I agree with the OP, since I'm not american it seems really foreign to me. I like the idea of high school, but in a more general approach. I kinda felt the same way with the sims 3 university, by that time I didn't even know what a fraternity or sorority was whereas in sims 4 university, though I find the pack with some flaws, the academic experience is way more relatable for me.
Also, I don't dislike the drama part, I don't mind it, I just wouldn't want it to be the headline of the feature. There are many approaches one could follow with this, I'm way more focused on experiences, and how those could shape a Sim life, short term or long term. I'm really into progression. The SAT test (I'm not sure what it is, but I have a general idea) would be a perfect link to sims 4 university and I think links between packs are very important.
I also would like the comeback from private schools for instance, I thought they were a neat feature in the sims 3.