It's absolutely a place to try new things. Sports, Music, Theatre, Clubs, Social Groups, etc. It's much harder to get that experience outside of a place that gives it to you.

Outside of high school where are you going to meet new friends? You made friends by doing the activities that the school provided. Because it found people in the same age range that had similar interest.

Not every high school is the same, but I don't agree with your statement at all.

> Outside of high school where are you going to meet new friends?

Sports clubs, theatre clubs, Scouts, neighbours, Homeschooling groups...

Presenting to large groups at conferences, teaching the governor...

Thank you. Thought I was losing my mind with all these apocalyptic comments on how a sixteen year old girl dropping out of high school with a cohesive plan, and parental guidance, would suddenly be completely socially challenged and lacking any other ways to gain insights into the world.

Are her parents going to be her friends?

I can have my parents as my friends, and friends my age. Is it so odd for a teenage girl to be close to the people that raised her?