Social interaction is also “preparing you for the real world”. As is the day to day bullshit you have to put up with in school. Guess what - life is full of that nonsense.

Also, school is often what you make it. There’s plenty of learning opportunities to take advantage of that many people squander.

I do wish more schools would bring back home-economics classes for all grades. Things like cooking, cleaning, hygiene, banking, budgeting, manners, childcare/sex ed, applying for jobs, etc.