Mental Math Strategies
Using Scientific Notation
...
Maybe it's just me, but this stuff is elementary. It's things that should be taught in Grade 5, not 9.
I'd love to say that the curriculum doesn't push the students hard enough and that the board of education underestimates the students, but I see students actually struggling with these topics. The education system as a whole isn't strict enough. I have some 4 repeaters in my class this year, which is ridiculous. These are people who completely ignore lessons and refuse to do work, acting surprised when they fail.
The entire situation alternates between annoying me and amusing me.
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As for the topic, I suggest figuring out her interests (be it via Facebook, MySpace, what-have-you) and researching them to a great extent. Then whenever engaging in idle conversation with her, you can be sure to have plenty to talk about. If she already likes you things should be pretty easy anyways, though.