Your 16-year-old wants to drop out and start a business. They have a real plan and real clients. Do you let them?

Let them. The worst case? They fail and learn more in 1 year than 4 years of school would teach them.

No. Education is not just about the degree. It is about learning how to learn. They will need that forever.

Compromise: let them do both for 6 months. If the business is real, it will survive part-time focus.

I think Talk to their clients. If the business is viable and they understand the risk, support them fully.

honestly, Let them. Real clients at 16? Most adults cannot say that. School will always be there.