In my work I’ve had a lot to do with successful inventors. Many of them have spotty academic background but have experience in technical trades like machining, fabricating or mechanics.
There are extremely smart and capable people who fall into cracks in the school system all the time. For example due to neurodivergence, family issues or poverty.
I would highly recommend books written by Temple Grandin to learn about neurodivergent education.
Nearly 320K in the normalest units.