It does depend on the state. I coach in MN and our High School League gymnastics is pretty strong. Not uncommon for kids to be recruited (especially D3) out of the top programs. Some schools are more rigorous than others, but it is generally less structured than USGA programs-without the compulsories, kids can focus on their strongest events and skills. If you head down to the State meet, you'll see a few dozen level 9 equivalents sprinkled with a few that could make a run at 10. Often, these are club "refugees" that wanted to come compete for their schools, or kids that didn't make the club teams if they were weak in an event or two. One of the draws always seems to be the ability to be part of their school and compete in front of their friends. Every summer, we have a handful of club kids attend our Rec/HS camps and lessons to hang out with their buddies as well as work on some tricks that their club coaches won't let them work yet (shh!!) so they get exposed to the HS atmosphere-and many years one or two will make the switch.