Does moving to next chapter in life mean ending old friendships from high school?

Not necessarily. You can move to the next chapter with them if it everything checks out.

No. The next chapter was 800 miles from home, but my wife and I kept a lot of old friends from high school. I will see them at our 50th reunion next week.

My friend, everyone commenting on this post will give a different answer because everyone here has their own revelation or experience. What you can do is have a look at each comment which tells a story of that commenter and a sum of stories in which gives you data to work with and conclude which answer or comment you would like to have when that time comes. These comments gives you options in which you would like to carry out or on the contrary use it as a blueprint and guideline. This is your life and you should live it by any means necessary and to the fullest.

It doesnt have to mean that but in general they do decrease in importance

On the contrary, my friend. Your friendships will be put to the ultimate test. You will find out who is loyal to you.

To me it means letting go of what no longer serves me so as to make room for new people and experiences.

Depends.

No

Not always.