As you drive by your local high school, think of the top 5 to 10% of the teens stuck in those centers of ignorance. They, too, could be doing what your dad and my children did.
As for college and socialization, it was a drop them off, wait in the library, and pick up after class situation. It wasn't until they were in their later teens that they began to join in socially with the other students. For socialization they did the usual teen things with their church, dance group, scouting, and homeschooling friends. The oldest was an accomplished athlete and have many good friends with his team.
LOL, you would lose that bet. I'm of average intelligence, though I have learned more since I got out of school then I ever learned in school, that's for sure.
After high school I really wanted nothing more of school. I went to a college in Texas but dropped out before the 1st semester even ended. I traveled around the country trying to decide what I did want to do, and finally decided I wanted to get into computers where I didn't really have to interact with people. Got training at a technical school where I graduated first in the class. So that's what I have been doing for close to 40 years now. No desire to retire, just keep slaving away until the day I die, if I can.
I do have it nice right now, work from home in the country. So my driving by anything is seldom. Pretty much a homebody.