There could be an algorithm which is in charge of classroom configuration, seat order, and analyzing where conflicts may arise according to visual cues or grades information, children interaction and such, and arrange the classrooms as needed. It doesn't mean "put the smart with the smart". The whole point is that the algorithm could be more subtle than what was tried.
It'd also protect sensitive teachers and put them with the right kids. They could still sit with specific friends, just the algorithm would confirm and reorganize. Like a sorting algorithm. They don't have to be watched all the time, it could be like 5% of the time, or the first week, just enough to gather information. Simply changing the line of sight of seats according to affinities (like the Okcupid score) is an obvious straightforward improvement.
Not only there'd be less violence, but there'd be more happiness, more performance, more relaxed teachers, ect... Just from not having it done randomly. I don't believe in the ability of children to form bonds judiciously, especially at classroom-scale. Even if the skill matters, it is up to debate where are the biggest benefits, and whether this is the place to learn it. Within 20 years, depending on the algorithm it might have an effect within society.
The school system is not solving it, so I am posting here to spread the idea a little. All adult conflicts come down from childhood. If you believe in the virtue of randomness, you can just add randomness to the algorithm. You can have as much chaos as you want.
The school system is like throwing a bunch of crabs in a box, and see what happens. It is primitive.
