I know several secular studies principals from chassidishe yeshivos in Boro Park. So, let’s set the record straight.
Some yeshivos start secular subjects in 1st grade. Most don’t; they start in 3rd grade. Dr. Jed Luchow from the BJE says that it would help the Hebrew reading if the children would start reading English the same time that they start Hebrew. I agree with him.
All of the yeshivos that I know of take the subject matter seriously. They try to hire qualified teachers, research text books and workbooks that are appropriate (Ever hear of Palmtree Publishing? They make sure that there are only appropriate pictures in their books.) and try their best to maintain decorum.
It’s not easy; the boys are all worked up after a long morning of work. Some of the work is memorization, while some of it may be handwriting… each child has weaknesses and strengths; things that they enjoy and things that are torturous. But, all of the teachers and principals try hard. Some children speak only Yiddish at home and may have learning difficulties. Unfortunately, the parents are spending money for tutors in the morning and might not be able to afford additional help for secular subjects.
That being said, I can’t speak for Oholei Torah. Maybe someone else can.