it sounds like american schoolling has different emphasis on stuff than over here.

but for what it's worth...if you're going to go to college, do that. school is a waste of time if you know what you're going to do, do that. doing it later will only slow the process down.

but saying that, we don't have high school diplomas here. to get into an art school, it is advisable you pass your 6th form [year 12] exams but mostly it's down to your portfolio. if you choose to persue this field, get your portfolio real fucking tight and you should be good to go.

good luck