I agree with you that high school culture is a dead-end. . .but I do think that social interaction with age-peers is valuable and here is why: It changes your

I agree with you that high school culture is a dead-end. . .but I do think that social interaction with age-peers is valuable and here is why: It changes your context of self. If everyone you know is younger than you, or smaller than you, or not as smart as you, you will see yourself as the teacher or protector or strategist. If they are all older, or bigger, or smarter, you will see yourself as the upstart, or weakling, or pupil. If all your friends are always 15 years older than you, when are you an adult (in your own mind)? Being around age-peers helps one better understand and assert themselves and gives them opportunities to make friendships that may come easier than bridging a 10 year gap. I'm not saying the age-peers shouldn't also be super smart and accomplished teenagers - I'm saying there are real-world benefits to not always being the youngest of your friends.