Lots of options. My younger one starting taking classes at our large state university when he was 10. He only took them in the summers at first. He skipped two grades, accelerated additionally in several areas, and eventually graduated at 16. He’s now matriculated to that large state school, so he has a lot of credits there. He’s capable of graduating fast, but he won’t. He’ll have two majors, time for research, freedom to take advanced classes. He’ll enjoy his experience there. He lives on campus, but we aren’t far away. My older one turned 16 the week he graduated high school. He also took some classes at our state university. Had loads of AP credits, too. Cornell accepted many credits. He could have graduated early there. He didn’t. He had an amazing undergraduate experience. Tutored others. Loved every minute. Now, he’s getting his PhD at another Ivy. Going young doesn’t have to mean CC and it doesn’t have to be a bad experience or rushing to anything. It just has to be what’s right for the kid. Neither one of mine wanted a gap year. Neither one wanted (or wants) to graduate in three years either. Fortunately, our state school doesn’t have that surcharge or push for graduation. It doesn’t matter what anyone else has done (except in knowing that it’s possible). It only matters what works for each kid.