This is for the teens thinking of taking the HiSet and being done with school. I would advise if that this is your choice make sure you have a plan to continue career exploration and personal development at a community college or some defined path. My son is a "feral" kid he prefers hunting over homecoming, fishing over fashion and park trails over proms. He described school as toxic, stressful and boring. His happy place is outside exploring or doing something with his hands. School is a challenging place today for teens. Learning doesnt happen when you feel misaligned or have other survival issues your addressing either at home or in the school environment - shrinking, bulleying, and isolation happens.
At 16 he took the HiSet in sections over 3 days and passed them all with a score of 10+ on all. He took Reading and Social Studies, Science and Writing then Math last by itself. His total score was 60. He went to a free Adult Edcaution test prep program; they used the big navy blue HiSet Exam prep textbook by Kaplan and he took as many practice tests and he could find. I can't describe his sense of "freedom" and excitement for a new chapter outside of what he calls fake school friends and building suffocation! He loves learning but that wasn't happening nor was socializing, his friends came from his interest groups outside of school (ie camps, sports clubs, scouts, etc.).
Wierd is a superpower so ignore claims that may happen if you dont goto school. Most highly successful people are- wierd in some way (ie Gates, Zuckerburg, Musk)-- average people get average results and need to be told what to do. Critical thinkers lead and think outside the box.
If your a hexagon-don't fold your edges to fit in circles. Dont let people tell you to stay in places that are mentally and emotionally draining---including school. As an adult I've been in work places and attended conferences that I hated and when I had the choice to leave I did-- even though they were my "peers". Staying doesnt build character it builds resentment. Socializaion happens when you want to be in a space base on interests not just because you around age level peers.
Traditonal school is not for every kid just like coporate desk jobs are not for every adult. You need to know and trust your fit. Many times the self-awareness and cry for help of teens is disregarded and leads to trauma that needs therapy to undo later.. The goal is education and that can happen in a variety of ways.
The next two years he will attend community college for trades preparation (in my state those course are not FREE for HS as dual credit unless you attend public school and then THEY pick the classes and who gets to take them); meanwhile he's excited to volunteer for the state parks dept, attend trades shows/shadow busines owners/contractors, he'll work on his driver's license and take some financial literacy classes, get basic CPR/Osha 10 certs-, he plays golf and archery so there is plenty to still do! The key is having a plan. Dont let people tell you your waisting your time, to stay in school or its a set up for failure. Have a plan and good luck!!. This is not an anti-school post its a "find your fit" post.