I don’t think doors and opportunities close at all. However, having a degree from a top school does send a signal to “whatever comes next” that one is smart. How valuable that is depends on how that signal is used. Places like the investment banking industry use it because it is inbred and people are comfortable with what “works” (not sure if it really does). What this industry does though is go after pedigreed people who are totally achievement driven and and risk adverse, with the idea that just being in investment banking is “winning”. The result is that they can get these young people to work 100 hour weeks and have no life. Many are miserable and burnout is common. If you save some kids from that fate because you teach them to explore and learn about themselves, is it really so bad?
Generally speaking though, ambitious often people do well, and the life skills that you are teaching these children are probably more valuable than going to a top school. I would carry on. I think it’s important to teach kids to take risks.
@compmom, just liking your post doesn’t do it justice. A thousand thumbs up!