Hello, Breezy~Day,
It sounds like you have an idea of where you want to be at. I wouldn't focus on the attitudes of your peers. You know you best of all, and you know what would work best for you. One of the best things to do is to focus on what makes you happy.
You will find that once you start college/uni that people change a lot. I am always surprised to hear about people I went to high school with and where they are at now.
Best Wishes!