"But these are still children in the process of growing up and dealing with puberty. They are not emotionally ready for college, IMO. They still need to learn social interaction with their peers. "
***Boy, it probably HAS been a long time since you set foot on a high school campus. The social interaction kids "enjoy" today in high school is what the average navy sailor experiences the first time he crosses the equator: downright hazing. If you think that is a positive thing, something is truly misfiring upstairs. I found college to be a much more cordial environment than high school. I probably STILL am not "emotionally ready" to deal with high school, whatever that means.
That position is just plain wrongheaded. I think the kids should have their own choice.
I don't know where or when you went to high school, but it seems that you had an unpleasant experience. It seems you did not learn the social skills necessary to formulate a more thoughtful reply to my post. I infer from your reply that you were picked on in high school therefore you have come to the conclusion that ALL high schools are corrupt and demeaning to kids.
Kids should have some input, but I think it is up to responsible parents to decide what is best for their children.
I suggest you visit several high schools in small towns in the south. Start with Summerville, SC.