I can't disagree more. I wouldn't call high school an 'outlet to try new things'. If she learns to be a developer by the age of 18 how is she tied down from doing anything else? I would say that self discovery is amplified outside of a high school environment not stifled.
I also think networking and making friends is also augmented outside of high school.
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.
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.
I also think networking and making friends is also augmented outside of high school.