text: Along with all the academic advantages schools have over distance learning, they also provide a social environment that school age students need to be exposed to in order to develop necessary social skills. A school is the best place for students to make lifelong friends, share memorable moments with people, and go through so many more social experiences that will prepare them for adulthood. A friend of mine, who was home schooled until ninth grade, always talks about how much better a real school environment is compared to being educated at home. Because of this, he's very socially awkward and anxious around people. A distance learning program, where the student can stay home all day and isn't encouraged to go outside and socialize, is destined to result in students suffering from similar consequences.