“Real” Social Environment

Why do so many people consider the main benefit of public schools to be learning how to deal with a “real social environment”? I took that quote from a comment on this article:

Online schooling gives kids, parents new options for education

Every time I see an article or hear a conversation about alternative schools or schooling methods the issue of socialization is raised. Certainly it can’t be the only “real” environment where a kid can learn the proper way to interact with others? It seems rather contrived to me. Instead of dealing with real issues like learning, growing, and enjoying life, too many kids instead become acquainted with popularity contests, bullies, teasing, crude language, and isolation.

Beyond all of that how many of us sit around all day listening to someone else tell us what to do and think and then raise our hands and wait to be called on before we’re allowed to get a drink or even answer a question. I’m all for organization, I just don’t get why we think that is what constitutes a “real” social environment.

Does anyone have any insight to dealing successfully with all of these public school issues?