Best thing that ever happened to me was being homeschooled.

Takes a great deal of effort to give a child a first-class education though. A stay at home parent is pretty much required. Education level of that parent is not as important as the level of effort the parent will invest in making sure the child receives a good education. My parents both brushed up on subjects before I learned them to ensure I succeeded.

Find co-ops and non-profits for socialization and field trip opportunities. I had lots of friends and attended more than my fair share of symphonies and museums, etc.